FAMILIES are still living in a notorious tower block...ten months after Basildon Council deemed it unsuitable for young children.
In January, a new housing policy was set up for Brooke House after a council study of the Sixties’ block in Town Square said it was unsuitable for family accommodation.
Despite this, none of the people with children has been moved out, because of a dearth of alternative social housing to move them to.
And the council is continuing to temporarily house homeless families there due to a dire shortage of other suitable temporary housing.
Lesley Bailey, 47, who lives on the eleventh floor with son Jake, said: “The council has done nothing to get us out of here, even though it says the block is unsuitable.
Not happy: Leslie Bailey and son Jake
“We have been here three years and my boy is now eight. He has nowhere to play.
“I have submitted forms showing the effect of living here on my son’s schooling, where his behaviour has gone downhill, and from my doctor on the effect on my mental health.
“It is so bad that after Christmas, if we are still here, I would make us homeless so they have to give us somewhere better.”
A council update report said: “Following the allocations review and agreement for a local lettings policy for Brooke House, it was agreed families with children placed in Brooke House, as either temporary tenants or permanent tenants who have children under 16, will be accepted on to the new Homeseeker scheme in order to apply for more suitable family accommodation.
Unsuitable: Brooke House
“Families will, however, continue to be placed in Brooke House as temporary tenants until the council is in a position to discharge its homelessness duty to more suitable accommodation.”
Figures show eight families with children are temporarily housed in the block. A further nine families, permanent tenants, have applied to the Homeseeker register for alternative, permanent homes, but none has been successful.
The report added: “It is impossible to give average waiting times for a permanent move, as this depends on availability of housing stock and areas of choice clients are seeking.
“We have a very limited number of housing coming for relet and a very low number of new developments.”
It said a new allocations scheme, where tenants can bid for homes online, was going live this month.
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