In recent months, I have noticed a steady stream of emails from constituents concerned about the state of their Sanctuary homes, the quality of repair jobs, and the number of empty properties. It was also raised with me at some of my recent open meetings – most notably in Haddenham and Fordham.
I therefore arranged a meeting with the housing association, which was held last week. During my meeting with them, Sanctuary pledged to:
fill 250 unoccupied homes in East Cambridgeshire in the next two years
create a dedicated East Cambridgeshire call team and direct email address for tenants, in addition to a new portal in July so residents can track their complaints online
set up special hardship funds for those most in need of heating support
train more inspection teams to carry out certain repairs on the spot
explore use of data loggers to provide more information about air quality, temperature and humidity
I was also able to raise some of my constituents’ individual cases, and I have since been following up with the relevant residents to update them on Sanctuary’s plan of action.