A HARLOW woman living in a block of flats which are due to be knocked down by the local council has said there is not enough help for private tenants reports the BBC.

Eliza Suchocka has lived at Sycamore Field in Harlow, for 10 years along with her young son.

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgkxy0p2ly2o

Harlow Council has issued the following statement.

“Since the difficult decision was made earlier this year to move people out of the blocks, we have been working to support every single resident. We have an officer dedicated to the project who is in regular contact with all those affected to understand their circumstances.

“We are aware of Eliza’s situation. Unfortunately, as a private tenant Eliza’s landlord has chosen not to help her. This is very disappointing given many other Sycamore Field landlords have helped their residents to find new homes. However, Eliza is eligible for council housing, and she has been given priority on the housing needs register to bid for properties. She continues to be supported by our Housing Options team. We urge anyone who is on the register to accept properties that they are offered because there is currently more demand for council housing than homes that become available.

“We now only have 12 properties in the blocks occupied. In just 8 months we have managed to relocate 42 households. The fire service has praised the council’s efforts and as a result have issued new enforcement notices on blocks which now expire in April 2025. The council continues to work with the fire service to keep those remaining in their homes safe. Out of those households still living in the buildings there are 3 council tenants, 5 leaseholders and 4 private renters. All continue to be supported by the council.

“We have so far spent over £5m on financial compensation to leaseholders and Council tenants which covers buying back leasehold properties, home loss payments for council tenants and leaseholders and costs associated with moving home.

“We know that this has been a very difficult experience for the families affected and we would like to thank them for their patience and co-operation throughout this process.”