Letter from the Boss-man

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letter-from-secretary-of-state-to-camden-council

" Details

​The Secretary of State has written to the Chief Executive of Camden Council following the publication of a regulatory notice by the Regulator of Social Housing for breaches of the consumer standards in relation to fire safety. You can find more details about the case here​."

" Dear Cllr Gould, 

I write following the issuing of a regulatory notice by the Regulator of Social Housing to Camden Council for your failure to meet the Home Standard. I have been clear that social housing must be safe and decent, and provide those living there with security and dignity. Residents should be treated fairly and with respect. And if things go wrong, there should be a swift and effective means of redress. It is clear this has not always been the case for your tenants. The Regulator’s investigation has found the Council to be non-compliant with the Home Standard due to fire safety failures across thousands of your homes. These include more than 9,000 overdue fire remedial actions, with 400 of these being high-risk actions that should have been completed within no more than 30 days in the majority of cases. To compound this, the Regulator found that there were more than 9,000 properties which did not have a hard-wired smoke alarm installed, and just under 4,000 properties without a carbon monoxide detector

It is extremely concerning that so many of your tenants were put at risk in such a way, and I have no doubt that these findings will have caused them much anxiety, stress, and frustration. I myself am profoundly troubled by these failings given that Camden Council pleaded guilty to two offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 earlier this year, in proceedings related to the tragic death of a tenant in November 2017 after a fire at an address in Hampstead. It is clear that you have continued to expose your tenants to serious potential harm from fire. This is a shocking situation. Every single person in this country deserves to live in a home that is decent, safe and secure. Your properties should meet the standards expected and you must meet your obligations to your tenants. Your management of thousands of your homes has fallen below these standards, and I am deeply shocked by the gravity and sheer multitude of failings in this case. This Government has been clear that social housing residents must be able to put their trust in their landlords to provide a decent and safe home. The health and safety of tenants should be paramount.

 The Social Housing Regulation Act will bring in a tough new regulatory regime to support this Government’s commitment to driving up standards and holding landlords to account for providing social housing residents with decent homes. I expect Camden Council to take urgent action to address these failings, and the Regulator has also made this clear. I know that you have started to put a programme in place to rectify the issues, which the Regulator will be monitoring closely. I expect overdue fire remedial actions to be completed as soon as possible, with necessary improvements to your processes to be made swiftly to ensure these failures are not repeated again. I will be taking a personal interest in how your organisation continues to deliver its responsibilities to its residents. 

My officials will be in touch to arrange for you to meet with the Minister for Local Government and Building Safety to discuss these failings. I am copying this letter to the CEO of the Regulator, Fiona MacGregor, and to Sir Keir Starmer and Tulip Siddiq MP.

Fined £500,000 for death of Magdalena Fink

 Inside Housing - News - London borough fined for ‘unnecessary’ fire death of resident

Internet version of INSIDE HOUSING 

NEWS 09/05/2023  3:45PM  [Tuesday 9 May 2023] BY PETER APPS

                                                                       ..............................

Ive been watching the 7s video of the fire inside 31 Daleham Gardens Camden New Journal: Film taken inside Daleham Gardens fire building - YouTube 

and I can't pin point on the floor plans where this fire is. 

16 May 2023

This is Peter Apps whose name is on the INSIDE HOUSING piece about camden council 

Was at Westminster Mags this morning to see Camden Council sentenced £500k for a shocking case involving the death of a 35yo woman in a fire in November 2017. Report and some observations below:https://t.co/2JQ5NZgttH

— Peter Apps (@PeteApps) May 9, 2023

20 May 2023

19 May 2023  https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/2023/may/london-fire-brigade-welcomes-action-by-camden-council-to-improve-fire-safety-following-tragic-death-of-resident/

9 March 2024

19 August 2021 Fires in Camden Dwellings posting

House Clearances Internal Investigation

 The below post is from 2008
HASC = Housing and Adult Social Care

I would add to it by proposing that in some cases Home Help [Adult Social Care] could also be indirectly connected via some employed 'carers' being involved in this scam and somehow obtaining items from void properties of clients who have died - to flog at things like car boot sales. 

I will also add that like mentioned in the report the story exposed in the local rag would have [im guessing] warned others of the scam having been rumbled -  before any investigation was carried out. 

I have adjusted the format of the report but not any of its content. 

                                          ----------------------------------

The below documents were put up on Camden councils website prior to the HASC scrutiny committee meeting held on 19 Feb 2008 and relate to the internal investigation into the allegations that council staff within the housing department were operating a scam involving the clearing of elderly residents possessions.

Despite certain parts of the documents being blacked out (redated) to hide the identify of the main named 'offender' and investigation processes, the council officer had not made sure that the blacked out parts were actually secure and one could when transferring the documents to another format see what was written under the blacked out parts. I have kept certain parts 'blacked out' by using xxxxxxx in there place, because the xxxxxx parts reveal the processes the councils used in their investigation.

Briefing Note for Cllr Philp

Subject: Summary of Internal Audit investigation into void house clearances

Following our meeting you asked to be provided with a redacted version of the audit report which I attach on the basis that it is treated in the strictest confidence. 

As explained at out meeting by Andrew Maughan, Head of Legal Service, the redaction is necessary to protect the identity of the individuals and information covered by the Data Protection Act which would be unlawful to pass to you given your role and the remit of the Scrutiny Committee.

In addition to the redacted report I have outlined below some of the background information that is not necessarily apparent from reading the redacted report but which might further indicate to you the extensive review that has been undertaken by both Internal Audit staff and senior management within HASC. 

As was explained to you in our meeting the Council had already received allegations about practices being adopted by the BMD and investigations had been ongoing for some time when unfortunately on 18 January 2007 the CNJ published an article regarding one particular case in relation to an allegedly stolen commode.

The press coverage damaged our investigation and limited the approach taken. I should clarify that due to the nature of enquiries made by the press, and their impact on the evidence available, Internal Audit reached the conclusion, following consultation with local police, that there was little to be gained pursuing that particular case and instead continued with the line of enquiry we were already undertaking. However it is my understanding that the person claiming to be the owner of the commode was advised to make a report of theft directly to the police. I am unable to confirm whether or not that advice was followed or the outcome.

1. Initial referral

Information was received from a whistleblower alleging that a London Borough of Camden employee was responsible for removing items from void properties for personal gain. The employee’s work involved visiting void clear Information received suggested that any items wanted from these properties were marked, and these were removed by other staff t

2. Meetings with managers and senior managers of the service

Various meetings were held with both direct line managers and senior managers in the service.Details were obtained of all staff that the employee line managed as well as

3. Reviewing the written procedures

The written procedures in place at the time were reviewed, for both the BMD and what had been Social Services. It needs to be remembered that at this point services from two departments had recently been merged to form the HASC Department and the procedures in this particular area of activity had not been updated to reflect the merged roles.

An inventory of house contents was not taken prior to a clearance being authorised, which presented a problem to the investigation in that there was no way to check if an item had been removed subsequent to the employees initial visit to a property. The initial investigation approach was to arrange for access to a void property that had been assessed by the employee but not yet cleared, to determine if any marked items could be distinguished.

This activity was facilitated by the employee’s manager. The Internal Audit check did not discover any marked belongings, and given the fact that the nature of the alleged marking and the types of items that might be removed were not known therefore this was not considered a viable way forward to establish the accuracy of the allegations.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

5. Police consultation

The Police were contacted in the early stages of the enquiry and advised of the initial Internal Audit findings with a view to establishing if a criminal prosecution would be viable. This was not felt to be possible at this time because of problems in identifying where goods had originated (and thus establishing that there had been a theft or a victim), and concerns about procedures that staff were following (related to the fact that items were destined for disposal, not further use by the Council or another party).

