Council renews deal at ‘cockroach-infested’ Imperial Apartments

Labour Councillor Paul Goggin said: “I would hope that we’re doing our best to find something better for our tenants and ourselves to use.

“We can’t just keep extending contracts on and on and on because ‘it’s there and we can’t find anything else’. We have to find something else.”

The previous five-year deal began in 2021. Housing options managers working for the council meet with Caridon’s regional manager monthly to discuss the issues and complaints.

If the deal was not renewed, the number of people staying in expensive temporary accommodation would increase, which the council would have to pay for, as rents are higher than housing benefit.

A recent change in policy means that nobody is now forced to move into the block of flats. The council does not end its duty to house someone if they refuse to move there, according to Paul Sylvester, head of housing options.

And the council is “trying to hold Caridon to account more” for issues like property management and maintenance.

Parsons said: “We know this has been an emotive issue and there have been a lot of complaints in the past.

“We’re working really closely with Caridon to resolve those issues and we’ve seen a big reduction in the number of complaints there.

“Within the context of a housing emergency, where we have very limited options for people to move on from homelessness, I do think it’s right that we continue to use this as an option for some people for whom it suits. And that’s by no means everyone.”

According to a blog on the Bristol City Council website, the new agreement includes improved reporting systems for issues around repairs, safety and anti-social behaviour and an improved tenant selection processes.

The agreement also includes new complaint processes for residents and continued monitoring of issues raised by tenants, campaigners and politicians.