Birmingham supported accommodation provider Community Supportive Housing Ltd is under investigation after advertising rewards including a PlayStation 5, a holiday or £500 for homeless people who took a room and stayed for four months. The firm, based on Stratford Road in Sparkhill, promoted the offer in a TikTok video that has since been removed.
In the video, the company promised new tenants: "For the boys, we have a lovely PS5. For the ladies, we've got a nice Dyson Air Wrap." The campaign was condemned by other providers, activists and Birmingham City Council, which confirmed it would scrutinise the firm's support provision.
Council response and investigation
Birmingham City Council said it did not condone offering gifts to secure tenants, adding that "acceptance of accommodation should not be linked to any monetary gifts or rewards." The council's specialist multi-agency team will now examine the support provided by Community Supportive Housing Ltd.
The company's TikTok video was removed after BirminghamLive made inquiries. Director Janzeb Khaliq declined to comment when approached.
Wider context of supported housing in Birmingham
Birmingham now has more than 33,000 supported accommodation rooms, despite estimated local need being below 9,000. The investigation comes amid concerns about the proliferation of such housing and the methods used to fill vacancies.
The council's multi-agency team will assess whether the firm meets its obligations to residents. No further details of the investigation have been released at this stage.