During the course of our enquiries discussions were held with police officers on four separate occasions but at no time was it felt the evidence available was sufficient to instigate criminal proceedings. Additional procedural concerns were identified later in the investigation that would have further undermined any criminal case.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

8. Reviewing records of all properties cleared around September 2006 to try to establish the original owner of the item. Efforts were made to try and establish the origin of items of property. A list of all properties that were cleared at this time was obtained, and the former tenants housing files were retrieved and reviewed, but no further evidence of ownership was established.

9. Further meetings with management prior to formal interviews

Throughout the investigation meetings were held between Internal Audit and senior managers in HASC to advise them of investigation findings and to provide guidance on the procedural review being undertaken within the department.Internal Audit had been advised that no instruction had been issued to staff about removing items from void properties prior to January 2007.

At a meeting on 14 March 2007 Internal Audit was notified that items from cleared properties were in use at the BMD office.

On 30 May 2007 Internal Audit were informed for the first time that staff had been allowed to take items for personal use provided they first sought permission from their manager, and so long as any items were not used for subsequent financial gain by staff.

10. Interviews

A meeting was arranged to conduct an interview with the owner of the house

11. Procedural changes made by the department

In September 2007 the HASC Scrutiny Committee was provided with a report outlining the changes made to the procedures. Changes implemented include:

• New policy and practice guidance produced for staff in Housing and Adult Social Care Department, including social workers and estate officers. This has been implemented and will be reviewed again in March 2008.  

• Staff have been reminded of current procedures, particularly in relation to disposal or storage of goods.

• Current contractors were reminded of what our expectations of them are in respect of their disposing of goods from void clearances, and that no goods should be disposed of for personal gain 

• Procedures for placing items into storage from voids have also been tightened.

The Council has legal obligations under Section 41 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and current procedure reflects that. The ASC procedure for placing goods into storage for persons dying intestate has been amended to reflect the voids procedure.

• Spot checks on adherence to the voids policy and procedures are now being made as part of the District Office performance monitoring to ensure that these are being adhered to correctly.

• A review of the Personal Finances Team in Adult Social Care (which includes the protection of property function) has been completed and a revised structure for the team has been introduced.

• Alternative methods for disposal of goods were investigated and new arrangements for disposal via the use of a not-for-profit company are under consideration.

12. Summary

In conclusion I am satisfied that the department has taken all reasonable enquiry is not allowed to recur. It is planned that Internal Audit will carry out a review of the newly introduced procedures during 2008 as part of our 2008/2009 annual audit plan.I hope the above is helpful. In accordance with our discussion, for legal reasons, details of the individuals along with related data have been removed.

The notes and report give confidential details of both our investigation in this matter and more generally our working practices and techniques in investigations. The release of this information could damage subsequent operational effectiveness of Internal Audit and I would therefore ask again that you treat this memo and attached report as confidential.

Regards,

Tracy Barnett

Head of Internal Audit & Investigations

_______________________________________

INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT

FINAL

DEPARTMENT: HOUSING & ADULT SOCIAL CARE

DATE: 27 JULY 2007 PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

SUBJECT: BMD VOID CLEARANCES

FILE REF: HAI0614

CIRCULATION OF REPORT:Neil Litherland Director of Housing & Adult Social Care

Catherine Illingworth Interim Assistant Director of Renewals

Hilary Holmes Audit Liaison Officer, Housing & Adult Social Care

AUDITOR: Michael Sheffield

TELEPHONE:

E-mail:

SUBJECT: BMD VOID CLEARANCES

RESPONSIBLE AUDITOR: MICHAEL SHEFFIELD

This audit report is issued on a “Final” basis. Management should consider all recommendations made in the report. Auditors on the Special Investigations Team (SIT) remain available to discuss this matter further if required. I would be grateful if you could keep SIT informed of any disciplinary/court hearings that auditors would be required to attend.

Please note that as part of our continuing commitment to improving the quality of the audit service I attach an Auditee Survey Form, for your comments on the manner in which the review was undertaken. I should be grateful if you would make arrangements to complete and return this in due course. May I take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the co-operation received during this review.

Tracy Barnett

Head of Internal Audit & Investigations

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This report relates to an investigation concerning a London Borough of Camden (LBC) employee, GF. The investigation was undertaken following the receipt of information suggesting that F took former tenant’s belongings from void properties in the Council’s care for his own benefit.

1.2 The resultant investigation concerned the actions of GF and other staff, management of certain aspects of the void clearances and BMD’s void clearance procedures.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Council tenants are ordinarily responsible for clearing their belongings from their home at the end of their tenancy. However, in certain circumstances the Council may have to perform this function (void clearances) before new tenants can move in, for example if:

• The former tenant passes away and there are no known next of kin;

• If the former tenant abandons the tenancy and there are no known contact details.

2.2 Various Council teams are involved in the void clearance process, including:

(i) The District Housing Office (DHO) authorises clearance of void properties;

(ii) The Personal Finance Service Team (PFST) may undertake checks in certain circumstances, for example if the former tenant is deceased and there are no known next of kin;

(iii) The void cearance agent, e.g. BMD, who perform the clearance.

There is a need to clear void properties quickly so that they can be re-let, in order that the Council makes best use of its’ resources and maximises its’ revenues.

2.3 Where a clearance is required, the Council is only able to effect this where the belongings concerned fall under the Council’s jurisdiction. For example, if the tenancy is abandoned then disposal is covered by the breach of the tenancy conditions.

2.4 The management rks is as follows:

3. AUDIT INVESTIGATION & FINDINGS

The Audit investigation involved reviewing:

• XX records XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

• Interviews with staff;

• Review of current procedures, and

- Review XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The full findings are reported below.

3.1 Review of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX The XXXXXXXXXX GF’s XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX reviewed by Internal Audit to determine if it contained any evidence of misuse of items from void clearances. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

3.2 Interview with GF

GF was interviewed about items that he may have obtained from void clearances on report. The key points of G's account are as follows:

• GF was aware that Internal Audit had reviewed h prior to attending the interview. It is believed that he deduced this following Audit enquiries with the 

• GF arranged for a washing to be provided to 5d as per the email XXXX stated that he did not obtain any financial benefit from this action, and that the £80 was a fee paid to, a BMD, for moving the machine to S. GF did not attend 5 Road in connection with the washing•

GF arranged for a fridge freezer to be delivered to 5 Road from a void property at College Place, as d 2005 The £50 referenl was again paid to RA for transporting the machine, GF viewed this payment as a tip. The Contracts Manager attended the Colleg address with GF and gave permission for him to take the fridge

• GF states that the reference in the X to regularly getting fridg from vacated houses in Camden is incorrect and constitutes an inappropriate choice of wording. 

No explanation was given as to why the word ‘regularly’ had been used if this was not in fact the case. GF stated on a separate occasion during the interview that he had taken items from void properties on 2 or 3 occasions while employed by LBC, and that on each occasion he had obtained the Contra permission.

• GF stated that he had never sold any item he obtained from a void property.

• GF is paid a 

• GF had not received any instruction from his manager about how to deal with items found in void properties prior to a letter that was issued by th of BMD in the first quarter of 2007, following the press reports concerning misappropriation of tenant’s belongings (Appendix D).

