Joe Powell has launched a campaign advocating for safe and healthy homes, urging housing associations and local councils to enhance repair services, conduct timely inspections, and improve communication with residents.

Since his election in 2024, MP Joe Powell has noted that housing issues have generated more inquiries than any other topic, with over half of his constituents seeking assistance related to housing.

The ongoing housing crisis is rooted in the legacy of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, which claimed 72 lives, highlighting a persistent culture of neglect towards social housing tenants.

Kensington and Bayswater, despite being one of the wealthiest areas in the UK, faces significant housing inequality, with only 39 social or affordable homes constructed annually, ranking as the third-worst record in London.

Many families in Kensington and Bayswater are enduring poor living conditions marked by damp, mould, and infestations.

A survey of 146 residents revealed that 51% identified damp and mould as a major issue, and 89% had lodged complaints with their landlords in the past year, with 78% of those complaints remaining unresolved on the first attempt.

Poor housing conditions are linked to serious health issues, as illustrated by a child missing school due to respiratory problems caused by damp, echoing the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, who died from similar conditions in 2020.

Residents like Sancha, a mother of five, endure severe living conditions, including broken lifts and inadequate heating, while Lacey, a mother of a child with autism, describes the overwhelming stress of overcrowded and unsafe housing.

New legislation, including Awaab’s law, aims to enhance housing quality and enforce landlords' responsibilities regarding repairs and safety.

The government has committed to addressing the housing crisis by planning to build 1.5 million new homes and has allocated £2 billion to support the construction of 18,000 new social and affordable homes.

The overarching goal is to restore trust in housing providers and public institutions, emphasizing that providing safe homes is fundamental to maintaining faith in democracy.