At yesterday’s hearing of the Treasury Select Committee, I called on the Chancellor to ensure that housing associations and councils are sufficiently funded to complete safety repairs, and that private landlords fulfil their duty of maintaining safe properties for tenants.
Nearly a year after the Grenfell tragedy, only seven out of 160 social housing blocks with flammable cladding similar to that used in the Grenfell tower block, have been replaced.
Residents should not have to wait years for vitally needed repairs. Urgent action is needed to support local councils and residents in funding and accessing vital safety measures and repairs.
Some housing associations do not have sufficient funds to do the work, whilst others are having problems accessing the money. Currently the government is shirking responsibility and much more needs be done to speed up the repairs process.
Residents in privately rented blocks as well as social housing feel let down by the government. Residents and leaseholders need to be supported so that they can live in safety in their homes.
I urge the government to properly fund housing associations and councils and pressure private landlords to ensure properties that need work are made safe, post Grenfell.