Residents Protest Basildon Council's Handling of Forced Relocation Amid RAAC Crisis

People unite behind the RAAC cause in Basildon - photo courtesy of the BBC.

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Basildon, UK – 21.06.24 – Residents of the Knights Estate in Basildon are voicing their discontent over the Basildon Borough Council's handling of the forced relocation due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their homes. This issue has come to a head following a protest attended by around a dozen residents and supported by members of the Basildon and Thurrock Trade Union Council, covered by the BBC (click here).

The protest was organized ahead of an opportunity for Mr. Wilson Chowdhry of the UK RAAC Campaign Group to address a Full Council meeting at the Basildon Centre, the headquarters of Basildon Borough Council. However, just a day before the event, Senior Governance Officer Emma Perry informed Mr. Chowdhry that he would not be allowed to speak due to Purdah. This contradicted a previous statement from a Housing Officer, who claimed that Mr. Chowdhry would not be speaking because he would not be attending, and that Councillors would refer the question to Mr. Jonathan Tizzard later.

Mr. Chowdhry argued that residents wanted their opportunity to raise questions before the council and exercise their democratic right to public representation. Only then was the line about Purdah introduced as a reason for his exclusion.  Mr. Chowdhry argued that Purdah should not be a factor in this matter, as people's lives were being disrupted by a forced evacuation, or "decanting," as the council termed it. The sheer urgency of the situation negates the applicability of Purdah to this conversation, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

Despite these barriers, Mr. Chowdhry proceeded with the protest, fueled by his deepening concerns about Basildon Borough Council's honesty and delays. He also hoped to speak directly with a Councillor entering the Basildon Centre and request that they put forward a motion to suspend standing orders, allowing him and local residents to raise a few questions. Unfortunately, only one Councillor entered the premises via the front entrance, and Mr. Chowdhry was unable to reach them in time.

Residents had hoped that RAAC issues would be addressed at the Full Council meeting, but Councillors did not consider the concern significant. Officers from Basildon Borough Council have obstructed public representation by initially ignoring emails and calls from Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group. Chowdhry had to file a complaint to get a response after a month of stonewalling, but this complaint was never addressed.

Basildon Borough Council has employed underhand tactics to prevent public participation. They obtained a list of questions from residents and responded with phone calls, avoiding public meetings. Early communication from the council's Governance Officer misleadingly suggested that a deputation could not be registered because RAAC in homes had not been discussed in any formal council meetings. This indicates either inaccuracy or deception from the Senior Governance Officer, or chronic lethargy and gross lack of responsibility from Basildon Borough Council.

Dave Murray candidate for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition for Basildon) and President of the Basildon and Thurrock Trade Union Council, said: 

"We Socialists joined the protest because our place will always be shoulder to shoulder by the side of working class folks against landlords, property profiteers, bureaucrats and those connected to big money. 

"The Basildon RAAC tenants and freeholders are getting a raw deal from the council and we will work with them to get the authorities to accept their responsibilities both to tenants and to those who were mis-sold homes which were not structurally sound."

"It is alarming that RAAC was discovered in the homes of Knights Estate, Basildon, in November, yet Housing Officers have not convened a meeting to discuss the RAAC crisis with councillors. This delay is unacceptable," said Mr Chowdhry.  

He added: "One homeowner confirmed that Basildon Borough Council offered a property valuation at least £60,000 lower than valuations from three similar pre-October properties. This offer does not consider the council's obligations to provide compensation for relocation costs and renovations under a Compulsory Purchase Order, which should also apply to a voluntary purchase offer. It appears that Basildon Council is being deceitful in its dealings with residents."

Key Issues Highlighted by Residents:

1. Inadequate Communication and Mixed Messages:

   • Residents have experienced conflicting information from the council regarding their ability to return to the new estate, leading to confusion and stress.
   • Early communication suggested that RAAC concerns could not be discussed at council meetings, preventing public representation and participation.

2. Limited and Unsuitable Housing Options:

   • Tenants have been informed they will receive only one offer for a new property, raising concerns about the suitability of the council's selection.
   • Families with multiple children have been offered smaller homes than needed, exacerbating the situation.

3. Financial and Emotional Strain:

   • Offers from the council for property valuations have been significantly lower than pre-October valuations, not considering additional compensation for relocation costs.
   • Residents are worried about the financial implications and the potential of being deemed intentionally homeless if they refuse the council’s offer.

4. Lack of Face-to-Face Support and Professionalism:

   • Despite initial promises, many residents have not received face-to-face meetings, leaving them feeling unsupported.
   • Official communications have been criticized for being unprofessional, with errors and inconsistencies.

5. Concerns Over Transparency and Deceit:

   • The council's tactics to prevent public participation by providing responses over the phone rather than in public meetings have been seen as underhanded.
   • The council's Governance Officer provided misleading information about the registration of deputations.

Emotional and Financial Burden:

The forced relocation has placed a significant emotional and financial burden on residents. Long-term tenants face the distressing prospect of leaving their homes and community, with insufficient support from the council. The uncertainty around new housing suitability and relocation costs adds to their anxiety.

Support for Wilson Chowdhry:

Residents have rallied behind Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, who has been advocating for their rights and highlighting the council's shortcomings. His efforts have brought much-needed attention to the plight of the Knights Estate residents.

Protest and Call for Action:

In response to the council's handling of the situation, residents organized a protest demanding better communication, fair treatment, and comprehensive support. The demonstration took place at 7 pm on 20th May at The Basildon Centre, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.

Wilson Chowdhry stated, "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 and homeowners in their call for justice and fair treatment."

He further 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. 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."