Council Neglect: Single Mum Endures Harsh Conditions in Temporary Housing
Phoebe Smith, a 21-year-old single mother, and her one-year-old daughter, Isabella, have been residing in a mould-ridden flat with a broken front door for months, courtesy of Southwark council. The young mum was allocated the property on Lee Road, Lewisham, in January 2024, as a form of temporary accommodation following her application for housing support to escape her mother’s overcrowded flat.
Upon entering the flat, Phoebe was greeted with a shattered front door, mould infestation on walls and furniture, and heaps of rubbish strewn about. Feeling overwhelmed and depressed, she expressed her dismay, questioning how she, as a young single mother, could be placed in such dire living conditions.
Struggles and Safety Concerns
Phoebe wasted no time in reporting the appalling state of the building to the council. Despite her immediate complaints, it took five long months for them to address the broken front door, leaving other issues unattended. She highlighted the deteriorating state of the building, which she described as falling apart, posing risks to her and her daughter’s safety.
Physical Obstacles and Fire Hazards
The challenges continued to mount for Phoebe as she navigated disrepair problems, including blocked entryways due to other tenants’ belongings left in hallways. This, coupled with having to carry her baby, buggy, and bags up and down the stairs daily, presented dangerous hurdles, especially with a crawling toddler in tow. The accumulation of rubbish and furniture obstructing her front door further exacerbated the risk, not only impeding her movements but also posing a serious fire hazard.
A Cry for Help
Despite her persistence in bidding for a permanent home on the council’s housing list for a year, Phoebe expressed a sense of hopelessness. The lack of suitable, permanent properties and the overwhelming demand for council homes have left her feeling neglected and abandoned. She emphasized that a home should offer more than just shelter, echoing the sentiment of many individuals in similar circumstances.
In a recent development, Councillor Helen Dennis expressed concern over the mould and damp issues in the temporary accommodation provided to Phoebe. She assured that immediate action would be taken to address the concerns raised and relocate Phoebe to alternative accommodation within 24 hours. Councillor Dennis acknowledged the challenges posed by a limited supply of council homes amidst high demand, emphasizing ongoing efforts to expand housing options and address funding disparities.
As Phoebe awaits a more suitable living arrangement, she remains hopeful for a brighter future, one where she and her daughter can thrive in a safe and comfortable environment.