3.3 Review

3.4 Procedures

Various procedures were reviewed, both BMD specific and those applying to other parts of the Council.

3.4.1 Code of Conduct for employees

The code covers the standards expected of Council staff, and it is a key responsibility of all LBC managers to ensure that staff have access to, and understand, the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Section 11.5 of the Code states that staff:‘…must not steal…anything that belongs to Camden Council. You should not steal…anything belonging to our tenants or service users…for example, their money or property.’

3.4.2 The District Housing Office (DHO) Procedures

DHO staff authorise the clearance of void properties. Prior to authorisation the premises are inspected, this may reveal that the former tenant has left belongings at the address. This is more likely under certain circumstances, for example if the former tenant has died, or if they abandoned or were evicted from the property.

The Housing Department Procedure Manual 4 (Voids Management) requires that Estate Officers prepare an inventory which details those items to be disposed of and those which need to be stored. Section 8.2.1 of the Procedure Manual concerns action to be taken when assessing a property for a clearance, it states that:‘Under no circumstances should any item be removed for personal use, no matter how small in size or value.’

3.4.3 The Personal Finance Service Team (PFST) Procedures

PFST staff may also undertake checks in certain circumstances, for example if the former tenant is deceased and there are no known next of kin. PFST procedures require that a property search is undertaken by at least 2 people. An inventory must be taken that documents any potentially valuable items, and 2 photographs must be taken of every room. Valuable items are removed to the PFST safe and are recorded in an asset register.

3.4.4 BMD staff guidance issued January/February 2007

Following the local press reports of organised misappropriation of items from void properties, an instruction was issued by the Interim in approximately January 2007.

This ‘reminded’ staff that the unauthorised removal of goods from a void property would be regarded as theft, and also stated in bold that under no circumstances should any member of the Council remove any items for personal use or gain (Appendi The Interim has since advised Internal Audit that he believed this approach to apply to house clearances since commencing his post in No2006.

3.4.5 Earlier BMD staff guidance

S advised Internal Audit that prior to the issue of the January 2007 guidance there was no written policy on the treatment of items to be cleared from void properties. Previously, staff were advised upon joining the Division that there were no objections to them taking items from void properties providing:

1. Approval was obtained from AI, and

2. That any item removed was not used for financial gain It was considered acceptable for staff to take items for personal use because the alternative was for items to be dumped as waste. It was not considered appropriate for staff to derive a financial gain because AS viewed any money so generated as rightly belonging to the Council. At least 60 members of staff have requested permission to take items from void properties during An35 year employment with Camden.

S advised Internal Audit that BMD staff had previously been able to take items from void properties provided they had appropriate authorisation and did not intend to make a financial gain. There were various opportunities when this information could have been provided to the investigation:

• The initial meeting on 15 when the allegation was discussed with S. This meeting led to an Audit inspection of a vacant property to determine its’ content with a view to determining if a proactive approach might be viable to substantiate or disprove the allegations that items were taken from void properties, and Andy Smith helped to facilitate this.

• A further meeting between Internal Audit and AS. The XXXXXXXX from G concerning the wine and fridr were discussed, and A advised that a check could be made for any properties that these items might have originated from. AH also advised Audit that there had been no written instructions to staff that they should not remove items from vacant properties prior to the letter issued January 2007 (AppeD).

• Various telephone calls and emails following these meetings when information was provided XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX specific addresses that had been cleared, with a view to determining if items had been misappropriated from void properties.

3.5 Interview with BMD managers

Prior to the guidance issued in January 2007, the Intd of BMD and the Cs Manager had a different understanding of the standards that should apply to staff working on the void clearances. The Interim He believed that staff should not take any items from void properties for their personal use. At the same time AS was operating an undocumented system whereby staff could take property for personal use subject to first seeking approval and on the proviso that any acquisition was not to be used for financial gain.

There is no policy currently in place to determine what should happen to any item of value that is discovered during a void clearance. AS has advised IA that approximately 10% of house clearances may contain items of value. However, there is no process in place for clearance staff to report the discovery of such items, and no such items have been reported.

There is no facility currently in place to record any such items that might be found. And mith advised IA that authorisation had been given for Geleg to remove various items for personal use. This included a fridge within the last year. BMD management advised Internal Audit that it is common practice at BMD to make use of items recovered from void clearances in the BMD office. A list of 13 items, including a fridge, has been provided and is at G.

3.6 Inventory records

Andy Smith identified various void clearances from which the washing referenced in Appendix B might have originated. (Similar enquiries were not possible for the fridge freezer because this item had been obtained in 2005 and records for this period are not available.) Sixteen possible tenancies were identified, and the housing files for each were reviewed to try and determine which ones contained a fridge freezer at the time of the void clearance.

None of the files contained any record of the house contents at the time of the void clearance. The ‘Housing Department Procedure Manual 4 – Voids Management’ requires that an inventory is taken of former tenant’s goods where written permission to dispose has not been obtained (eg abandonment of tenancy, deceased tenant).

4. MATTERS OF CONCERN

Two key areas of concern have emerged from the investigation.

4.1 Firstly, there appears to be a serious lack of written policy and procedure in place at BMD with regard to void clearances. There are no instructions in place on how to deal with any items of value that might be discovered during a clearance, there is no process for recording such items, and the continued use of items from void clearances in the office sends the wrong message to staff.

4.2 Secondly, the various Council teams involved in house clearances operate to different standards. PFST staff are required to take an inventory and on the basis of the limited records reviewed during this investigation appears to do so. The DHOs are expected to take an inventory of void properties under certain circumstances but do not appear to do so.

DHO staff have received categorical guidance that they should not take anything from void properties whereas BMD staff have previously been told the opposite upon starting work.

5. CONCLUSIONS

5.1 Organised activity

This investigation has not found any evidence of organised activity to unlawfully remove items from void properties for personal gain. Indeed, the procedures operated by AS up to January/February 2007 appear to have allowed staff to access such material with a degree of legitimacy.

5.2 Procedural Issues 5.2.1 Building Maintenance Division

BMD Staff had not received clear guidance from their managers prior to January/February 2007 that it was wrong to take items from void clearances for their personal use.The Interim Head of BMD and the Contracts Manager had a different understanding of how desirable items forming part of a void clearance should be treated between the period November 2006 and January 2007, and it is difficult to see how a consistent message could be given to staff under such circumstances.

The continued use of items originating from house clearances in the BMD office sends a confusing signal to employees about what standards are expected of them when disposing of items in the Council’s care.There is no procedure currently in place to determine what action should be taken if items of value are discovered during a void clearance. No records are kept, even though the Contracts Manager has advised Internal Audit that approximately 10% of void properties may contain items of some value.

5.2.2 District Housing Offices

No evidence was found that an inventory had been taken at any of the tenancies reviewed. Some of these tenants had not given written permission for disposal of their property.

5.2.3 General Voids Policy

There are significant differences in the procedures and actions of the various teams involved in void clearances in Camden, in particular:

• Historically, some staff have been told that they can access items from void clearances for personal use while others have been told that this is categorically unacceptable;

• One team takes an inventory of valuable items, another is supposed to but does not appear to do so, while BMD do not have any guidance in place on how to deal with any such items that operatives might encounter.

5.3 GF

5.3.1 GF has taken items from void properties for his personal use. The wording of the email daix A) strongly indicates that this has happened more regularly than GF admitted at interview. Similarly, the XXXXXXX XXXXXX evidence appears to contradict the interview account that payment for the washing machine was for delivery by another employee rather than for GF own benefit. Althou The system operated by AS up to January 2007 allowed for staff to take items from void properties.

