0:00:02 > 0:00:04As soon as we opened the door, there were flies everywhere.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06'Everyone deserves a safe place to live.'
0:00:06 > 0:00:08So you've got a choice of the tomahawk or the bayonet.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10'But with rents rising and demand increasing,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14'it's getting harder and harder to find a secure place to call home.'
0:00:15 > 0:00:18A little bit concerned about what's happening here.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21'I'm Matt Allwright, and I'm back with the Housing Enforcers.'
0:00:21 > 0:00:23That worries me a bit there, look.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- We've got the biggest stinging nettles in the world.- Yeah.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27'I'm on the front line
0:00:27 > 0:00:30'with those fighting for the right to decent housing...'
0:00:30 > 0:00:34The amount of money they owe is in excess of £100,000.
0:00:34 > 0:00:35SHOUTING
0:00:36 > 0:00:38'..as local councils and housing associations
0:00:38 > 0:00:41'battle problem properties in slum conditions...'
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Hyde Housing - is there anyone in there?
0:00:43 > 0:00:45'..as they deal with dodgy landlords...'
0:00:45 > 0:00:47He just said he was selling the house.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- When did he tell you that? - A couple of weeks ago.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50'..nightmare neighbours...'
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- She doesn't like you.- She hates me.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Would you want either side evicted? - No.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56'..and everything in between...'
0:00:56 > 0:00:58There was a shed here, look. There's the base for it.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01'..to help those in need of a happy and healthy home.'
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Doesn't leave you with a good feeling, though.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04It's a tough job.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12'Today, I'm on the trail of some antisocial behaviour
0:01:12 > 0:01:15'that's making residents' lives a misery...'
0:01:15 > 0:01:16These little glowsticks.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- What's all that about?- They can be an indicator of drug use.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24'A dilapidated house gets a much-needed makeover
0:01:24 > 0:01:26'after 40 years of filth...'
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I think they've never really reported issues with the property,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31so I think they were going to lose their home,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and so they kept quiet about some of the problems that they had.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38'An empty house is in need of urgent attention....'
0:01:38 > 0:01:41If I was that one, I'd be really quite concerned about this,
0:01:41 > 0:01:42cos you can see,
0:01:42 > 0:01:44it looks like the house is actually starting to depart...
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- That's right.- ..from the party wall.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49'..while in Wiltshire, a pregnant couple
0:01:49 > 0:01:52'are facing an uncertain future.'
0:01:52 > 0:01:56I'm sitting here looking around, and I can see no carpets on the floor,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58I can see stuff in boxes.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01How come you've not unpacked here and settled?
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Finding a suitable place to call home for you and your family
0:02:09 > 0:02:15has never been harder, especially for those on a restricted budget.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19But low rent shouldn't mean your house doesn't live up
0:02:19 > 0:02:22to the same basic standards as everyone else's.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Fortunately, there is a group of men and women
0:02:26 > 0:02:29who are out on the front line battling on your behalf
0:02:29 > 0:02:33against bad and dangerous living conditions.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35They are the Housing Enforcers.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41When it comes to maintaining a social housing property,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44tenants are expected to take care of the usual wear and tear,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47but anything more than just a bit of Sunday morning DIY,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and it should be reported to the council or housing association.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Simple in theory, not always straightforward in practice.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59It's a situation that Stroud Council housing officer Elaine
0:02:59 > 0:03:02and trainee Zoe are familiar with.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04They're visiting a house that's undergoing
0:03:04 > 0:03:07some much-needed modernisation after it fell into serious disrepair.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12And today they're meeting with long-term tenant Sharon,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14who lives at the property with her mum,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17nearly 80, and sadly, in bad health.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20The house wasn't in very good condition,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and Elaine and Zoe stepped in, and said,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25"Right, we'll do it all,"
0:03:25 > 0:03:28so right from the word go, they've been helping me,
0:03:28 > 0:03:29ever since day one.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35This is the first time I've been inside since we left.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38The pair, who've lived there for over 40 years,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41have been moved temporarily into a nearby council property
0:03:41 > 0:03:43until their house is ready.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46They're a lovely family, but I think they've never really
0:03:46 > 0:03:48reported issues with the property, so I think they always thought
0:03:48 > 0:03:52that they were going to lose their home, and so they kept quiet
0:03:52 > 0:03:54about some of the problems that they had,
0:03:54 > 0:03:55where they needn't have.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58It was very damp.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00A lot of the woodwork had rotted,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03so as soon as they try to do anything, it was just falling apart.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Getting there, aren't we? - Yeah, it's nice!
0:04:06 > 0:04:08'It means loads to me,'
0:04:08 > 0:04:12but even more, it's for my mum more.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13Everything for my mum.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17You know, just being here means everything to her.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I went to school down there, she goes to that church,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22all her friends, every single thing.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Her life.- Her whole single life, everything is here.- Yeah.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We moved in and we didn't have anything at all, one chair,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32a cardboard box, that's all we had.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Although Sharon and her mum may have started with very little,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39it's clear the house means an awful lot to them,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41and they've really made it their home,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43even though it's not always been easy.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It's been quite stressful, obviously, because Mum...
0:04:47 > 0:04:48..can't do a lot at her age, obviously,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51you know, so a lot of it's been down to me.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I've been brought up with a single-parent family,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58so she did everything, that's why I hope to have this done.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03As the house hadn't been maintained for nearly half a century,
0:05:03 > 0:05:05it was in quite a state.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Finally, fearing for her mum's health,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Sharon contacted the council to ask for help,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and work began to put things right.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19We've literally re-plastered, and new woodwork everywhere,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21new kitchen, new bathroom, everything.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25It's clear their efforts have made a real difference,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28not just to the property, but to Sharon, too.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31And now that the council's home improvements are nearly finished,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33it's time for Sharon to start tackling
0:05:33 > 0:05:37the tricky task of deciding on the decorating.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39And that would tie nicely in with the grey there, won't it?
