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The Housing Crisis in Kensington: A Call for Change
Damp, mould, and infestations are realities that affect families in Kensington and Bayswater, a region known for its affluence. It is disheartening that so many constituents live under such conditions, which no one should have to endure.
Since taking office as the Member of Parliament for Kensington and Bayswater, housing issues have dominated the concerns raised by my constituents. In fact, over half of the inquiries I receive are related to housing struggles. Residents report persistent damp and mould in their homes, long wait times for essential repairs, and the placement of families in temporary accommodations far from their communities. The magnitude of these problems is staggering, and the repercussions on lives are profound.
As we near the eighth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, where 72 lives were lost, we continue to face the same systemic issues that contributed to this disaster. The culture of neglect and disrespect towards social housing tenants remains pervasive. The Grenfell inquiry highlighted how residents were often regarded by their housing providers as “a nuisance.” This attitude still exists, and I witness its impact daily through the correspondence I receive from residents.
A recent housing survey conducted in Kensington and Bayswater underscores the severity of the situation. Of the 146 residents who replied, 51% identified damp and mould as significant issues in their homes. An alarming 89% reported such problems to their landlords in the past year, yet 78% stated that their concerns were not addressed on the first request. Behind these percentages lie individual stories of adversity.
For instance, Sancha, a mother of five living next to Grenfell, faces insurmountable challenges. With one child reliant on a wheelchair and awaiting heart surgery, their top-floor unit has a malfunctioning lift, no heating, and unreliable hot water. She has been waiting over three years for a transfer to a more suitable property within Kensington and Chelsea, yet has received no updates.
Lacey, another concerned parent, shares her struggle with housing insecurity and the implications for her six-year-old daughter with autism. Despite severe safety concerns, including two instances where her child attempted to jump out of a window, the family remains in overcrowded conditions. “I’ve reached burnout,” she expressed, reflecting the emotional toll of their situation.
Another parent has been forced to keep their child home from school due to respiratory issues linked to dampness and mould—similar conditions that tragically contributed to the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2020. Poor housing conditions are a hidden catalyst for inequality in the UK, affecting children’s opportunities, impairing health, and exacerbating the cost of living crisis. In Kensington and Bayswater, the disparities are particularly stark, as it stands as one of the most expensive residential areas, coupled with alarming housing inequality, where, on average, only 39 social or affordable homes are constructed annually—the third worst in London, according to Trust for London.
Despite the bleak circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope as the government has pledged to address the housing crisis through various initiatives. This includes a significant push to increase the availability of social and genuinely affordable housing as part of a commitment to build 1.5 million homes in England. Recently, the government announced an investment of £2 billion aimed at delivering up to 18,000 new affordable homes, with further commitments expected in the upcoming spending review in June.
In addition to new construction, fresh regulations are being introduced to improve housing quality. Awaab’s law, to be implemented in October, alongside a long-awaited renters’ rights bill—facing opposition from the Conservatives—demands higher professional standards for housing officers. However, effective policy implementation hinges on a transformation in the operational practices of social landlords. Currently, many housing associations lack the capacity to implement Awaab’s law, which includes a mandate for urgent repairs concerning damp and mould. Many still neglect their responsibilities, fail to communicate effectively, and do not prioritize these health-related issues adequately.
To advocate for change, I recently initiated a safe and healthy homes campaign, urging housing associations and local councils to adopt three specific commitments: to enhance both the speed and quality of repair services, to address damp and mould problems per Awaab’s law, and to improve communication with residents, ensuring they receive timely, accurate, and respectful updates about their living conditions. Some of these commitments may become legally enforceable this autumn. Key housing providers participated in a public meeting last Thursday, where they acknowledged these commitments and proposed additional measures that I will diligently oversee.
My aspiration is for this area of west London, which bears the legacy of Grenfell and has historical ties as the birthplace of many leading social housing priorities, to serve as a model for transformative change. Success here could establish a benchmark for the UK’s response to housing challenges.
Ultimately, this effort is not just about improving housing; it’s about rebuilding trust—in housing providers and in the institutions designed to serve communities. When families feel overlooked and compelled to live in hazardous conditions, it undermines trust in the democratic process. If both local and national authorities cannot secure something as fundamental as safe living conditions, it risks eroding public confidence in democracy itself. Addressing this housing crisis is essential for the government’s mission to renew trust and demonstrate that public services can meet the needs of all citizens, regardless of their location.
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www.theguardian.com