An 18-year-old mother from Birmingham, along with her partner and eight-month-old baby, is set to be moved from temporary accommodation in West Bromwich after the council deemed the property 'unsuitable' due to safety concerns.
Mia Cane, her partner, and their young child were placed in a first-floor flat at Paradise Court, West Bromwich, after being relocated from a hotel that was infested with cockroaches. The young mum raised alarms about the 'dangerously' steep stairs leading to their apartment, which lacked a lift, making it unsafe for the family, especially with a baby.
Multiple safety hazards at the property
Beyond the staircase, the family encountered a host of other issues at the property. Fly-tipped rubbish was blocking the front entrance, mould was present in the bathroom, and the flat was plagued by ongoing fly infestations. These conditions compounded the family's distress, leaving Ms Cane fearing for their safety.
"It's dangerous - the stairs are huge, there's no lift," Ms Cane told BirminghamLive. Her concerns prompted her to reach out for help, and after BirminghamLive contacted Birmingham City Council, an assessment was carried out.
Council acknowledges unsuitability and arranges move
The council's assessment concluded that the property was "not considered suitable due to the stairs." A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council acknowledged the family's difficult experience and confirmed that arrangements are now being made to relocate them to more appropriate housing.
The spokesperson stated: "We are committed to ensuring households placed in temporary accommodation are housed in safe and suitable accommodation." They also pointed to the national housing crisis as a contributing factor, which has led to families being placed in challenging temporary situations.
Family's housing priority and bidding struggles
The family, who have been placed in Band A – the highest priority for housing – had previously struggled with the council's bidding system despite their urgent need for a suitable home. This case highlights the ongoing pressures faced by families in temporary accommodation and the complexities of the housing allocation process.
Birmingham City Council has not yet provided a timeline for the move but has assured that steps are being taken to address the family's situation promptly.