0:05:39 > 0:05:41That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure...
0:05:41 > 0:05:44'She's just a bit unsure on her colour choices'
0:05:44 > 0:05:46of her walls and her carpets, and everything,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50so I suggested that she came to the property
0:05:50 > 0:05:53to get a sneak preview of what we've been up to, as well.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56I love it, even without any paint on the walls!
0:05:56 > 0:05:57THEY LAUGH
0:05:58 > 0:06:02But it's not just Sharon who's enjoying the experience.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04What colour are we going for in here?
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- This one?- Yeah.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11Normally, in the major refurbishment side of things,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15we don't really get any interaction with tenants, to be truthful.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19We get the property as the keys are being handed in, empty -
0:06:19 > 0:06:22we never really get to see who moves in afterwards,
0:06:22 > 0:06:26so to actually deal with someone whose home it is,
0:06:26 > 0:06:27it's great.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Looking to see where furniture goes.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It's all right, she's not doing a rain dance!
0:06:32 > 0:06:33THEY LAUGH
0:06:33 > 0:06:36'We've got to know Sharon and the family,'
0:06:36 > 0:06:41so we know what they like, and they've, in a way, done us a favour,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43letting us get in and do the work.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Now that the property is in a good condition,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50it will provide a safe and healthy place to live,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52not only for this tenancy, but for those in the future.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- Looking good. I'm so glad you like it.- Yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59For now, Sharon and her mum are looking forward to moving back in,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02and turning their newly-updated house back into their home.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06It'll mean everything to her when we come back cos her whole life's here,
0:07:06 > 0:07:09like the church over there, all her friends, you know.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10So, yeah.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14She can't wait to come back.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Neither can I!
0:07:17 > 0:07:20We'll be catching up a little bit later,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22when Sharon and her mum have moved back in.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24We've come back now to see how we've changed her lifestyle
0:07:24 > 0:07:26and her attitude towards the property.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27Hiya! Come on in.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29So hopefully all's going to be well.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Antisocial behaviour can have a huge effect on you, your home
0:07:41 > 0:07:43and the local community.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Whether it's rubbish dumped on your doorstep
0:07:45 > 0:07:47or rowdy behaviour from neighbours,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50it's often the housing officers that are first on the scene
0:07:50 > 0:07:52to try and resolve the problem,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55usually by good old-fashioned detective work and peace-making.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02'Today I'm in West Malling, Kent,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05'accompanying Shola and Nic from Hyde Housing Association
0:08:05 > 0:08:07'on a visit to a local housing scheme.'
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Hope you've all got your seatbelts on!
0:08:11 > 0:08:14'We're off to investigate reports of some worrying activities
0:08:14 > 0:08:15'on the estate.'
0:08:16 > 0:08:20This is one of our schemes that was developed and handed back to us
0:08:20 > 0:08:22about 2007.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25So, why are we going there today - is there a specific reason?
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Last week, our colleagues in property services -
0:08:28 > 0:08:31this is the team who deal with our repairs and maintenance -
0:08:31 > 0:08:33picked up on a couple of issues.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Signs that we had someone who was rough-sleeping in the communal area.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40So when you say communal area, is this a hallway - where is it?
0:08:40 > 0:08:45This is within a block, it's an entrance hall, it's the stairwells,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49it's underneath the stairwell, and it's on different landings as well,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51so it is affecting people as they come and go from the block.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I mean, there's no responsibility, as far as Hyde is concerned,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56towards the individual,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58but that person might need a little bit of help and support.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Is that something that you do,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02or would you leave that down to the local authority?
0:09:02 > 0:09:06One of the things we do pick up on in our job as housing officers
0:09:06 > 0:09:08and being a social landlord, is signposts,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- and people who have varying levels of vulnerabilities.- Yeah.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We do a lot of that, signposting people to agencies
0:09:14 > 0:09:15where they can get the support.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20It's reckoned there are more than double the number of rough sleepers
0:09:20 > 0:09:22on our streets compared to 2010.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Rising rents and house prices and Government cuts to services
0:09:26 > 0:09:28are often cited as reasons for this rise,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30but clearly, bedding down in a stairwell
0:09:30 > 0:09:33is not going to be a long-term solution for anyone.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39But before Shola and Nic can offer any assistance
0:09:39 > 0:09:42to the mystery rough sleeper, they're going to have to find them.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44The initial signs aren't good.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47In fact, they're downright disturbing.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53A bit of paper there, someone's written...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55what appears to be "drugs" on there.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00Someone's just taken a sheet of A4, and written the word "drugs" on it.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01So, why would they do that?
0:10:01 > 0:10:05That, for me, has possible concern that there is somebody
0:10:05 > 0:10:08who is actually dealing drugs in here, and this is an indication,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11because as you see yourself there's a lot of entrances,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14so it could actually be an indicator that this is the block.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15It's not very subtle, is it?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It's not very subtle, but equally,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20it could be a frustrated resident indicating there are concerns
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- that there's drugs.- That this is where they're selling drugs? OK.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25So, this isn't a Hyde notice,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and despite them not wanting us to remove it, we will be.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33'Either way, it does back up Shola and Nic's concerns
0:10:33 > 0:10:36'about antisocial behaviour here on the estate,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38'and after that rather sinister welcome,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41'we can start our hunt for our reported rough sleeper.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43'Nic thinks she might have found a clue.'
