Hove residents spared previous eviction forced to leave following inspection

Health professionals, teachers, a pregnant woman and council workers were ordered to leave Knoll House, in Hove, yesterday evening. 

The property is due to be demolished next year, but Brighton and Hove City Council had contracted Oaksure Property Services to provide "security" in the form of 37 “property guardians” on site.

In July, the council gave Oaksure 28 days’ notice to quit. Residents said they had not been served with eviction notices. 

Earlier this month an email to councillors from the council’s chief executive Geoff Raw, seen by The Argus, said: “Whilst work addressing the fire risk is ongoing, the officer team has been able to lift the threatened termination of the contractual agreement with Oaksure Property Services.”

Conservative councillors joined Knoll House residents in a protest outside Hove Town Hall

However, yesterday, August 19, the council issued an update regarding the property which states that the fire issues had not been resolved and therefore the residents were asked to leave by 6pm. 

The joint statement with East Sussex Fire and Rescue, posted online, said: “It was hoped Oaksure would take the urgent action needed to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations to the guardians regarding vital issues such as fire prevention and safe evacuation of the building.

“Guardians were also advised on how their occupation of the building needed to be adequately and safely self-managed.

“However, following a council inspection at the property this week, the council was very disappointed that the actions required to make it safe accommodation have still not been carried out. 

“Fire safety risks which could lead to loss of life or serious injury, are something which the city council cannot tolerate. 

“For that reason, the council terminated the contract with Oaksure on Friday, August 19 and gave notice that the building must be vacated.

“In light of the learning from Grenfell, we cannot afford to take risks with people’s lives, and sadly difficult decisions are sometimes needed to do just that.”

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said that the guardians are licensees of Oaksure, are not residential tenants and do not pay rent to the council.

He added that it is believed that as of yesterday, there were 17 residents in the property.

It is understood that council housing staff are providing advice and assistance to the guardians including providing temporary accommodation over the weekend should it be needed. 

Councillors Garry Peltzer Dunn and Robert Nemeth (furthest left) with residents of Knoll House in Hove

The online statement adds: “The council remains very sympathetic to the concerns the guardians have about their future accommodation and where possible will help.

“The council will keep all belongings safe and secure in the building, and the former guardians will be able to gain access to collect them.”

Councillors Robert Nemeth and Garry Peltzer Dunn had previously called on the council to intervene and grant a reprieve for residents from the earlier eviction.

Following yesterday’s announcement that the residents were forced to leave, Cllr Nemeth told The Argus: “It’s quite unbelievable that just a couple of weeks after intervening to prevent eviction, we find ourselves back to square one with the residents close to homelessness. 

“They are devastated unsurprisingly and have been treated dreadfully. 

“Guardianship schemes can create a real win:win situation for all parties. 

“The mind boggles as to how this scheme has been run so badly."

Oaksure Property Services have been contacted for comment.