We are being contacted by tenants and leaseholders across Westminster who are waiting months for repairs, assessments on damp and mould or living in overcrowded accommodation.
Earlier today, Conservative Group Deputy Leader Cllr Caroline Sargent visited a block in Abbey Road ward where the lift had been out of service for several weeks.
“The lifts in Scott Ellis Gardens are old. They were installed in the 90s, and they keep breaking down through wear and tear. But the Council is aware of this, so why aren’t they ordering enough parts to ensure that repairs can be carried out quickly?
"I went to a block to see the problem for myself and check on the people living there. What shocked me more was that at every door I knocked on, there were social tenants unable to leave their flats.
"These people are used to living independently, but they may have a disability or be recovering from surgery, have infants in buggies, or have arthritis or heart disease and, therefore, cannot use the stairs safely. These are people who do not normally need help, but they become very vulnerable when the lifts aren’t working for extended periods.
"I had already raised this in a meeting with the Cabinet Member for adult and social care to find out what mechanism is available to identify and offer support for people who need ‘temporary’ interventions because a lift in their block is broken, for example. I had also previously asked the housing team for assurance that all residents in need of help are identified and supported.
"So, I was shocked to discover that not one person I spoke to had been contacted by the council.
"There will be blocks across Westminster with similar lift problems and people who can’t get out.
"I will be writing to the Cabinet Members for Housing and Adult Social Care to find out what steps they will be taking to ensure people are adequately supported.”
If you are affected by this, please get in touch.