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Has it been gummed up?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It has got something in it, which would imply...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54This is weird, isn't it, because you can't get access to this now?
0:10:54 > 0:10:56No - you can see there's something
0:10:56 > 0:10:58that looks like it's been pushed in there.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Bit of paper or something.- Yeah. - Someone's calling this home.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04But then if you've fitted a lock on the other side,
0:11:04 > 0:11:05and you were in there...
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Oh, hello.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10So something was definitely in the way, then.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- OK, well, this is... - It's interesting, isn't it?
0:11:13 > 0:11:15So, the light's jammed on.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18'Well, it hasn't shed any light on our search,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21'but as we continue looking around the estate for the rough sleeper...'
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Letterboxes have been vandalised.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28'..we discover more evidence of that antisocial behaviour.'
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Someone's clearly dumped that.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33So what's the process of picking this stuff up?
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Is there a regular inspection of these areas,
0:11:36 > 0:11:40or does it just happen as and when somebody calls something in?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42We have got...
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Well, we do spot checks, but in addition to that,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46we've got quarterly block inspections,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49so once every three months, we're out here,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52our residents know the date when we come and do a general inspection
0:11:52 > 0:11:54of the entire block from top to bottom.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57I mean, there's a few bits that need their attention.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01'The hunt for our rough sleeper continues.'
0:12:02 > 0:12:03What's going on there, then?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07I mean, this is locked, it seems to be locked.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08It seems to be secure.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10It seems to be, so that's reassuring.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Well, you'd be going well to sleep in there.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27'But as we move on to the next block, we turn up more evidence...'
0:12:27 > 0:12:28What are they?
0:12:30 > 0:12:32'..which may relate to that rather disconcerting notice
0:12:32 > 0:12:34'that we found earlier.'
0:12:35 > 0:12:36These are strange, aren't they?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39These look like these little glowsticks, or something.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Quite worrying that they've been burnt.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- They're burnt on one end.- Yeah.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- What's all that about?- Again, that can be an indicator of drug use.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51If they're burning, they can use that to mix it,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53so we have, obviously...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57where we see teaspoons and evidence of teaspoons being burnt,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00sometimes we get other bits that have been used to move it.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03'This estate is home to many families,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05'and you can see why Nic and Shola are so concerned
0:13:05 > 0:13:07'by what they've discovered.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10'There's still the elusive rough sleeper to track down, as well.'
0:13:11 > 0:13:14So, I mean, there's no bed here,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17there's no evidence of anybody living here right now.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18They're probably moving bays.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Moving from one to the next, maybe? - Yeah.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26What we will do, we'll door-knock and speak to a couple of residents
0:13:26 > 0:13:29to try and find out a little bit more about what their experience is,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33if anyone IS found here, then whereabouts they might be.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36A bit of detective work, Shola, going on here.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40'And, later on, our detective work might be paying off.'
0:13:41 > 0:13:45There was a man, I think, who was living in the bin shed.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52Earlier, in Stroud,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55we saw how housing officers were faced with repairing a property
0:13:55 > 0:13:57after 40 years of neglect.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It was very damp, and a lot of the woodwork was rotten,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04so as soon as they started trying to do anything,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06it was just falling apart.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08And despite the condition of their home,
0:14:08 > 0:14:13tenants Sharon and her mum had found themselves suffering in silence.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16They're a lovely family, but I think they've never really reported issues
0:14:16 > 0:14:18with the property, so I think they always thought
0:14:18 > 0:14:20that they were going to lose their home,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23and so they kept quiet about some of the problems that they had,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25where they needn't have.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27The house was in need of total renovation,
0:14:27 > 0:14:31and the council wasted no time getting to grips with repairs.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It means loads to me, but it's for my mum more.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Everything for my mum.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Now Elaine is back with Mark, a contractor, to check on progress.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43Even though work continues on the roof,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45they're hoping to see some real progress indoors.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47From the start to where we are now,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50it's probably taken six weeks in total -
0:14:50 > 0:14:52that's for total refurbishment inside.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56I've seen every step of the transformation taking place,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58also been working closely with Sharon,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01so that she's sort of gaining trust in us
0:15:01 > 0:15:04that she is coming back to the property.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07We've come back now to see how it's changed her lifestyle
0:15:07 > 0:15:09and her attitude towards the property,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11so hopefully all's going to be well.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Sharon and her mum were initially nervous of approaching the council
0:15:16 > 0:15:20for help, worried they might lose their home if they made a fuss.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22They seem a lot happier now.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24We're still lucky the house is lovely, aren't we?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Yes, we are. It's much better now.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27After what it was like.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- All that mould and cracks in the walls.- Yeah.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- It's all gone.- Nothing for you to fall over now, either, is there?
0:15:34 > 0:15:35No, there isn't, nothing at all.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- It was terrible, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42It's clear they can't wait to show off their new home.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Hiya! Come on in.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Thank you!- Thank you.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52All right? How's it going?
0:15:52 > 0:15:53It's going well, really well.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56- We're really pleased.- Good.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- Mum especially.- Yeah?
0:15:59 > 0:16:02The most obvious change is in the kitchen.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05Didn't have any cupboards to put anything in,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07didn't have any surfaces to put anything on,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11there was massive great cracks in the floor, so...
0:16:11 > 0:16:12It was quite dangerous to walk around,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15and Mum was struggling not to fall over in here.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Got the washing machine underneath the sink.- Yeah.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- Cos that wasn't in here, either. - No, that's right, yeah.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22At the time that was stuck out there,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24which was really difficult, as well,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27and all the windowsills just falling apart,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30and all the stuff was just, like, coming out of the walls.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- All the insulation.- Onto the sink, and stuff like that, as well,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35it was just really, really horrible.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Yeah. And your mum's all fine with it?
