Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston said:
“While it is welcome news that the Government has realised there is a problem with exempt housing in Birmingham, they have failed to grasp the severity of the situation. £3.19 million is nothing but a sticking plaster.
“Exempt accommodation has been a growing sector across our city for years and now there are more than 21,800 units housing some of our most vulnerable citizens without adequate supervision and support. £3 million over 3 years simply won’t solve the problem.
“Exempt accommodation is often responsible for concerning levels of anti-social behaviour, making the lives of neighbours and nearby residents a misery. When vulnerable people are placed in supported housing, they should be just that. Supported. Sadly, this is not the case in the majority of circumstances resulting in both local communities and vulnerable tenants being failed.
“I want to see this Government stepping up and acknowledging the reality of the situation. Birmingham City Council needs to be given legal enforcement powers and adequate funding to put resources in place to take long-term action and allow us to see a positive change to the lives of so many.”
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