The building safety crisis has ruined the lives of hundreds of people in Ipswich, and was one of the most pressing issues I inherited when I was elected as our town's MP. But, after years of misery for so many people, we have now secured millions of pounds in new funding to start turning this situation around.
November marks the second anniversary of the evacuation of Cardinal Lofts, Portman Road. The residents there paid the price for years of industry and political failure. People were left in limbo and evicted from their homes - this dreadful anniversary will be painful for them.
For residents of St. Francis Tower, the building safety crisis has been an ongoing nightmare. After years of being subjected to seemingly never-ending works whilst living under shrink-wrap, they were then evicted from their homes in 2023 after devastating flooding.
My team and I have been working hard to resolve this situation, and I am delighted that there is now light at the end of the tunnel, having secured the money needed to repair the building.
The Government has provided a multi-million pound funding deal, meaning that if work commences immediately, which it should, residents should be able to return to their homes next year. They deserve this good news after years of misery.
I am also pleased that we have helped secure further government funding for Churchmans House to carry our works needed. I'm hopeful this means that the threat of eviction will subside, and residents will no longer have to live in constant fear and insecurity.
Despite this important progress, there is still much to do, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver the remediation works needed to make our town's buildings safe. With a collective effort, I hope that we'll be able to look back on this moment as a turning point.
I am pleased to have worked so constructively with the Government, and thank them for their determination in tackling the building safety crisis in Ipswich. I also pay tribute to the residents and campaigners who continue to work tirelessly to make our homes and buildings safe.
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