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Yeah, she loves it, she's just a bit shy, and she just...
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Yeah.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46The house has had a complete renovation.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Oh, you've got this nice, Sharon, in here.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- Yeah. Now I've got a few pictures up, and...- Yeah.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53The living room, which once resembled a building site,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56now looks more like a place you'd be proud to call home.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- It looks quite nice, doesn't it? - It's lovely.- Yeah. It looks good.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01The scale of the renovations has been enormous,
0:17:01 > 0:17:03from the paintwork to the carpets.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Sharon had been nervous her mum
0:17:05 > 0:17:07wouldn't be happy moving out while the work was carried out,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10but with Elaine and the council's support,
0:17:10 > 0:17:11things seem to have worked out well.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It took a lot to persuade her.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15But once I persuaded her
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- as soon as we got back, everything would be great...- Yeah.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20..and now she's back, she loves it.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Oh, fantastic news.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Fantastic.- Yeah.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26And the good news continues in the bathroom.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Oh, this is looking good, isn't it?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Yeah.- It was really bad before.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Yeah, yeah, I remember the black mould and everything, yeah -
0:17:32 > 0:17:34all running down the walls.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36It was really, really bad. We didn't have a shower, either.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41Once again, it's Mum who seems to be enjoying the changes most.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43She loves the bath, the new bath, and stuff.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- So it really has made a hell of a lot of difference.- Good.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Usually renovation jobs like this one
0:17:49 > 0:17:51are fairly straightforward affairs,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53but sometimes councils have to recognise
0:17:53 > 0:17:55that just like every property,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58every resident who lives inside is different.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Normally these types of jobs, we don't get involved with the tenants.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05The tenants move in after we've done our bits and pieces,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09so, we don't ever get to meet the tenants like we have on this one.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- It's changed our lives a lot, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Just for the better, really.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Of course it has.- Totally, yeah. - And we can have our mates in.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Before that we weren't that keen, because the place was such a tip.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22You know, so it's everything to us now.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- It has changed our life a lot. - It has.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- That looks nice in there, very nice. - Yeah.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29And really, it's a credit to the council
0:18:29 > 0:18:31for spending the money on the property.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- It makes you feel a lot happier, doesn't it?- Yeah, it does.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Couldn't wish for a better outcome - it's made their lives better.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39All been done fantastic.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43I don't have to worry about her having accidents in here
0:18:43 > 0:18:45and falling over and stuff like that now.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Going from somewhere which was so bad...
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- ..to this is a total transformation for me and Mum.- Mmm.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58We couldn't have expected any better, or wish for more, really.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Defending our right to a safe place to live
0:19:05 > 0:19:08is the job of housing officers right across the UK.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Fire service turned up, didn't they?
0:19:10 > 0:19:12There was no need for them!
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- There WAS a fire.- There was not!
0:19:15 > 0:19:18I'm working alongside the men and women that do exactly that.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20This one's the worst that I've seen.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23The amount of mould is quite shocking, actually.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Hitting the streets...
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Hello?- ..finding out what's happening on the front line...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Warrants have been issued and they can be enforced.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34..as we make sure a house is a fit place to call a home.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35That one there?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- Oh, look at that! - There's another one.- Yeah.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41I now have got somewhere I can call home, and it's permanent.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43That's got to be a good thing.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Not having any neighbours might be some people's idea of heaven,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55but living next door to an empty house
0:19:55 > 0:19:57can bring another set of problems.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00It's been reckoned that despite a desperate shortage of decent,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02affordable homes across the UK,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05there are a staggering 600,000 properties
0:20:05 > 0:20:07sitting empty in England alone.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12So, local councils are doing their best to get tough
0:20:12 > 0:20:14on derelict properties.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Here in Croydon, it's the job of dedicated empty homes officer
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Francis Burton to tackle the issue head-on.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Hi, Francis.- Hi, Matt. Good to see you.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27How are you doing?
0:20:27 > 0:20:29I've been to a lot of different councils,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32and I don't think I've ever met one of you!
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Somebody that just does what you do.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36They sometimes mix it up with other things.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38That's right, yeah - it's sometimes seen
0:20:38 > 0:20:40as an environmental health officer's role as well
0:20:40 > 0:20:42to take care of empties.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Is that because there are more empty properties here,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48or because there is a greater need than there is
0:20:48 > 0:20:51in other parts of the country, or is it a mixture of the both?
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The role sits within the housing department,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and it recognises that an empty property is a wasted resource,
0:20:57 > 0:21:01and so Croydon said we need somebody within the housing department
0:21:01 > 0:21:04to locate these properties, negotiate with the owner,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06if they can be traced, and bring the properties back into use.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08So it's a housing-driven service.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12With more than 2,000 people currently living
0:21:12 > 0:21:14in temporary accommodation in Croydon alone...
0:21:15 > 0:21:17..top of the hit list for Francis today
0:21:17 > 0:21:21is a terraced house in an appalling state of disrepair.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23This is one that's been empty for a number of years.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25If I just said to you,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27"OK, what do you see immediately wrong with that property?"
0:21:27 > 0:21:32Seen a lot of properties, but this one looks the least lived-in.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34The roof looks in need of repair in all the places
0:21:34 > 0:21:37where it's going to cause problems inside the property.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41It's either been burnt out or had the windows smashed at the top here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Have I spotted most of it?
0:21:43 > 0:21:45One of the things that concerns me is this crack
0:21:45 > 0:21:47going through the lintel above the door.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49It does extend all the way up to the party wall.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52So, it certainly needs investigation,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55but that looks like a big structural question mark.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- That's right. Yes. - It would need to be addressed
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- before you can even think of getting anyone near that place.- Yeah.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05'There have been complaints from neighbours
0:22:05 > 0:22:07'about the state of the property,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09'and as we arrive, it's not hard to see why.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11'It stands out like a sore thumb.'
