Residents in Stechford are worried as their neighborhood changes due to many exempt hostels, leading to safety concerns and a decline in community spirit.
He raised concerns about the rise of ‘exempt’ supported accommodations in the area. Many former family homes have turned into hostels for vulnerable individuals. Cllr Baz pointed out that Albert Road is a clear example of this change.
Stechford used to be a great place to live. It had beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. Families and professionals loved it for its community spirit and easy access to the city center. But things have changed dramatically in just a few years.
Cllr Baz noted that families now stay indoors due to violence. Long-time churchgoers are afraid to visit because drug deals happen right outside. He often deals with complaints about anti-social behavior from these exempt properties.
He fears that if this trend continues, families will leave, leading to more exempt properties. This could turn entire streets into areas with high crime and low community spirit. Homes that once welcomed families could become empty buildings, isolating vulnerable people.
The council is now pushing for urgent action. They want to require planning consent for any new exempt homes. Millions of public funds are going to these providers, harming communities in the process.
BirminghamLive joined local leaders to urge the government to act on this issue. The number of exempt properties in the city is rising, with at least 5,000 now housing vulnerable individuals. Cllr Roger Harmer called it an appalling crisis with no end in sight.
Residents face violence, drug dealing, and other serious issues in these poorly managed properties. Cllr Harmer highlighted that millions of public funds are wasted, benefiting unscrupulous landlords instead. All city councillors are united in their commitment to address the problem of exempt housing.
