I am continuing my work with local Labour Councillors, standing up for leaseholders who are facing unfair costs to remediate unsafe cladding works. St Ann’s Quay in Ouseburn is one example which I visited recently. I am chasing a response from the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government who I made representations to on behalf of residents there. In my letter, I asked if he could advise me on how long it will take for the government to make a decision on St Ann’s Quay’s application to the Building Safety Fund and what he proposes for a safe outcome if the application isn’t successful. I have submitted further enquires to the Department on the support being provided to those who are suffering mental ill-health as a result of the financial hardship.

I have also been taking up individual casework for constituents whose buildings are under 18 meters and are struggling to sell their home. Many mortgage lenders request an EWS1 form on these properties for valuation purposes following the Grenfell Tower fire. This can cause significant delays to transactions.