Harlow Council’s housing safety report highlights hoarders problem

News / Thu 22nd Jan 2026 at 09:10am

HARLOW Council’s bid to ensure all its housing stock is safe is being hampered by a large number of “hoarders” a report revealed.

The problem was identified in a Cabinet report on safety compliance.

https://harlow.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s29781/Compliance%20Report%20Jan%2026.pdf

Passmores councillor, Jake Shepherd (Lab) highlighted the issue in the report which refers to:

“Compliance on assessments caried out is 100% on everything with the exception of domestic electrical safety certificates. Work in this area is on-going and concentrates on trying to reach hard to access homes, including those of nearly 50 residents who are classified as hoarders”.

Film of the discussion is below.

5 Comments for Harlow Council’s housing safety report highlights hoarders problem:

Hoard Clearer

2026-01-22 10:21:30

I'd bet there would be quite a few volunteers to help hoarders clear out, if they wanted help. Some hoarders can't let go of their stuff and have mental health issues but others maybe are happy to let go but just need a hand.

David Forman

2026-01-22 14:40:34

Hoarders need help, not shaming. Good on the first commentator for suggesting a helping hand. Perhaps Labour councillor Jake Shepherd could set up a help group. I say this because Jake has identified the problem, now sort out the solution.

David

2026-01-22 19:31:55

Hoarding can be a major fire hazard.

Deborah

2026-01-23 09:58:40

My black mouldy bathroom is more of a health hazard than bloody hoarding 🙄 complaints are not listened to so we have to continue living in a cold, damp and mouldy house. Cheers Harlow council 👍🏻.

Jrr

2026-03-11 15:25:36

Harlow council are not listening to their tenants. Complaints to council take far too long with their complaints form. It takes more than 10 days as each time we chase it a further 10 days & that's how it continues until you get a letter which is obviously back dated to make it look like they have committed to the time stated for compliant only for it to be "NOT UPHELD" so basically a waste of time. As for hoarders some of these people are elderly & or got a disability lost their partner's & can't get rid of the things not needed so they have no choice but to keep hold of them but not wanting too, it can also be a heavy weight on their minds & health. Maybe Harlow council should have something set up to help these people as they unable to put things out to be picked up to go to recycling centre neither can they afford the cost of council pick ups of unwanted items so they die along with all these items surrounding them. Sad so very sad!!!