Council closes city address used for supported accommodation

During one visit the address on Waveley Road had been found to have the electricity bypassed and was dangerous and therefore the supply was removed. On a further visit on the 12 January the premises was also found with two smashed windows and other problems.

The premises was immediately closed by Environmental Health Officers using Emergency Prohibition Order powers under Section 43 of the Housing Act 2004. The Council and Police are expected to extend the closure for three months.

Supported Accommodation houses some of the most vulnerable people in Coventry, therefore it is important to work with the Police and other agencies where required.

The new Supported Exempt Accommodation team works with providers to improve the quality of accommodation and support provided within these properties, taking action when required.

The Emergency Prohibition Order takes effects immediately and prohibits the building from being used for all residential purposes until such time that the Council is satisfied works have been completed to make the property safe.

This type of action is only used in the most serious cases where a serious imminent risk to the health and safety of occupants is identified.

Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said:

"We work closely with the Police to take action were there are concerns about poorly managed private rented properties.

"The action taken is important in terms of raising housing standards. We want properties to be well-run in Coventry and we now have a team that can speak to landlords and act on behalf of tenants and local communities who have complaints about the way a property is run.

"We recently set up the specialist supported exempt accommodation team to raise the standards of this type of accommodation provided in the city."

St Michael's Neighbourhood Inspector, Simon Finney, said:

"We're happy to support our partners from the Council and Public Health to close sites which are considered unsafe for the public.

"Protecting the public is one of our main responsibilities and we always factor this into any decisions around prohibition and closure orders.

"As with so many issues, we often rely on local people to keep the authorities informed whenever and wherever they see premises and activity which could put people at risk."

Supported Exempt Accommodation refers to properties in which the resident receives care, support or supervision for the purpose of enabling them to live or adjust to living independently within the community. We would encourage anyone with concerns regarding supported Accommodation in Coventry to contact the team through our website so we can respond.

For further information visit coventry.gov.uk/sea

Published: Thursday, 18th January 2024