RAAC-Affected Tenants and Homeowners of Basildon Protest for Fair Deal and Greater Clarity

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Protest Announcement: Knights Estate Residents

Residents of the Knights Estate in Basildon, including both tenants and homeowners, are organizing a protest against the council due to the lack of clarity and transparency regarding forced home relocations. These relocations are necessitated by the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their properties, causing significant emotional and financial difficulties.

While some information improved after Wilson Chowdhry from the UK RAAC Campaign Group began communicating with Emma Perry from the Governance Team and Jonathan Tizzard, Assistant Director of Property, Asset Management & Development, the responses could have been more accurate and professional. Residents, at their wits' end, have decided to hold a protest.

Protest Details:

• Date: 20th June 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Location: St George’s Suite, The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL
• Event: Protest prior to a deputation to a Full Council meeting at 7:30 PM, where Mr. Chowdhry will be raising questions on behalf of homeowners and private tenants affected by the RAAC crisis.

Residents are encouraged to join the protest to demand better communication and solutions from the council.  Please prepare banners, posters and flags.

Mr. Chowdhry has submitted the following questions for his deputation at the meeting:

1. Homeowners are concerned that they have not yet received valuations for their properties. Could you please clarify the timeline for when these valuations will be provided, the criteria used to ensure they are fair and accurate, whether the valuations will be based on property values from a period prior to the discovery of RAAC, and the measures being taken to ensure the transparency and fairness of the valuation process?

2. What support will be given to private renters in Knights Estates considering their upheaval and the loss of investment in renovations?
For example, Aberdeen City Council has placed affected renters on a priority list for council housing, and other councils have offered small grants for relocations. Will Basildon Council recognize the impact on these renters' lives and provide similar assistance?

Press Release:

Resident Disappointment with Council's Handling of Forced Relocation and Support for Wilson Chowdhry

For Immediate Release

Basildon, UK – 16.06.24 – Residents of the Knights Estate in Basildon are being forced to relocate due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their roofs, a material now known to pose significant safety risks. Despite the urgency of the situation, many tenants remain anxious and dissatisfied with Basildon Borough Council's handling of the relocation process, leading to mounting support for community advocate Wilson Chowdhry and the announcement of a protest scheduled for 20th May.  

Key Issues Highlighted by Residents:

1. Conflicting Information on Returning to the New Estate:

   • Residents received conflicting messages about their ability to return to the new estate, with some understanding they can return and others being unsure.

2. Limited Options for Moving House:

   • Tenants were informed they would receive only one offer for a new property, causing concern about the suitability of the council's selection.

3. Concerns About Declining Council's Offer:

   • Fear of penalties or being deemed intentionally homeless if they decline the council's offer has added to the tenants' anxiety.

4. Assistance with Moving Costs:

   • There were inconsistencies in communication regarding moving costs and compensation, leaving residents uncertain about the financial implications of their move.

5. Accommodation Suitability Disputes:

   • Discrepancies in property allocation, such as families with three children being offered three-bedroom houses instead of four-bedroom ones, have caused mistrust in the council's decisions.

6. Lack of Face-to-Face Meetings:

   • Despite initial promises, many tenants did not receive face-to-face meetings, leaving them feeling unsupported and unheard.

7. Issues with Council Tax and Documentation:

   • Confusion over council tax responsibilities and concerns about lost documents have exacerbated residents' frustration.

8. Inadequate Support for Distressed Tenants:

   • Tenants feel that the council has not provided adequate support for those experiencing mental or physical distress due to the relocation process.

Forced Relocation Due to Safety Concerns:

The presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the roofs of the estate's buildings has been identified as a significant safety risk, necessitating the urgent relocation of all residents. This material, once commonly used in construction, has now been found to deteriorate over time, posing a danger to the structural integrity of the buildings.

Emotional and Financial Burden:

The emergency relocation has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on the residents. Many tenants, who have lived in their homes for decades, now face the uncertainty of moving, with concerns about the suitability and location of new housing. The financial strain of moving, coupled with the anxiety of leaving a familiar community, has left many feeling distressed and unsupported.

Resident Feedback:

• Pam Korosec appreciated a face-to-face meeting to discuss medical needs but noted the overall communication issues.
• Lesley Harbinson expressed a lack of confidence and anxiety about potentially being moved far from family, emphasizing the need for clearer information and better support.
• Angelica Malone and a residents who identifies as Crystal denied the existence of a WhatsApp group and supported Wilson Chowdhry's advocacy efforts.
• Teagan Malone criticized the council's unprofessional and unsatisfactory responses, highlighting spelling errors and inconsistent formatting in official communications.

Concerns Over Non-Existent WhatsApp Group:

Residents have raised concerns about the council referring to a WhatsApp group that does not exist, leading to significant confusion among tenants. This misinformation has further undermined trust in the council’s communication and exacerbated the anxiety and stress residents are experiencing.

Support for Wilson Chowdhry:

Residents have rallied behind Wilson Chowdhry, who has been instrumental in voicing their concerns and advocating for their rights. His efforts have brought attention to the shortcomings in the council's relocation process and provided much-needed support to affected families.

Protest Announcement:

In response to the ongoing issues and the council's perceived lack of adequate action, residents have organized a protest. The demonstration will take place at 7pm on 20th May at The Basildon Centre to demand better communication, fair treatment, and more comprehensive support from Basildon Borough Council.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said: "Knight's Estate residents deserve transparency, respect, and adequate support during this challenging time. The council's handling of the relocation has been far from satisfactory, and their voices must be heard. I stand with the tenants in their call for justice and fair treatment."

He added:  "I have meticulously documented a series of requests for a deputation at a full council meeting, highlighting the council’s consistent failure to respond until I began daily follow-ups. Complaints have gone unanswered, and the council has made divisive attempts to discredit local residents and the UK RAAC Campaign Group, falsely accusing a WhatsApp group of spreading misinformation. It is time for Basildon Council to prioritize transparency and honesty. Enough is enough – they must acknowledge the truth and commit to being more open with residents and the public."