Tower Blocks UK Newsletter

The Ups and Downs of 2020

 

A huge thank you to our followers for your support during what's been a very difficult year for everybody. Despite the challenges presented by Covid19, we've continued to support tower block residents and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic people and organisations this year, including mySociety, Shift, The Legal Education Foundation, London Tenants Federation, Fuel Poverty Action, Rainbow Collective, Kent University Law School, The Small Axe, Southwark Group of Tenants Organisations, Leeds University and many more.

In August we launched FixMyBlock.org. The project aims to give social tenants living in tower blocks in England and Wales the information and support they need to tackle problems with their homes, and in particular around fire safety and dangerous living conditions.

Clear action guides explain what tenants are entitled to in law; what they should do in order to get problems fixed; and, most importantly, how to take further effective action if landlords aren’t providing safe homes in accordance with their legal responsibilities.

If you live in a block, we want to hear from you! We believe that together we can bring about change - as a collective voice, and by sharing our experiences and connecting with one another. Please do get in touch.

Watch our video below and join in the conversation using #FixMyBlock on social media.

FixMyBlock is also now available on podcast! Tune in to hear the stories and journeys of tower block residents and community organisers from around the UK. If you would like to share your experiences in an upcoming episode, please contact us.

 
Listen to the FixMyBlock podcast series
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Fault Lines

 

Back in February, BBC Radio 4 aired a 6-part drama called Fault Lines starring Glenda Jackson. We were very pleased to be asked to contribute to the research for the third episode: 'Collapse' which is based on the failure of a Large Panel System tower block similar to Ronan Point. 

Click on the image to be re-directed to the BBC Radio 4 website.

Extending the archive

 

This year we've published more of our historic resources, dating as far back as the 1980s when we were known as the National Tower Blocks Network. Many of the same problems raised by residents back then, sadly still exist today - from discrimination to pests and more. Find out about our previous and current campaigns by visiting the Tower Blocks UK website.

 
Visit the Tower Blocks UK website

Coming together for change

 

We continue to offer support and solidarity to groups seeking to hold landlords and the government to account over lack of action on tackling unsafe homes.

 

We particularly want to highlight the inspiring work being done by Grenfell United in their campaign for justice and change, as the Inquiry continues. 

The #EndOurCladdingScandal campaign also continue to work tirelessly to highlight the impact that unsafe cladding is having on the lives of residents in affected blocks.

 

Special thanks also to Professor Stuart Hodkinson and Phil Murphy who are bringing housing campaigners together collaboratively to discuss and respond to areas of joint concern, including the long-awaited Social Housing White Paper.

Image: Prof Paul Wenham-Clarke)

Looking ahead

We are cautiously looking forward to a more normal 2021. Our focus continues on developing FixMyBlock.org and our next step will be to expand to introduce advice under Scottish housing law and we are working with some fantatic groups including LivingRent.org to discuss this roll-out. If you are a tenant in a block in Scotland and would like to get involved, please get in touch.

Wishing you all a joyful festive season 

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