MP raises concerns over estate regeneration where 75 households are waiting to be moved after 14 years

Ms Caliskan wrote that this was especially concerning, as residents have been left on an estate with limited council visibility, no on-site security and little access to support.

She added: “What is most troubling is the consistent message from residents that when they seek help – whether about urgent repairs, personal safety, or even displacement – they are met with silence, dismissive responses, or unexplained delays.”

The MP expressed understanding about the complex nature of estate regenerations, but said “residents deserve to feel safe, supported, and listened to”.

Residents on the Gascoigne estate were first informed that they would be decanted in 2011, when the council set out how a phased programme would be rolled out over several years.

Be First is the council’s arm’s-length regeneration agency, delivering the new homes on behalf of the borough. Be First explained that recent phases had been due to be completed in 2021 but, like many schemes, the whole programme was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other external and economic factors. It will now be completed later this year.

From a total of 534 properties included in this final phase, 75 households remain to be rehoused. The agency acknowledged that the process had been frustrating for these households. An update on the plan for rehousing and completion of the final stage of development is expected during 2025 and 2026.

Imane Fardi, one of the remaining residents on the estate, told Inside Housing: “This situation has destroyed my family. My elderly mother has been left isolated in a block that’s practically abandoned, with confirmed asbestos found, mould, no security, and gangs operating outside her door.

“My 17-year-old brother has been completely displaced and is sofa-surfing. I don’t even live with them anymore, because I had to move out, but I’ve had to carry this entire fight on my shoulders while dealing with my own mental health. I take medication and have been completely worn down by the stress, sleepless nights, and constant fear for their safety.

“We’ve been ignored by every single department – housing, complaints, public health, environmental health. Even after the MP intervened with an official letter to the chief executive and director of housing, we’ve had nothing but silence or delays. And we are not the only ones. There are other vulnerable residents still trapped in that building, too.

“The area is unsafe, forgotten and decaying, and Barking and Dagenham Council are completely failing their duty of care. We are exhausted, angry and at breaking point. The council must be held accountable. They’ve had more than enough time.”

In response, Be First said: “We have been working hard to rehouse those families in the remaining high-rise blocks.

“Now that has progressed, we are able to engage with those living in the neighbouring mid-rise properties. We recognise that, during this final phase, information for each household has been delayed. We’re sorry if any resident has felt concerned because of this.

“For reassurance, all reported housing repair and maintenance issues are actively being responded to. The council leads on inspections of damp and mould and the Fardi property has been visited and inspected, following reports of these issues.

“Be First, together with the council, are also working to address the rehousing concerns raised by the Fardi family.”

Be First said that rehousing the remaining families required both the availability of suitable existing council homes and a quantity of completed new-build homes, to choose whichever best met their individual needs.

An assessment of individual needs has to be completed. For this final phase, inspections of remaining properties and blocks will be undertaken to prioritise the order of the programme. Households that are deemed a priority will be offered their housing choices as soon as it is practical.

Be First added: “Whilst we cannot comment on the timescale for a household or specific property, Be First and the council housing team have been engaging with the Fardi family for some time. We are aware of their circumstances and recognise the importance of restarting the decanting process for them and all others in the final phase.

“Those priority households in the most immediate need of rehousing, following inspection of their premises or other important factors, will be submitted to the next decanting panels in coming weeks. We will be contacting those families directly.”