Herts Cladiators taking part in London housing protest

Groups from across the country want support over building regulation issues

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 16th Sep 2021

Campaign groups from across the country, including Hertfordshire, are calling on the government to support lease holders over building regulation issues.

One of the biggest problems facing them is cladding, and the cost of replacement and bringing the buildings up to code.

On 14 June 2017, 72 people lost their lives in the Grenfell tragedy which brought cladding and building regulation issues to the forefront of many peoples minds.

Groups like Herts Cladiators are lease holders that have since then found out their home does not meet specifications, and are being told they are now responsible for paying to correct this.

Its founder, Sophie Bichener, says this is not right and is causing extreme distress to member:

"I was sent a bill for £208,000 that is a huge amount of money.

"it is completely unjust that it should be me paying for this when there is a developer, architect, building controller, the government de regulation... So many people were involved in putting this building together incorrectly and in a dangers fashion yet lease holders are charged to sort it out.

"I have people in the group really struggling with their mental health, who have had suicidal thought, who have been to their GP for anxiety and depression.

"Creating this group and having this rally helps us feel heard and shows we wont just let our friends and neighbours go bankrupt and lose their homes."

Yesterday saw a change in the Secretary for Housing, as Robert Jenrick was sacked from the position with Michael Gove being appointed.

Mr Gove is now Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, retaining ministerial responsibility for the Union and elections.

Speaking on the change of roles, Sophie says she hopes the newly appointed Minister listens to her and all those at todays protest who feel ignored so far.

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