Emergency housing in Kemp Town without heating for a month

Tracy Wells’ father, Michael, was moved out of a privately rented flat in Brighton in March because it had been deemed “unfit for human habitation”.

He was moved into temporary accommodation in a council owned property in Lower Rock Gardens in Kemp Town. The properties accommodate people who are vulnerable or in danger of being made homeless.

The maintenance of the property is outsourced to a company called Quay. 

Tracy’s father, who is 74, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia in the last month and Tracy believes he is “probably the oldest person in the building”.

The building has been without central heating for a month, which is becoming an increasing concern, especially as last week’s cold snap saw temperatures fall below freezing in Brighton.

Tracy said: “They have provided temporary heaters, but they worry me. He has dementia and it’s just another chord for him to trip over. They’re also rubbish and he has been freezing at night. It keeps me awake worrying about him.

“He thought he was going to die last winter because it was so cold. I’ve had to buy thick fluffy duvets, blankets and thermal leggings. Even though I keep telling social services, it’s still not fixed. I don’t know what to do and I’ve just had enough.”

Number 4 (on the left) has been without heating but 5 (on the right) has been unaffected (Image: NQ) Tracy said that the weekly visits from carers to clean and do laundry have stopped for the last month. The NHS worker, who lives in Haywards Heath, is now her father’s main carer, visiting three times a week to look after him.

On his own, he cannot cook hot food so relies on cheese, biscuits and sandwiches on the days Tracy cannot visit him.

She said: “I’m grateful to social services for getting dad out of his last place but as soon as you’re out of immediate crisis, you’re left alone.

“There are 12 people in that building who don’t have adequate heating. I don’t know if anyone is fighting their corner.”

Tracy has been informed that permanent accommodation has been found for her father in alternative council owned supported living for people with Dementia.

She said: “It’s lovely and warm so I’d like him in there by Christmas, but we still don’t know when he can be moved.”

Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing and new homes, said: “There has been a recent issue with the heating in some of the rooms in this building, which I appreciate is far from ideal for residents.

“Some work has already taken place to fix this problem. Although further work is needed, we hope to have full heating restored shortly.

“Until then each home has been provided with an individual heater and we are happy to provide more if required.

“Our records show this resident’s care visits were cancelled by their next of kin, although they do continue to receive some care support.

“They are also due to move to one of our extra care housing schemes shortly, where additional support will be available.”