0:22:14 > 0:22:18And you can see, it's a lovely road.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- I mean, who wouldn't want to live here?- Yeah.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29'Empty properties like this one aren't just a wasted resource -
0:22:29 > 0:22:32'they can rapidly become a blight on the lives of the whole neighbourhood
0:22:32 > 0:22:35'and it seems Francis isn't the only one at the council
0:22:35 > 0:22:37'having to deal with the fallout here.'
0:22:41 > 0:22:42One of the other things -
0:22:42 > 0:22:46you'll notice empty properties tend to attract a lot of fly-tipping,
0:22:46 > 0:22:51which is why we've got the team here from the neighbourhood safety team,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54who are here to deal with the fly-tipping.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56What have you found so far?
0:22:56 > 0:22:57At the moment, it's household items,
0:22:57 > 0:23:01so we haven't been able to identify specifically where it's come from.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05So, what we're going to do now is we'll call out to our contractors
0:23:05 > 0:23:07and ask them to come and collect it,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10so they'll collect it within the next 48 hours.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- I'm going to let you do that. Is that all right?- Yeah, I don't mind.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Don't take it... I haven't got gloves.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17No, it's fine. You hold on to those.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19They're yours. Cheers!
0:23:21 > 0:23:24You should never share another man's gloves. Maybe next time, eh?
0:23:24 > 0:23:25This is a clear example, though,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28of the need for Francis' specialist role.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32This empty house has already attracted antisocial behaviour,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34and if you times that by the estimated 900
0:23:34 > 0:23:37other unused properties in the area,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40you can see why the council's so keen to tackle the problem.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Which brings us back to this property.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45It's a heart-breaking sight.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49This was probably once a much-loved and well-cared-for family home.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51But now it's not just neglected -
0:23:51 > 0:23:54it could actually be putting lives at risk.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57So, the path is relatively OK.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58We're safe on the path.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Yeah. Although there are a danger of tiles falling off
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- in this corner here.- Right.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06So you do need to be a bit careful,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10and probably here is about as far as it's safe to go.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Yeah, look, there's one on the floor there.- Yeah.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15If I was that one, I'd be really quite concerned about this,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17cos you can see - it looks like the house
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- is actually starting to depart from that party wall.- That's right.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Fortunately, if an owner's unwilling or unable to bring an empty property
0:24:28 > 0:24:31back into use, or it's causing a nuisance to neighbours,
0:24:31 > 0:24:35councils have the power to buy it with or without their permission,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38and Francis is already on the case.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41It's already been approved for compulsory purchase.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46The papers are currently with external solicitors
0:24:46 > 0:24:48to make sure that I've ticked all the boxes,
0:24:48 > 0:24:50and everything is in place.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53That should come back within two weeks or so,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55so that everyone is alerted to the fact
0:24:55 > 0:24:58that the property is going to be compulsory-purchased
0:24:58 > 0:25:00on a particular date in the future.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05So, hopefully, it won't be too long before the council can get stuck in
0:25:05 > 0:25:09to turning this sad wreck back into a much-needed family home.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- The ball's rolling, effectively, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Notices have got to go in, and make that a place people can live again.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Well, that property remains sealed.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Unfortunately, the fly-tipping is continuing,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27but so is the enforcement action,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30so hopefully there should be some resolution in sight.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41With more than 1.2 million people on the social housing waiting list
0:25:41 > 0:25:44in England alone, it's clear that demand for affordable housing
0:25:44 > 0:25:46is still outstripping supply.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50For those tenants in need of accommodation,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52they can apply to be on a local housing register,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and then bid online for a vacant property.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Whether they're successful depends very much on their circumstances.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03Today in Wiltshire,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05housing officer Belinda Eastland
0:26:05 > 0:26:08is meeting a young couple to assess their suitability
0:26:08 > 0:26:11for a brand-new property that's just become available.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16So, today we're off to visit Ashley and Richard,
0:26:16 > 0:26:21who are looking for a house closer to Ashley's mother.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Ashley's feeling rather isolated where she is.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29She needs her support network around her, and I do know that they've been
0:26:29 > 0:26:31through a difficult time.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35For some reason or other, they were faced with homelessness, and Ashley,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39despite being ill at the time,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41chose this property that they're living in now,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43which they've only been in four months,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46because she was worried about becoming homeless,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48but it's not really worked out for her here.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50So, we're going to talk that through today.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Ashley and her partner Richard are expecting their first child,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and need a bigger property.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59But with a baby due in a few weeks,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01and the possibility of a house move on the cards,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Belinda wants to check that a relocation
0:27:04 > 0:27:06won't be too stressful for the couple.
0:27:06 > 0:27:07Hello, White Horse Housing.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- Come in.- Thank you.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11So, thank you for meeting with me today.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12That's all right.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15It's a result of you having been matched
0:27:15 > 0:27:18on the Homes for Wiltshire system to this two-bed property
0:27:18 > 0:27:20which you bid for.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Looking through the application form,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25obviously I can see that you've had mental health problems.
0:27:25 > 0:27:26- Yeah.- But you're...
0:27:26 > 0:27:28I'm assuming you're feeling well at the moment,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- cos you're still working? - This week!- Yeah, OK.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Yeah, a lot of people think, always say to me,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37"You work, so you can't be poorly."
0:27:37 > 0:27:38But believe it or not,
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- it's working that balances me out a lot of the time.- Yeah.- Mm-hmm.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43And what's your diagnosis, exactly?