Despite the inconsistencies in GF’s account detailed above, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that his personal actions were unlawful given the procedural arrangements put in place by his manager.

5.3.2 GF has used the Council’s email system to send offensive material t

5.4 The Contracts Manager

5.4.1 The system operated by AS was not compatible with the Interim Head of BMD’s expectations or the Council’s Housing Manual. It could also be seen to be at odds with the guidance given in the Council’s Code of Conduct.

5.4.2 There was a significant delay between AS’s first meeting with Internal Audit and the disclosure that BMD staff were permitted to take items from void properties. AS was sufficiently aware of the nature of the investigation to be aware that this was highly relevant information, and the delay in providing this information has lengthened the time taken to investigate these concerns.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Procedural Issues

6.1.1 Building Maintenance Division

Staff should not be able to take items from house clearances for their personal use. BMD management should devise and implement clear procedures about the treatment of items removed from house clearances. This policy should be consistent with guidance implemented elsewhere, including the Housing Department’s Procedure Manual 4 (Voids Management). Procedures should be issued to the staff concerned, and management should ensure that staff understand the standards they are expected to work to.

The practise of utilising items from house clearances in the BMD office should be suspended immediately to avoid sending a mixed message to staff. BMD management should ensure that staff receive a consistent message from both the Interim Head of BMD and the Contracts Manager about what is acceptable. If items are retained from a clearance for whatever reason, these should be clearly documented, so that the items and their place of origin can be clearly determined at a later time. Indeed, where feasible, the Council should seek to re-use items left behind by previous tenants.

This could be by means of:

• Recycling viable items for the benefit of future tenants;

• Sale of viable items to help fund clearance costs, thereby reducing the tax burden on Camden rate payers;

• By negotiation with clearance providers for a preferable rate for clearance works in exchange for allowing retention by the provider of any viable items which form part of the house contents and which the Council legally owns. Such measures would be compatible with the Council’s ‘Better and Cheaper Agenda’, Camden’s Local Agenda 21 Plan and the Community Strategy. Any such measures should be co-ordinated with other Council Teams involved in house clearances.

6.1.2 District Housing Offices

An inventory should always be taken where the Voids Management Procedures require this.

6.1.3 General Voids Policy

Best practice should be shared between all teams involved in void clearance work. Senior management should ensure that a consistent approach is adopted across all of the Council services involved.

6.2 GF

6.2.1 Management will need to consider whether GF's actions breached

6.2.2 BMD management should consider disciplinary action with regard to G

6.3 Management Issues

6.3.1 The Council’s senior management should consider if an adequate level of control was exercised by the relevant BMD managers concerning the procedures put in place for void clearance staff to follow. Disciplinary action shoul

New Tenants Housing Panel

I was on Camden councils website HERE trying to find out who are the councils front line Neighbourhood Housing Officers [NHO] - for each ward, as there have been a few change since the elections last May and some changes to ward names and boundaries Camden Council Elections 5 May 2022 

I wasn't having any luck with the Your Neighbourhood Housing Officer - Camden Council page 

So had a look through a few committee documents and couldnt find the information and then came to the Kentish Town  DMC Agenda for Kentish Town District Management Committee on Tuesday, 28th February, 2023, 6.30 pm - Camden Council

but no such luck here either but did find ANOTHER Housing Services Consolidated Report 

- of the Director of Housing Management and Director of Property Services. [must be a standing agenda item for the DMCs. 

One of the things mentioned in the report is the new  Camden Housing & Property Residents Panel which is  said to be a open and honest approach [gasp  - must be true then] with residents in the driving seat something blah something improving blah blah. 

" The panel’s first session was on 01 December, and was opened by Director of Property Management, Gavin Haynes. 

The second session of the panel on 17 January was opened by Director of Housing, Glendine Shepherd. This session was for the panel to explore what topics they may want to investigate more deeply at future panel sessions" 

It doesn't say when the meetings with be made public and appear on the councils website Calender of Meetings and I for one am rather looking forward to seeing how this works out.  

4 May 2023

Angela Spooner has apparently retired 

6 May 2023

I've found the name of landlords  NHO for the ward I live in, its Lavinia Mayers. 

I don't know how long she has been there as I don't recall her introducing herself or such like, which former NHO for ward Dionne Cole did. 

DC has moved to Gospel Oak ward but has stretched back over here to start her harassment of me again. Who is backing her I wonder? 

Oh oh as I type I just heard someone slam the front door very loud which is annoying to me - vacant tenant from A has been up here every day since DC contacted me, including today. 

In AA v London Borough of Southwark HERE  14 Oct 2014, AA sued  the LB of Southwark. 

"conspiracy involving 3 of the defendant's employees in the Housing department to the effect that the claimant should be evicted at all costs and without the opportunity to obtain a further suspension of the possession order obtained in November 2006." 

"The conspiracy continued as an attempted cover-up of the unlawful nature of the original conspiracy and of the unlawful consequences of that conspiracy that had led to the claimant's unlawful eviction, the destruction of the claimant's possessions and his homelessness without financial resources for a lengthy period." 

Its a real eyeopener and actual proof of how some council housing officers abuse their authority at the detriment of some others. This was quite an extreme case and hopefully it doesn't happen that often but it does happen still to varying degrees. 

This case it a lot more clear cut than what I have been experiencing. 

When they take against you for whatever reason I think they lose all sense of integrity and it becomes all about destroying the target. 

26 June 2023

The June round of DMC's Consolidated Housing Services Report 

[Report of the Director of Housing & Director of Property Management - supporting Communities Directorate] 

" HOUSING COMPLAINTS QUARTER 4 22/23

1.1 The data shows that the number of Repairs complaints remains high and Housing Management complaints have nearly doubled. As a result of the high workload, fewer complaints are responded to on time." 

 " CAMDEN HOUSING & PROPERTY RESIDENTS PANEL

 3. Selection & Appointment

 3.3 We are not making public the identities of individual panel members."

 So much for the Open approach mentioned in an earlier Report. What are they so afraid

Thursday 14 Sept 2023

https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/gospel-oak-tenants-see-the-plug-pulled-on-their-housing-committee

Gospel Oak tenants see the plug pulled on their housing committee

Monday, 29th March 2021 — By Harry Taylor

                                                -------------------------------------------

Seems things have been sorted out. 

What to do after a death

The below is some of the information about "What to do after a death" that's found on the Citizens Advice website

 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/what-to-do-after-a-death/

Click HERE to read further information 

2 May 2023

https://coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/faq/

F.A.Q

What happens when someone dies?

When a person dies in England or Wales, the death has to be registered. This is so even if they are a visitor to the country. 

There are only two ways in which the death can be registered. 

The first is if a doctor was in attendance during the final illness of the person who died and is able to issue a medical certificate of the cause of the death in a form acceptable to the local Registrar of Deaths. 

The second, if the first cannot be achieved, is for the death to be reported to a Coroner.

Dec 2022 Update: on living here etc

I wanted to do an update post on how things are with me and 

• the landlord Camden Council: housing management = housing/tenancy estate office, housing maintenance and repairs, annual safety gas checks, dealing with asb, complaints handling, etc etc 
• the 2 tenants [A and C] - tenancy conditions, asb 
• life in general living here
• the physical condition of the property - no sound insulation, water leaks
• tenant participation 
• my general health and wel-being 

but I'm finding it difficult to get my thoughts together enough to do a coherent post and stuff, so please bare with me if you can. thank you. 

