A SOCIAL housing organisation is being held to account for causing “untold misery” to its Worcester tenants.
Worcester City Councillors challenged Platform Housing at a recent meeting, addressing the persistent failures that have left residents in unacceptable living conditions.
From slow repairs and poor communication, to homes plagued by asbestos, mould, and damp, Platform’s shortcomings have caused untold misery for tenants across Worcester, say Labour councillors.
During the meeting, four residents shared their harrowing experiences, painting a grim picture of neglect and mismanagement. Councillors seized the opportunity to directly question senior representatives from Platform Housing, demanding accountability and immediate action.
Coun Matthew Lamb highlighted the stark “disconnect between the glossy picture in the slide decks they are presenting and the reality out on the ground”.
Meanwhile, Coun Jenny Barnes relayed her constituents’ frustrations, with some describing Platform as a “slum landlord” following an incident that left hundreds without water.
As chair of the communities committee, Coun Jabba Riaz reaffirmed his commitment to holding social landlords accountable.
He said: “It’s been my mission to get social landlords to up their game and fulfil their obligations. We have over 5,000 Platform properties in Worcester, and we hear of the misery Platform is causing on a daily basis. This Labour administration will check, challenge, and prosecute to ensure property standards improve across the city.
“If private landlords are fined for neglect, why should Platform be exempt?”
The administration is calling for clear performance measures, including complaint tracking, response times, and enforcement against housing associations that fail to meet their obligations.
The administration also criticised the lack of community board involvement and councillor representation, as well as the absence of a dedicated contact line for queries.
To the residents of Worcester, Coun Riaz added: “Your voices are being heard. We stand with you, we fight for you, and we will not stop until you get the safe, decent, and dignified homes you deserve.”
Platform Housing has been approached for comment.