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- They say bipolar...- Yeah.- ..but obviously, there's a lot more tests
0:27:48 > 0:27:50and things that you have to go through.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56So, in terms of how your housing is going to improve your health,
0:27:56 > 0:28:00I'm assuming it's because you're going to be back closer to your mum.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01- Yes.- Closer to the support network.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Yeah.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05My greatest thing is support.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07And the thought of being on maternity
0:28:07 > 0:28:10an hour away from the family, I mean, some people might say,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- "Well, it's an hour," but I don't drive, so it's, you know...- Yeah.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- And I think it's five buses to get there.- Oh, my goodness.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- From here?- Yeah!- OK.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23With no fast or easy way to get to her mum's,
0:28:23 > 0:28:27it's no wonder that Ashley's been left feeling a little bit lonely.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Belinda's also concerned by signs
0:28:29 > 0:28:32that the couple haven't really settled in their current home.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35So, Ashley, I'm sitting here, looking around,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37and I can see no carpets on the floor.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- I can see an upended sofa.- Mm-hmm.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42I can see stuff in boxes.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44What is it that's going on?
0:28:44 > 0:28:47How come you've not unpacked here, and settled?
0:28:47 > 0:28:49There isn't room for anything, for starters.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- Obviously there's no room to put our second sofa in.- Mm-hmm.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56But things are in boxes because we literally have nowhere to put it.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58And how do you think you're going to cope?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Obviously, I can see you're about to have a baby!
0:29:00 > 0:29:01Mm-hmm.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04So, you're in this one-bedroom flat,
0:29:04 > 0:29:07clearly not big enough for you once the baby comes along,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10What do you think will be in place for you then?
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Obviously you've got the health team through the midwives.- Yeah.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- Oh, that's good.- They offer support. - OK.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- My mum, my sister, are the main people I need.- Yeah.
0:29:18 > 0:29:19- Definitely.- OK.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- And Richard.- OK.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22- Yeah.- Right.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Now that Belinda has put her mind at rest,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28they can begin to think about the new house,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30assuming their application goes to plan.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Speaking of which...
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- I have actually brought some plans today...- OK.- ..which I can show you,
0:29:37 > 0:29:40and give you a bit of a better idea of the property.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44So, just two of the homes are ours, and therefore rented, OK?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Yeah.- Is it a shell, or are there things put in there?
0:29:47 > 0:29:52- No, there will only be flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms.- Mm-hmm.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- So, you've got a whole house to carpet.- Yes.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57The thing is, we can save up for them - that's fine.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01But you've got other priorities, anyway, haven't you?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03You've got the rent to think about, the council tax,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05you've got the utility bills.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07- You know, they're your priorities, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- So that you can remain in the house. - Which we're very good at managing.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- That's one thing we are good with - rent and council tax.- Yeah.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Everything's marked up on a bit of paper.- Yeah.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19I can see that you're working well together,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22and... You know, you desperately want this to work, don't you,
0:30:22 > 0:30:24and you desperately want to keep the tenancy of that home?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- We do!- Yeah, OK.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28I don't want to get your hopes up,
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- because the final decision isn't mine to make.- Yeah.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34We'll have to wait. We'll have to go through the assessment.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35How do you feel about that?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39I want to be excited, but I'm frightened too.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Hopefully I'll have good news, but we'll have to wait and see.- OK.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Well, it looks like the foundations are in place for a positive result,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50but the expecting couple will have to be patient
0:30:50 > 0:30:52for a little bit longer.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Thank you.- Bye.- Bye!
0:30:56 > 0:30:58'If Ashley and Richard are successful
0:30:58 > 0:31:00'in getting this property,'
0:31:00 > 0:31:02it will be a new start for them.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07I can see that, and that's the nice thing about this job, actually -
0:31:07 > 0:31:10being able to give people a new start.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Later on, we'll find out if Ashley and Richard's dream of a new home
0:31:15 > 0:31:17becomes reality.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26'I'm back in Kent with Hyde housing officers, Nic and Shola.'
0:31:26 > 0:31:28We've been searching for a reported rough sleeper
0:31:28 > 0:31:30here on this local estate.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32'So far, we've failed to find any signs
0:31:32 > 0:31:35'of where they might be sleeping, or even if they're here at all.'
0:31:35 > 0:31:37You'd be going well to sleep in there.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43But we have seen plenty of evidence of antisocial behaviour.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48Someone's just taken a sheet of A4, and written the word "drugs" on it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52'Rachel is a resident here on the estate,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55'and Nic and Shola are hoping she might be able to point us
0:31:55 > 0:31:56'in the right direction.'
0:31:57 > 0:31:59One of the reasons why we're here today, Rachel,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02it's been brought to our attention that it looks like
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- we've got a rough sleeper in one of the...- That's right, yeah.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07In one of the cupboards. So, we're not sure which one it is.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09We've been opening them up,
0:32:09 > 0:32:10and there've been signs as we've gone along.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Have you actually seen...?
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- Once, I saw the man.- Ah.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18It was a man, I think, that was living in the bin shed...
0:32:18 > 0:32:19- Ah.- ..opposite where I am.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Did you recognise this person? - No. Never seen him before.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- Is it something you'd never seen? - Never seen him before, no.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28But there is signs - like you've said, I've seen signs myself.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33'So, there we have it - confirmation there is a rough sleeper on site,
0:32:33 > 0:32:37'and Rachel's also got information about the antisocial behaviour.'
0:32:37 > 0:32:40They have a lot of young children that come along and play,
0:32:40 > 0:32:44and think it's fun to be smashing up people's letterboxes, and stuff.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- We noticed a lot of damage to the communal letterboxes.- Yeah.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49But they don't live in this estate.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Do you know why they come on this estate?
