Safety Concerns Prompt Evacuation in Hirwaun: Trivallis Faces Criticism for Handling of Private Tenants

IMAGE: Mya's Home.

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On the 11th of March in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT), more than 77 households found themselves facing an urgent evacuation notice due to safety concerns linked to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) (click here). This unsettling development followed after Trivallis, a housing association overseeing numerous properties in Wales, unearthed critical issues with two properties and identified an additional 38 with similar designs potentially at risk. They later identified a further 20 of their own properties with RAAC concerns and 17 that are owner-occupied.

RAAC, a lightweight construction material prevalent between the 1950s and 1990s, has been the center of attention due to its lower cost and quicker production time. However, its aerated nature compromises its durability, with a typical lifespan of around 30 years.

Trivallis disclosed that 60 properties in the Gower Estate, along with 17 privately-owned ones, were affected. However, immediate evacuation orders were not issued. Nonetheless, arrangements for temporary accommodation were being made for affected residents, however, it seems that only one person has taken up the offer.

Despite Trivallis's assurances of ongoing support and a commitment to finding permanent solutions, reports surfaced indicating dissatisfaction among those to be relocated. Complaints ranged from inadequate utilities and facilities in temporary lodgings to minimal assistance with relocation costs and administrative tasks like enrolling children in new schools.

Private tenants, such as Mya Edwards, voiced their distress over the lack of clarity and support from Trivallis. Edwards recounted how she and her sister felt marginalized in the rehousing process, with limited options presented by both Trivallis and the local council. Their plight sheds light on the challenges faced by non-Trivallis tenants in securing assistance and understanding amid the crisis.

In her statement, Mya Edwards expressed the frustration of being dismissed by various agencies and organizations, despite the looming threat to their homes. She detailed how efforts to seek guidance from Trivallis and other entities yielded little to no results, leaving them feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

Abbie Edwards, Mya's sister, further highlighted the emotional toll of being told to vacate their homes within six months due to RAAC-related issues. She described the distress of seeking reassurance and clarity, only to encounter bureaucratic obstacles and indifferent responses.

"My sister and I found out about the problem with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in our homes on March 11th, 2023. We realized that all the homes in the area, including ours, were likely affected because they were built with the same materials. But when we asked Trivallis for help, they said they couldn't assist us as private tenants and told us to wait for the council to get in touch," explained Mya Edwards.

"This situation has caused us a lot of distress, especially because of our ADHD and BPD. We depend a lot on our family, who all live nearby, to help us with our mental health. The thought of having to move, especially with five children to care for, is really worrying for us. We really want to stay in the area we know, but not knowing what will happen next makes us even more anxious," she added.

"Imagine being told you have to leave your home within 6 months due to issues with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in your roof structure. As a mother with three children, all I needed was reassurance and clear guidance. But instead, every attempt I made to get information and help from different organizations – Trivallis, Homefinder, Environmental Health, Citizen Advice – was met with dismissal because I'm not a Trivallis tenant. While I get the difference, the truth is, my landlord isn't ready to offer other housing options when needed." expressed Abbie Edwards.

"Homefinder said they couldn't help until I was homeless with all my belongings on the street. Public Health Wales suggested I contact them directly, which felt like passing responsibility. The lack of support, guidance, or even acknowledgment of our situation has seriously affected my health. Shockingly, Trivallis tenants get priority for rehousing while private tenants like me are left to manage on our own. I didn't want to complain on social media, but the treatment I've received lately is unacceptable. Even landlords and long-term homeowners in the same situation are being ignored. Although the email I got was professional, my phone conversations were not helpful. It's time for a change – everyone affected by this situation deserves equal help."

The Edwards sisters' experiences underscore a broader issue of inequity in Trivallis's response to the housing crisis. While Trivallis tenants receive priority rehousing, private tenants like the Edwards sisters find themselves navigating a maze of bureaucratic red tape without adequate support or recourse - private tenants in former council homes face a similar plight.  The two sisters are championing Hannah Chowdhry's petition, which advocates for local authorities to be held accountable, calls for a public inquiry, and urges the establishment of a national fund to assist citizens affected by RAAC in the UK (click here).

Wilson Chowdhry a member of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:

"As the evacuation and rehousing efforts continue, it's imperative for Trivallis and relevant authorities to address the concerns raised by private tenants. 

"Transparency, accountability, and equitable treatment for all affected individuals, regardless of their tenant status, should be paramount. 

"Private tenants share similar urgent concerns with council tenants. They also face relocation costs and numerous other expenses that must be covered if evacuation becomes necessary."

"It's unjust to burden landlords with the cost of addressing an issue they were never informed about when purchasing these properties."

Mya Edwards has voiced concerns regarding some roofs being given a pitched covering several years ago. The reason behind this action was never explained, leading her and other local residents to suspect that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) might have been uncovered at that time, and these pitched coverings were intended to shield the RAAC. Similar suspicions have arisen in both Torry and Bathgate, where residents also believe that local authorities might have been aware of RAAC much earlier than they are currently admitting.