 

WORK IN PROGRESS 

https://democracy.camden.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=176&MId=10441

Kentish Town District Management Committee [KT-DMC] 

Tues 29 Nov 2022, 6.30pm

• Agenda frontsheet  PDF 353 KB
• Agenda reports pack  PDF 3 MB

Venue: Whittington Estate TRA Hall, Retcar Place N19 5TR

Contact: Rebecca Taylor  Email: Rebecca.Taylor@camden.gov.uk

[from notes on Camden councils website this meeting is the first face to face since lock-down and Zoom meetings]

15 Dec 2022

Reading through the annual Complaints Handling report/s presented to the Cabinet committee HERE yesterday Wed 14 Dec 2022 - Agenda item 16 - Report of the Borough Solicitor [Andrew Maughan] 

The period is 1 April 2021 - 31 March 2022. 

I couldn't help notice the Compliments sections that have what i suppose are supposed to be comments made by satisfied residents/tenants such as 

6.48 Housing Management - Compliments

"You really have all been amazing helping me with my case and I thank you all again"  [my emphasis] 

and " I can honestly say that I have NEVER come across a person within a local authority who shows as much energy & determination to help tenants to improve their living conditions." 

Ok I admit I did LOL at them only because some seem to me to be exaggerated,  'made up' even *GASP*

There isn't Complaint sections that gives such details as the Compliments sections - this to me is unbalanced reporting which seems to be the norm in officers reports in Camden Council, which I think should be changed to be more balanced and honest. 

Sun 19 Feb 2023

Housing in London annual report – London Datastore Mayor of London/London Assembly  Oct 2021 

Feb/March 2023 Council and DMC meetings to do with Housing Management:

Housing Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 21st February, 2023 6.30 pm

Cabinet - Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023 7.00 pm 

Kentish Town District Management Committee - Tuesday, 28th February, 2023 6.30 pm

Tues 7 Mar 2023

Had meds - review by health centre in-house person, later to have blood pressure reading done - maybe at some point to contact the sleep center, but first to try a few things myself - good sleep had evaded me for years. 

Thurs 16 Mar 2023

Had blood taken for testing. 

Light headed trying to get up and W on feet once since BP - same before and after bloods. 

3 years ago today I had a heart attack and was in hospital for 5 days/nights -  

stent inserted into artery [ of left side outer heart muscel], where blockage was [ heart muscel death reduced EF to 41%] 

27 March 2023

The municipal corporate 'w[hol]e' = deceitful, fractured - as i have experience of

13 April 2023

I want to do a legal will and testament - i don't have much in the way of property etc but some stuff I would like to at least go to a good cause/charity or such like. 

I want to be able to take a pill: sort my affairs out, go to the location I want to 'leave' at [a coastal area where the scenery is to 'die for' so to speak] - how wonderful.  Lay down and slip away into a coma to never wake up again - in this existence anyway. 

After my death I want to be taken out to sea/a big lake or whatever and dropped/weighted down into the water - as i was born, without clothes.  Lunch for the fishes. I think it sounds great. 

No coffin, but if a box is needed to transport me then a wicker/ply board, Im not fussed. 

'I'm coming home', i don't know when and how yet but I hope its not too far into the future. 

Friday 28 April 2023

4 weeks after finding out that my brother Joe/y had died and I only know that he had died in Nov 2022.

People in authority [and others] who know aren't telling me even the basic of information other than 'nov 2022'.  Its being drawn out and its frustrating and upsetting for me and not helping with the depression etc I have. As some might say the 'stressors' just keep being piled on it seems and again I feel that I want to scream - what makes it worse is that I have even less support around me than I did when I had the heart attack back in march 2020. 

The above photo is mainly of the cuddly toy dog I bought for Joey - as a comfort aid sort of thing and took a photo as I know how some things can go missing in hospital. I took it when I and my other brother where still 'allowed' to get this close to him. Some of his face is in the shot. His skin was yellow, you can see that in the photo. 

When he was moved from the ICU to another ward - I and other brother weren't allowed into the small room he had been put in. No real explanation had been forthcoming by nurse in charge. I had managed to actually see him in the small room though - from the corridor. That was the last time I saw him. 

As a full blood sister [sibling] to Joey I seemed to [in practice] have no rights at all 

to information that one of his son's had been given and who had been allowed to instruct the nurses who can and can't have assess to my brother. 

Something just wasn't right here and I couldn't find out what it was and people in authority weren't interested in what I had to say, not the nurses, not adult social services. 

How the fuck did this happen? bad luck, bad fate, what? by design? I still don't know much about my brothers death etc. 

I am nobody, he was nobody [going on how some others treated us] and I don't believe he would have wanted things to have been like they had been, even us not being told about his death, his funeral etc. That was not in his best interest - surely? 

I'm trying not to cry again and feel hurt and despair again, not hate. 

Love you Mr 'Nobody'  - Brother. x

Mon 1 May 2023

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps

Tues 16 May 2023

unless you count the short times vacant tenant has been up here these last 2 weeks, nearly every day,[never over night] as living here then the flat is still not being lived in, certainly not as a main home. 

Someone has been in and out of flat A 3 times in last hour, banging the doors and causing me annoyance. Someone also banged doors in A's kitchen area  a few times and then main front door [on their way out i think].upsetting me again

Thurs 18 May 2023

Someone is in flat A as I can hear drilling below and kitchen metal gate and door is open. I turn on my radio to listen to classicfm radio to drown out the drilling noise as I find it annoying. There is interference with my radio signal, i think its nearby. Someone has slammed the front door of the building - i think coming in. Someone else in A now as I can hear talking below. I am in b/room and have window open a little as is usual. 

I wonder if A is moving out: the shed at end of garden may have been cleared out - the door lock has been taken off and door closed over but can see that there is no lock on it and wheel barrow turned upside down and put against the door. 

I still don't sleep very well. I have an appointment later on with woman GP referred me to. 

I'm waiting for letter/word from Camden council as to the death records search I paid them via their website to do re my deceased brother, this was a couple of weeks ago. Radio interference again, ok now. 

I hope letters don't go missing as its a communal area where the post is and I still remember the time a few years back when my post was tampered with. I did a post about it. 

Sun 21 May 2023

Did I  mention that Angela Spooner head of tenancy services is retiring, Sharon Calvey head of housing  estate caretaking is leaving the council and Martin Pratt executive director of Supporting People directorate, is retiring. I'm not sure if their replacements or restructuring of things in various departments will mean improvements in service provision as some area's have been dire to say the least. A few from housing repairs should be getting the chop as well in my view. 

Some folk have been wondering why no housing officers have been sacked for the failings of landlord duties in regards to 31 Daleham Gardens NW3 fire of Nov 2017 and the recent connected criminal prosecution and sentencing of Camden Council [as a legal person/whole] for serious fire safety breaches? 

Thurs 31 May 2023

Flat C is still slamming/banging her flat door and/or main front door as she comes in and out - sometimes its one of the doors other times its both doors. I find it  upsetting/distressing and believe she does it on purpose as she knows it annoys. My cat also gets spooked by the slamming door noise. 

Someone has been in flat A a few times this last week - i could hear him speaking, banging about and slamming doors [annoying/distressing me] - someone stuck what looks like a dummy alarm on the outside of the main front door above the letter box [no actual box to catch the post which ends up on the floor -sometimes a pile up] 

Its a key safe box with a combination lock. 