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Just for fun, really, cos there's a lot of litter.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58People dump their fridges, their beds in the bins, and it's really...
0:32:58 > 0:33:00It does make us quite angry, actually.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- Do you...?- But they've been there a long time.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05There's, like, a cooker in there, that's been there for over a year.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- OK.- It just doesn't go.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09None of the stuff ever leaves.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12The other thing that we've got reports of
0:33:12 > 0:33:14is that there's been drug use.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Oh, that's quite common, actually.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19There's quite a lot of people that smoke weed,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21and smoke outside the back.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24'So, our chat with Rachel has been really useful.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27'Housing officers can't do it by themselves.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29'It's only by working with tenants
0:33:29 > 0:33:31'that life on this estate is going to improve.'
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I got the feeling that there WAS a sense of pride there,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37or there was at least a sense that she wanted to make things better,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39which was really refreshing, wasn't it?
0:33:39 > 0:33:43But, regrettably, you don't find that cuts across all residents.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45You could find it among a certain group of residents,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48and other groups of residents may not necessarily want to know.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49And what we...
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Our aim as landlords is to actually make sure as many people
0:33:52 > 0:33:54actually abide by that culture.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57'Now we can follow up on that lead
0:33:57 > 0:34:00'about where the rough sleeper has been spotted.'
0:34:00 > 0:34:01I tell you what,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04- I wouldn't mind having a look in that cupboard there.- Yeah.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06We can have a look.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Cos that looks like it's had the lock broken off it.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10Is that the bin cupboard again?
0:34:11 > 0:34:13HINGES SQUEAK LOUDLY
0:34:15 > 0:34:17It's a right pickle, isn't it?
0:34:18 > 0:34:20'We may not have found the rough sleeper,
0:34:20 > 0:34:21'but we have found something else.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24'More evidence of antisocial behaviour - fly-tipping.'
0:34:27 > 0:34:28So, this has really built up, hasn't it?
0:34:28 > 0:34:30This is floor to ceiling, almost, isn't it?
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Yeah.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Stuff has just been chucked here.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Yeah, we've got tellies here, we've got a bed base...
0:34:38 > 0:34:40Duvet. Pram.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45Well, there's a big clue to who could be responsible for this.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- Can you see it?- Have we got a label on a box somewhere?
0:34:48 > 0:34:49No.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53Come on, this is where you've got to use your detective skills here.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56'To be honest, I'd say the writing's on the wall.'
0:34:57 > 0:34:58Come on, then.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04So there, on the wall, we can see somebody being thoroughly dobbed in.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09We've got the name and the number of the flat, and not very politely,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12being asked to put the bags in the bin, expletive.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15Er...
0:35:15 > 0:35:16Yeah.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18It's like putting together a jigsaw.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21What's that?
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- Oh, that was very good.- Thank you.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- Just seen what you did there. - Thank you!
0:35:25 > 0:35:26Tragic, really!
0:35:28 > 0:35:30'And we've still got a piece missing from the puzzle.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32'We haven't managed to track down our rough sleeper.'
0:35:34 > 0:35:36If I was going to be sleeping rough,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39I'd probably choose cycle store over bin store.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- I think.- Don't fancy the smell. - Don't fancy the smell at all.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45'Today hasn't been a total waste of time.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47'Shola and Nic are leaving with plenty of information
0:35:47 > 0:35:50'that could help improve life for residents like Rachel.'
0:35:52 > 0:35:54We've got lots of different issues here.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56We've got the litter, we've got the debris,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58we've got the build-up of rubbish in the bin stores
0:35:58 > 0:35:59that we need to deal with.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02We've got some of the locks damaged, we've got repair issues,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05we've got stuff building up in communal areas.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07We want people to feel proud about where they live,
0:36:07 > 0:36:08and so we need to be getting on top of this.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12We'll also be able to find out a bit more about what the lady was saying,
0:36:12 > 0:36:13about the drug activity,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16so we can start addressing that, and dealing with that.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20By having relationships and getting to know the people on the estate,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22it will help us get more information.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Well, good detective work, team.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26I think we've been Starsky and Hutch,
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- and I don't know what I am!- Yes!
0:36:28 > 0:36:29Huggy Bear!
0:36:29 > 0:36:33'Whatever I am, it's good to know that these two are on the case.'
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Well, despite those efforts, the rough sleeper was never found,
0:36:41 > 0:36:42but after the visit,
0:36:42 > 0:36:46repairs have been made and new doors installed to improve security.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Hyde have also been working with residents
0:36:48 > 0:36:50to help improve life on the estate,
0:36:50 > 0:36:54including better ways to report incidents of antisocial behaviour,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57especially where they involve drugs.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00All of that, hopefully, will help improve life for everyone there.
0:37:06 > 0:37:07Back in Wiltshire,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10housing officer Belinda Eastland was working with young couple
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Ashley and Richard.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14They're about to become parents, and have been waiting to find out
0:37:14 > 0:37:16if they can move to a brand-new home
0:37:16 > 0:37:19before the impending arrival of their new child.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I can see that you're working well together,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25and you know, you desperately want this to work, don't you?
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Definitely.- I don't want to get your hopes up, because the final decision
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- isn't mine to make.- Yeah.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Well, four weeks later, and the wait is over.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Belinda's been given the green light,
0:37:36 > 0:37:39and she's off to meet the couple to show them their new home.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43'Today's the day that we can hand the keys to Richard and Ashley.'
0:37:43 > 0:37:45This is one of the best days for me -
0:37:45 > 0:37:50where you've been to see households who are in dire need of re-housing,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54and then you get to this day where you're actually giving them keys.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57You're not just giving them keys to this house -
0:37:57 > 0:38:00you've giving them keys to a safe, secure future.
