Brick by Brick residents tell the Mayor of Croydon - "We've had enough"

Residents of three Brick by Brick developments finally met with the Mayor of Croydon this week to discuss the litany of problems they have experienced since purchasing their properties. The meeting was also attended by council officers and Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood Councillor Claire Bonham (Lib Dem) after a request from Cllr Bonham at full council on 17th April.

Cllr Bonham pushed for the meeting after being contacted by three different Residents Associations who have all been affected by the failure of Brick by Brick. Various issues discussed included defects and routine maintenance issues that have not been addressed; Fire Risk Assessments that were carried out in 2022 but recommendations not acted upon until residents and Cllr Bonham contacted London Fire Brigade directly; spiraling insurance and service charge costs; solar panels that have not provided any benefit to residents, and uncertainty as to who would own the freehold of properties when Brick by Brick was wound down.

Residents expressed further  frustration at being ignored by Brick by Brick management, and are still unclear as to what routes were available for escalation. Their complaint policy misleadingly suggests that residents can access the Housing Ombudsman, but this is inaccurate as Brick by Brick is not a member of the Ombudsman scheme, thereby leaving residents no option for escalation short of legal action.

Cllr Bonham said: “Residents have had enough of feeling let down by Brick by Brick, with requests for answers being ignored. They cannot enjoy living in their homes knowing that fire safety issues are not being addressed and that they have had no communication on how the wind down of Brick by Brick will affect them. Mayor Perry and Croydon Council must step in and address residents' concerns as a priority and I have pushed for action plans to be created for each development and timelines put in place for this. We have secured a follow-up meeting with the Mayor in September to ensure that these action plans are in place”.