It could be the 'master key' thing that was mentioned in a tenancy/housing report to do with council street properties. 

4 June 2023

Looks like the 2 boroughwide council tenant groups the Camden Association of Street Properties aka CASP and the Leaseholders Forum seem to have mentioned the 'master key' project - via the Leaseholders Forum [LF] meetings/minutes can be found on the councils website HERE

 

Since around Sept 2022 a CASP committee member has been giving the LF some updates on what the CASP committee have discussed at their monthly [mainly secret] meetings. Its a positive thing though that CASP has opened up a bit more. The casp website though isn't very informative about what CASP does, CASP website HERE 

 

 

 7 June 2023

C above me has been slamming the doors very loudly today 7x - causing me annoyance - i very much think she does it on purpose to cause me upset because she knows it causes me upset/harassment  C could be in and out again through-out the evening slamming/banging the doors/. Sometimes its really nice to just have quiet and sometimes that is achivable around here but this evening the radio goes on to drown out the bangs/slams.

I can't seem to relax properly, and one of the reasons may be because I'm always anticipating the slamming of the doors or the banging about or something or the other to do with noise from upstairs, even at night. Though it is better than it used to be, the years have taken its toll and my tolerance is very low especially at night - when I heard the bangs/slams now especially at night it very much reminds me of how i felt when things where very bad and the mini breakdown I had.

8 June 2023

Removal team from housing voids in flat A making a racket stripping the place. 

I was concerned about my post as its a communal hallway floor that the post drops onto and their tooing and frooing might accidentally pick up some post and who knows where it will end out. So i went to have a look as postman had also just been as I saw him outside - no post for me. 

My cat Jack is spooked by all the noise bless him, as I am, have put radio on a bit louder than I normally would to try and drown out the annoying noise [sorry for any 'anti-social behaviour' this may come across as but needs must, you know]. 

I understand that at times works need to be done, - the landlord doesn't always let other tenants in the property know when these works are to be done, how long etc. A genuine oversight or just bad manners, who knows. 

 

Don't ya just love the extra loud slamming of doors? [sarcasm] 

wed 14 June 2023

Someone was in A this morning

I aggravated the top part of right arm y/d and the pain is awful. I can still use the arm is some ways but mostly I can't. 

I was supposed to go for cardio-echo [ultra-sound]  this morning but couldn't make it as I feel unwell and the pain in arm was still there though has eased a little. I let hospital know [abet at short notice, sorry] i wouldn't be attending. 

The frame in my bed/room sash window rattles when the wind picks up as well as rattling when there is banging nearby, such as in building works. 

The single window glass also lets in a lot of cold and noise, and I usually have to pad the window up someway to try and insulate the room as best I can.

The living room also has 2 large sash windows - the window cords in 1 doesn't work properly so window doesn't stay open without some sort of heavy stopper at bottom. 

I strongly suspect there won't be any noise insulation works in flat A - because the landlord isn't interested in doing such works unless ..... 

4 July 2023

The lock on the main front door of the building I live in isnt working properly, I noticed this when I last ventured out to buy some provisions last friday - when i came back i put key in door and it kept turning and turning [which is doesn't usually do] and for a moment or so I felt massive panic/dread but then the door opened and I felt relief at that. 

Flat C still keeps doing the annoying etc slamming/banging of front doors - sometimes she has woken me up doing so, other times she has startled me and my cat, and this leaves me feeling tense and never really being able to relax as im always waiting for the loud bang of the door. I hate living here. 

People keep coming and going from flat A, slamming doors. The flat door looks faulty to me [doesn't look like its closed properly] so I recently pushed on the door with my hand to see if it opened but it didnt but did rattle/move a bit then sounded like the lock had gone back into place.  

The toilet leak is ongoing and also the blockage to bath pipes that I tried to fix myself but didnt succeed. I can't bring myself to contact the landlords 'people'. 

Existing isn't living. 

11 July 2023

Person/s from the council where in flat A y/d making a racket for hours; mainly using a power tool to drill, the walls? no-stop for over an hour - no notice given to other tenants or indeed other residents nearby about the upcoming work. I know they started just after 9am and this sort of noise from building/construction is 'allowed' by law but they also usually have the windows or doors wide open as well. This was the case with flat A: back door wide open, as is the case with flat across the road who are also having works done. 

I haven't been downstairs or out since the weekend[sat] and didnt notice any notes or suchlike about the upcoming noise. 

This is so typical of 'my' landlord camden council - even some of their own tenants they treat with distain and they may wonder why some tenants at times can be a 'bit ackward' when it comes to complying with them when they want tenants to. 

The drilling started again earlier but has for now stopped. 

Im still waiting for an apology and an explanation over a few things to do with housing and how badly ive been treated by them. I haven't been able to continue with the formal complaint and I want to but 'they' don't help at all with such things even if you have disabilities/difficulties. 

21 July 2023

Reportedly there is a interim Head of Repairs: a Darren Smith. Danny Waite has left the Council.

RSH finds Camden Council in breach of the consumer standards - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

8 Aug 2023

Tenant in flat C is still doing the banging doors and door locks thing, which I still find annoying and think she does it to annoy me - she also does the shouting and banging about above my bedroom, like she did last night: come 11pm when she did the door lock slam again, I checked my door as i sometimes without realising forget to lock the door and she started shouting and banging about again.  

Since sat/sun I have had a cold like virus - early aug is a bit early in the season for colds - the flu as well and in general that there is a few virus's about as usual that before covid19 many people didnt make too much off and even went into work and such before the symptoms stopped - i remember around here in late 2019 and going into 2 shops and till staff having colds and they shouldnt have been at the till spreading their germs, but they usually think they are past the contagious phase when they arent. 

These days I will point this out to anyone who has cold etc symtoms and is working or whatever in public settings and spreading their germs. a virus is a virus. its deadly to some.  seriously. don't spread a virus. 

11 Aug 2023

Tenant in C is still doing the loud slamming of the doors - 

'hurry up and fucking die'

 'you should have been a stillbirth' 

just some of the stuff she has shouted at/about said to try and hurt me - i think she speaks for a few in the council and elsewhere 

LOL 

hate eh, 

They hate me they love me not, he loves me he hates me not, she loves me etc etc. 

"I feel it in my fingers I feel in in my toes ....." 

19 Aug 2023

Tenant in C has been out and in a few times today. what she has done is go out and slam both doors causing a nuisance etc to me - then next thing I know the doors slamming again : she sneaks back in so I don't hear and when she goes back out she slams flat and front door. 

3x today. 

29 Aug 2023

The noisy work in flat A continues today again with the power tool screwdriver - about 9.45am on and off. This makes for not being able to relax as anticipating when the noise will start again and until what time. 

Found out there is only 1 bloke in flat A for the 3/4 days - 2/3 of them before. 

I think its taking longer than it should do.  

I wonder if the flat next door to where my brother lived, is still boarded up [had been so long before Aug 2022 ] and still was a few months ago - yet his flat has new tenant. 

Fri 1 Sept 2023

The noise from works being done in flat below me continues - a mixture of powertool and hammer 

Tues 5 sept 2023

The noise from flat A below me continues today as it did y/day -this morn is banging, hammering, drilling. 

What I think should have happened before this prolonged noisy works started was the landlord at least letting tenants in the building/neighbours know about the upcoming works that would be ongoing for at least 2 weeks and that noise/intrusion/annoyance would be kept to a minimum. 

