Charity Link CEO responds to issue of removal of carpets in social housing

In the news today is the issue of people on low incomes living in properties with no carpet.

(Read the BBC News article ‘ Anger over carpet being ripped out of social housing here).

We regularly help low-income families who need support with flooring for their homes.

Susan McEniff, Charity Link’s CEO says:

“We have been raising the issue of flooring/carpeting being removed from social housing for decades and welcome Anti-Poverty campaigners bringing this to national attention. Not only does removing flooring make homes even more difficult to heat and therefore more expensive to stay warm for low-income vulnerable households, but it can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of tenants – particularly when there are small children in the household or disabilities which increases the risk of falls.

“We have accessed charitable funds to help many, many, families with carpeting and in some cases replaced carpeting in the same properties that had then been removed. We hope that all social landlords will now ensure that flooring is made available in all rooms, including bedrooms, inspecting and reusing flooring where possible or replacing where necessary”.