0:38:01 > 0:38:02Hi, how are you feeling?
0:38:02 > 0:38:03SHE CHUCKLES
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- Nice to see you.- And you.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- Good day for you.- Yes.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- Hi, Richard. All right? - Yeah, not too bad, thank you.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11This is the day you get your house.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Yes! This has been a long wait.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Yeah. It's really exciting for us, as well.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20It will be great to actually, you know, hand it over to you.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22With a new arrival on the way,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24coupled with Ashley's health problems,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27it looks like this property may be the perfect way to provide
0:38:27 > 0:38:30the stability this couple desperately needs for the future.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- 14 minutes from Mum's place.- Yeah.
0:38:32 > 0:38:3414 minutes! Great, yeah!
0:38:34 > 0:38:36So she'll be a regular visitor, won't she?
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- Yes, she will.- How lovely to have her only 14 minutes away.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42I think you might need that, won't you, over the coming months?
0:38:42 > 0:38:43THEY CHUCKLE
0:38:43 > 0:38:46So, shall we go inside, then, and have a look?
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Yeah. Go for it. Welcome!
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Ashley and Richard have only ever seen the plans for the house.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54This will be the first time through the door.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00It looks like the first impressions are positive.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Outside, plenty of room.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07And how are you sorted for carpets?
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Cos obviously you've got concrete floor here.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11We've got the rugs, haven't we?
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- You're going to put rugs down till you can afford it?- Yeah.- OK.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- Only a couple of weeks.- That's the worst thing we've got to tackle.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22And the kitchen, I mean, that's just got everything we need in it.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- I don't think I've ever had a larder that big.- Aah!
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Well, the downstairs seems to have gone down well,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30and the good news continues upstairs.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32It's just nice to know that we're not going to be
0:39:32 > 0:39:35with a baby in the old property.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38And there's my favourite part - the heated towel rails.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41I know that's slightly embarrassing to get excited about but that is...
0:39:43 > 0:39:44This will be the baby's room.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Yeah, absolutely!
0:39:46 > 0:39:47And Richard's girls when they come to stay.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51- Yeah. Yeah. So we'll get a bunk bed in here, I should imagine...- Mm-hmm.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54..with a nice little wardrobe.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Beautiful-sized, as well.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58It looked a lot smaller on the plan.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59This is our bedroom.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- Go on, Ash! - HE CHUCKLES
0:40:06 > 0:40:08That's just amazing! I know, I know.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- It goes all the way to the end, look.- Yeah.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14I don't think we could buy enough clothes to fill that!
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Oh, you don't need to worry about that - you've got a baby coming!
0:40:17 > 0:40:21With the tour complete, there's just the matter of the paperwork.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Richard and Ashley will begin life in this home as starter tenants,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26and all being well, they'll become eligible for a full,
0:40:26 > 0:40:29assured tenancy in 12 months' time.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31So, what we've got to do now is sign the tenancy agreement.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- OK.- So...
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Give me some money, and then I'll let you sign it!
0:40:35 > 0:40:40- There you go.- I've never been so happy to give away nearly £600!
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Thank you so much. Well, we're happy to give you the house.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44So, you need to sign those.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45So, you're down here.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47So, if you go top line, Ashley, Richard, go underneath.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52Kind of!
0:40:55 > 0:40:57At least yours stays the same, like.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I'm signing on behalf of White Horse Housing now.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03It's absolutely fantastic being so close to everything,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- and, erm...- Mm-hmm.- ..this has finished so well, hasn't it?
0:41:06 > 0:41:07Hasn't it just?
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Belinda's work here is done.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Now it's up to Ashley and Richard.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Keep well, then.- Thank you.- See you soon.- Thank you, Belinda.- Take care.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20New baby on the way, new home.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22You can understand if they're a bit overawed.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- I don't know what to do first! - Neither do I!
0:41:25 > 0:41:26THEY LAUGH
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- Maybe sort things out, like. - Yeah, that's probably a good idea.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Front door there. Patio doors there.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- There's hundreds of them! - I know - five shed keys.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Six patio door keys!
0:41:38 > 0:41:41We wish them the very best of luck together.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44Close to my mum, close to my sister, close to work.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46It's easy to see a future here, isn't it?
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- Close to a supermarket. - Oh, my, yeah! Absolutely!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- Yeah.- It's quiet.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54It's perfect.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56It genuinely couldn't be any better.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59I don't think you could imagine anything any better, could you?
0:41:59 > 0:42:00No.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Ashley needed something like this to pick her up and get her back
0:42:03 > 0:42:05on track again.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I can see a big improvement in her.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10It was lovely today when she actually said to me
0:42:10 > 0:42:12that she feels balanced.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13So, this is what we've done.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15We offered her a beautiful home.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18She's now got the foundation to build the rest of her life.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20She feels balanced.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21She feels happy.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23And that's why we're here - that's what we do.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28We give people opportunities that they wouldn't otherwise get.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31If I was going to put a scale on it, out of ten,
0:42:31 > 0:42:32I'd be ten, happy-wise.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33Definitely.
0:42:34 > 0:42:3511!
0:42:35 > 0:42:37THEY LAUGH
0:42:37 > 0:42:38It's magic.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47Well, the good news continued for Ashley and Richard.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49After moving in, a baby girl,
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Lottie Skye Betty Harris, was born just before Christmas,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55weighing 7lbs 9oz.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59Mother, father and new daughter are all doing well in their new home.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07That's it for today, but join me again next time,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10when I'll be back on the front line with the Housing Enforcers.