An offer of living somewhere else [suitable] for the duration should have been made to me [I have a cat so somewhere suitable] 

workers should have been instructed to not use the front garden area as a dumping ground for all or any of the stuff from flat A they where stripping out - especially the greenery area] 2 times I have had to ask that heavy stuff be moved from on top of plants. A skip should have been hired. 

Its been 2 months on and off since works on flat A started. 

Its supposed to be our/my home, other tenants home yet are treated like nobodies by not only some other tenants but by the landlord. 

Another issue about living in this building is that of the post/mail isnt as secure as it should be. It just drops onto the floor in the communal area and with front doors left open and lots of people coming and going I for one would prefer my post to be secured in a postbox or something. The council flats across the road on the corner have such boxes.

 

6 sept 2023

10.30am the very loud slamming/thumping again in flat A 

 he keeps coming out to the back garden and going back in and slamming the door, using the water [i can hear it in the drain out the back] then he bangs/thumps something that makes a racket [the boiler?] 

He did this again and he came out into back garden again - I looked out my window at him and I saw that he had latex gloves on and had cleaning clothe in hand and he went over and dusted/cleaned one of the top flaps of the cubboard board that is on the ground. 

I said hello, you keep slamming the doors, he says he doesn't and went back in ..... and slammed the door............ give me strength, deep breaths. 

"The Court decided that generally landlords are entitled to carry out works, provided that they take all reasonable steps to minimise disturbance to the tenant. "

Update

Main front door lock has been changed but without needing new keys as well, so must be same lock but new [ or something] 

7 Sept 2023

Someone/s is in flat A again: the kitchen door is open but I don't hear them - yet. 

I am feeling anxious waiting to hear the thumping, or banging or drilling that I suspect will come. I spoke too soon: the drilling. 

The metal frame that was part of the metal gate which is around the outside of kitchen door - is still there and the toilet overflow pipe that is above the outside kitchen door is still there. 

The painting of internal walls lite green,  and ceilings and laying of the cheap lino. 

Why not paint all the walls white and then if the next tenant so wishes they can add colour.

And the lino, again, no choice for the new tenant of what colour - if at all. 

I think the voids team may in this case be eager to tick boxes [green paint for walls, lino etc]  whilst omitting others and not giving the next tenant the choice they would have if they where living there. 

Fri 8 Sept 2023

Flat A: I think its 2 today - I could hear them chatting away under/near my bedroom window around 8.45am.

Mon 11 sept 2023

wireless Heat alarms installed in A and B not C yet. 

electrical box in communal area tested etc [ think its finished now] 

13 sept 2023

someone in A this morning - banging with hammer. 

2/3 hours they been at it- to unstick windows that were painted but weren't left open a bit til they dried. 

19 Sept 2023

Someone coming out of A slamming flat door very loudly x 2. 

Living room walls have been repainted to white. 

20 Sept 2023

 After the blustery winds comes the rain as well, today. 

Later will check the white painted wall in hallway near window to see if there is further yellow discolouration from water leakage. 

Sash window in bedroom rattles with force of the wind, I can at times feel the cooler air come through the thin single paned window. Am wondering how long I can last until I turn the heating on - sometime in Oct I'm thinking. 

Flat C door closed/noise and immediately afterwards the front door of properly is slammed x 2, coincidence? 

Flat C door is closed/slam then bloke in back garden talking then goes in then out and slams flat A door. 

24 Sept 2023

The 'toxic' paint odour eminating from flat A [ground floor] can be smelt from 1st floor. I can smell it when I come out of my flat, it is disgusting.  The stairs and floors need cleaning as well, the dirt from works hasn't been cleaned up - this is a common issue with any works done, though some do try. 

As noted, 8 June 2023 was when they first went into A to strip the place. over 3 months later they still going into A doing stuff like recent works drilling big air vent hole in outside wall into [flat A bathroom, i presume] the room has a window. 

When it rains heavily the external wall where the hole was made gets soaked and water leaks into my flat hallway - the water coming through is visible and the white of the walls dis-colours to yellow. 

Its the same area where in 2015 the overflow pipe from A was leaking [for unknown length of time] and soaked the external wall and part of wall in my hallway and bedroom. Though this was 'fixed' via work done on flat A   C toilet overflow pipe, some plastering in mine and redecorating, nothing as far as I am aware who done to damp proof the external area's. 

As far as I can see, this property is the only council one that has the below box. 

The other council houses/conversions near me are 2 separate dwellings and they don't have these boxes. Easy and quick to install I should think, no need to even let tenants know or consult. Talk about it seeming like the whole world and its mother has been in and out of this building of late [and flat A] - will the landlord change the code at intervals, for security reasons? 

A house recently had works done but no box on front door, even though front door was painted as well as internal communal area. 

4 separate dwellings property near me - no box on front door though the leaseholder had people in doing works to the place, which seem to have halted though not finished. 

I think whoever the next tenant in A is will not be informed by landlord that there isn't any sound-proofing at all in the property and that the slamming of doors is an issue - unless they are deaf. ]

4 Oct 2023

Flat C has been in and out x3 today and closing her flat loud loudly and slamming front door. it upsets me and leaves me feeling anxious - she is doing it on purpose to annoy me I know she is. 

4.14pm and I hear another slam of main front door [its her i think] and Ive put my radio on loud to try and drown out the noise from her flat door. 

 last night she went out after 11pm and then came back in not long after and both times I heard the annoying slam/closing of her flat door. later on the bang above my bedroom. I hate living here - the landlord allows her to do the door slamming I know they do despite it causing a deliberate nuisance. I've lost count of the number of times I've mentioned it to them. 

5.20pm I can hear C's flat door above my radio, as well as the slamming of main front door. I'm trying hard not to 'lose it'.  

5 Oct 2023

Ive put my radio on before C comes out of her flat and slams the doors, - oh but I can still hear the slams, like just now. I think she can hear the radio even if not loud and slams the doors harder. This is a continuing stress for me and despite me contacting the landlord via @camdencouncil [twitter] I don't get a reply, nothing - so I take that as them ignoring me [im in the naughty chair - i'm a bit too big and old for that? ] 

6 Oct 2023

I sensed that C was coming out of her flat this morn and I thought ok, maybe she won't this time slam the doors. I didn't put my radio on. 

She slammed both doors - again causing me annoyance. 

sat 14 Oct 2023

 I've blacked up 3/4 of my bedroom window using bin bags/ As the months go by and it gets colder I will put up old duvet covers etc to try and insulate the windowpanes from the cold and noise of the fireworks that we usually have this time of year. 

I haven't turned on any heating yet, but I think its getting closer to me doing so, usually just to warm up the place. 1 or so hrs a day at most with radiators even on very cold days, but a few more hours with electric halogen heater that my cat likes to lay in front off [he has a big cushion as well] It heats up the whole of a small room like my bedroom but not the living room which is double the size. It doesn't cost much - as far as I am aware/ Hot water bottles at the ready. 

The last 2 weekends tenant in C has been out on her back terrace which is directly above my bathroom and kitchen and part of my hallway. I can hear her noise and its annoying: banging about, scrapping, heavy footsteps sort of thing. 

Unless Im expecting someone I don't answer or open the door when someone knocks on my flat door [how did they get main front door open? ] and doesn't announce themselves. Most if not all people don't announce themselves which annoys me and puzzles me - I do it as it makes sense to me to do so.  Unless you are the old bill and don't get an answer and say 'its the police open the door or we kick it down' Scary stuff. 

