Ipswich Cardinal Lofts' residents say temporary accommodation contracts give them false hope
They've been contracted for temporary accommodation for 6 months
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
Cardinal Lofts residents say six month temporary accommodation contracts they've been offered give them false hope.
Those living in the Ipswich block of flats were told to evacuate the property earlier this month due to fire safety issues.
Since then they have been provided temporary accommodation to live in.
Although the residents have been put into temporary accommodation, they tell us this is under the caveat they still pay the rent on their properties at Cardinal Lofts.
Alex Dickin is a resident at Cardinal Lofts, and the founder of Ipswich Cladiators.
He says the situation's left him. and others in limbo, unable to plan their lives due to uncertainty:
"It's frustrating that temporary homes have been booked in for 6 months because that gives a false outlook for the residents to think 'right in 6 months' time, I am going to be back in Cardinal Lofts and it's going to be 100% safe' but that really isn't going to happen...
"It's not acceptable that we're not being given that full picture and that realistic picture...
"We've been campaigning and we understand what it takes to fix a building like Cardinal Lofts - it's going to take years not months."
We reached out to Grey GR, which manages the building.
They told us:
"We understand it's a distressing time for residents and leaseholders.
"The decision to evacuate the building was made in the best interests and safety of residents and was not made lightly.
"The building is extremely complex, but Grey GR is fully committed to remediating the building, with the aim of being able to return residents to safer homes as soon as possible...
“While the Prohibition Notice remains in place and residents are out of their homes, we are ensuring they are rehoused in longer-term accommodation that suits their needs...
"Grey GR would like to ensure leaseholders, including those who are landlords, are not out of pocket due to the evacuation and are looking at all the ways we can support them.
"Last week, Grey confirmed they will be refunding leaseholders for ground rent, service charge and insurance costs for the year ending 31 December 2023.
"We are also in discussion with Ipswich Borough Council regarding exemptions from council tax for unoccupied properties.
"We continue to communicate with leaseholders regularly and are providing updates as often as is possible to do so, while we continue to better understand the timeline and expected time residents will be out of their homes."