I shall have to put a note on the front of the door what with all and sundry in and out of the building  doing works and half wanting to get into my flat, its just too much. 

Mon 30 oct 2023

10am someone is in flat A: things in garden that werent there before - new tenant? 

 not long afterwards flat door C slams, later on flat A door and front door slam. 

19 Dec 2023

Yesterday someone/s in flat A doing works. Noises and then door slamming. Today door slamming x 2. 

Letters addressed to a named [new tenant?] lay unopened [piling up] on the communal hallway floor. 

5 Jan 2024

flat A door let slam. 

light in bedroom on since 19 dec. nobody living there. 

another slam not so loud - later on it looked that the light has been turned off.

10 Jan 2024

Front door of flat A let slammed earlier, which is annoying. 

Most of the pile up of letters to A of people who don't live there, have gone from floor of communal area. 

Noises of works being done, from A. 

11 Jan 2024

Flat door in A let slam 10am annoying. some noise from flat. 

C has also started again with the slamming of doors - running down stairs. annoying. 

flat A door slam again

18 Jan 2024

lots of coming and going and door slamming to do with flat A  since around 10am this AM. someone also knocked on my flat door and then went off. I wasn't expecting anyone and no-one announced themselves so I didnt say or do anything. 

14 Feb 2024

The house owners next door have started with some more works to their property - at back, where scaffolding has put up and a window taken out. This started last week , annoying to say the least as it literally outside my bedroom window and the noise is on and off from around 9am -2/3pm this week. 

I also have been doing some DIY as best i can considering my back, etc and depleted energy level. 

The week before next doors work I had been doing some drilling and banging -  maybe 2 days in the week lunchtime for 2hrs tops, stopping and starting.  Im trying to fix a wooden bed frame and its going slow and annoying backwards at times. I can't do these sorts of things as I used to be able to but I need to fix it so I can put mattress on it.  

Oh yes tenant in C is still doing the slamming of the doors which still annoys me, which I guess she knows and thats why she does it. 

20 Feb 2024

I can't get over how much work they have been having on this house - it depresses me, its just noise, noise fcuking noise and dust, dirt and bad manners and the neighbours having to put up with this every year since they moved in 6 or so years ago. They moved in when the house was having noisy works done - later they brought their new born baby back to live there with all the noise/dirt etc. I can't get my head around these people. 

29 Feb 2024

must be a leap year [29 instead of 28 days in the month of Feb] and it was April 2023 that my brother J died and not Nov 2022 I and other family members where lead to believe. 

I didn't find out for sure until earlier this month. 

Joey was still alive when we phoned son up april 2023 about what we heard about him having died in 2022. He wouldn't confirm or deny. When J did die, no-one let us know. 

I'm not sure I can get over what has happened, its been horrendous. 

Mon 4 March 2024
I met the daughter of new tenant from flat A [below me] the other day as I was coming in from doing some food shopping. She seems very nice and even carried my heavy shopping trolley up the stairs for me. Awful stairs way too narrow I said. 

I told her about the lack of soundproofing and the trouble it caused and briefly mentioned problems with our landlord and some neighbours. Her dad is disabled that's how he got flat A. Lots of letters sent here for him - as well as some others who don't live here. 

Someone is in flat A this AM, -  just as flat C was downstairs after she had slammed her flat door. i was waiting for the front door to be slammed but didnt hear it only flat A door. didnt hear anyone speak, so maybe they missed each other. Thought I heard someone in the communal hallway doing something and at first though it was a council worker [with a key to flat A] then thought it was daughter so i went out to investigate as I thought maybe she/he was doing some cleaning of the floor [needs it] and I would thank her/him, but they went inside before i even got down the top stairs. 

Man from council housing contractor was here the other day about the fire/smoke/carbon minoxide/dioxide alarms and possibly replacing the existing flat door that had works done on it a few years back, took some photo's made an appointment for this month for 2 appointments. 

He said something about flat A and I said  'Really that's odd ........ '

 

Anyway a new fire door for flat door is to be fixed and something about connecting via an electrical light socket the alarms. I will try and find out how much that will cost me [what with the price of electric and gas having risen so much these last few years an me already cutting back on using both]

20 March 2024

The next door neighbours started with some more building works about a month ago at the rear and didn't even warn us about the works and its upsetting and annoying me a lot this week. 

Ive been trying to recover from the onslaught on my senses - by neighbours both sides of me and camden council my landlord building works of last year. It was awful and now the building works has started again and Im feeling that I fcuking hate these people. 

The noise is so intrusive and I have nowhere else to go to escape from it so I turn music on to try and drown the noise out but usually I can still here the noise- unless I turn the music up very loud, which I don't like doing and try not to. I am sensitive to noises[unwanted sounds] and the more they go on and become louder the more it gets to me and I have what I call mini 'breakdowns' where I become very distressed like im being attacked, my senses, my whole being. Sometimes it makes me cry in pain. 

On top of this flat C above me started stomping about above me so heavily it sounded like the ceiling would cave in, I could also hear her shouting though didnt know what she was saying. This upset me as well. 

11 April 2024

Nobody is living in flat A below me despite some having keys and letters coming to the property and even some new furniture. I heard it was still marked as void. 

I wonder what the game is? 

and so hot on the tail of the dishonest tenant who used to have the tenancy [though hadn't lived there for years] until not so long ago and who used to keep reporting a leak coming from my bathroom into her kitchen when it was only the case one time. 

15 April 2024

next door is still at it with the bang, bang, banging literally next to my bedroom - with the window open. 2 months now this has been going on. the scaffolding is still up and I can see from the mess of the glass on the extension the previous owner had built, that it will be the next thing that has works done to it. 

Ive put radio on to try and drown out the noise but i can still hear the banging even with my window closed. 

flat C came in the other day, let off fire alarm just inside her flat door, then went back down stairs and slammed the front door very loudly 3 times. I dint know it was her at first and it alarmed me and I feared for my safety. I let landlord and police know about it - @camdencouncil just ignored me as usual, police though at least replied to me. She is still slamming the doors and as far as I am concerned she does it to cause me upset because she knows it causes me upset. 
I know i am expected to put up with hearing some noise in and connected to this property but when someone is [i believe] making the noise to upset me, cause a nuisance then its a different matter.  she went out earlier slammed both doors came back a hr later - i could hear her speaking outside my flat door, and she went back in flat. 

and next door having works done nearly every year that go on for months and they don't even let neighbours know - who are expected to put up with the noise, mess, dirt etc. 

23 April 2024

Scaffolding has come down next door. 

The remaining noise from the room next to mine still goes on, with window open. I think the works are being dragged out and today i'm finding it very annoying and distressing. 

25 April 2024

someone has been in flat A this even slamming the flat doorx2  very loudly - whilst around the same time flat C has been hanging about near my flat door talking to herself, going in and out her flat. I can't help but feeling unnerved, intimidated even. 

29 April 2024

Flat C did the slamming of her flat door and running down the stairs, going out then coming back in and slamming her flat door thing again - causing me annoyance again.

2 May 2024

next door are still at the banging, on and off. today seems to be a major banging day so i have radio on to drown out the noise. 

C is still doing the door slamming and no sooner had I taken down the notice on wall in commual area downstairs about not moving my post - a letter to me was moved from one end of the downstairs hallway to the other: the stairs. I think whoever has been doing tis is trying to intimidate me, annoy me which it does - like ive said i think its done deliberately to cause me upset etc. 

I put up another notice.