0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's difficult to imagine calling this a home.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06'Everyone deserves a safe place to live.'
0:00:06 > 0:00:08So, that's a dead rat.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11'But with rents rising and demand increasing,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15'it's getting harder and harder to find a secure place to call home.'
0:00:15 > 0:00:19You can actually see the floorboards of the bathroom there.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20There's clear evidence here.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- There's someone living down here. - Yeah.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26'I'm Matt Allwright and I'm back with the housing enforcers.'
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Someone nicked your wheelchair?
0:00:27 > 0:00:30'I'm on the front line with those fighting for the right to decent housing.'
0:00:30 > 0:00:32The amount of mould is quite shocking.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Happiest residents of this property are the rats.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40'As local councils and housing associations battle problem properties in slum conditions...'
0:00:40 > 0:00:44It is just a scene of Dickensian misery.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47It absolutely pen and inks.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49'..as they deal with dodgy landlords...'
0:00:49 > 0:00:51SHOUTING
0:00:51 > 0:00:52'..nightmare neighbours...'
0:00:52 > 0:00:54There's a good chance that people will be getting evicted.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56'..and everything in between...'
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Does feel like we are close to the bottom of the housing ladder here.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03'..to help those in need of a happy and healthy home.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:06If there's something strange in your neighbourhood,
0:01:06 > 0:01:07who you gonna call?
0:01:12 > 0:01:17'Today I'm taking to the air to meet the tenants living the island life.'
0:01:17 > 0:01:20I'm not kidding, these are three of the loveliest properties
0:01:20 > 0:01:23I think I've seen. These are stunning.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26'Tracking down a rough sleeper could be a matter of life and death.'
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I'm actually worried about the people in this property.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32You imagine if they're having a few drinks, smoking,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35we could potentially have a fire here
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and it wouldn't be detected until it was really raging.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42An eviction reveals a property in a shocking condition.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44This is the bathroom over here.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46There is a lot of damage to the door.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49There is a disabled shower, that's got a lot of damage.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50Water everywhere.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55And I meet my match with one tenant in Gloucestershire.
0:01:55 > 0:01:56Do you ever sit and, you know,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58watch the ducks and sit and look at the canal?
0:01:58 > 0:02:00No, I haven't got to that stage!
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Finding a suitable place to call home for you and your family
0:02:10 > 0:02:11has never been harder.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Especially for those on a restricted budget.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19But low rent shouldn't mean your house doesn't live up to
0:02:19 > 0:02:23the same basic standards as everyone else's.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28Fortunately, there is a group of men and women who are out on
0:02:28 > 0:02:31the front line battling on your behalf
0:02:31 > 0:02:34against bad and dangerous living conditions.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36They are the housing enforcers.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Across the UK, there are nearly 5 million social housing properties
0:02:42 > 0:02:45providing much-needed roofs over the heads
0:02:45 > 0:02:47of families of all shapes and sizes.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49From city high-rises...
0:02:50 > 0:02:52..to semis in the suburbs...
0:02:52 > 0:02:55to some of the most far-flung corners of the British Isles.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03So, just another standard filming day on Housing Enforcers.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Nothing out of the ordinary at all.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09Except that I'm in Cornwall.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12About to board a plane.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16With housing maintenance officer Dave Hall.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- Hi, Dave, how are you?- I'm all right, how are you?- Good to see you.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- I'm very excited. - Welcome to Newquay.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Dave works for the Cornwall Rural Housing Association who aim
0:03:28 > 0:03:33to look after the needs of tenants down in this beautiful part of the map.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Today he's letting me join him on his rounds across to the Isles of Scilly,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40a place perhaps more famous for holidays than social housing.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Shall we?- I think they're waiting for us now.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45This is definitely not how I usually get to work.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48I'm betting there's not too many housing teams
0:03:48 > 0:03:51who have to jump on a plane to meet their tenants.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Normally the life of a housing officer
0:03:55 > 0:03:56is a lot less glamorous than this.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Once we've landed, though, transport becomes, well, much more basic.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15So, where's your car, then?
0:04:15 > 0:04:17There's no car. So, we're only five minutes away,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19so we'll just stroll down.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- Just going to walk there?- Yeah.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22OK. Let's go.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Let's do it.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28I suppose the exercise will help with the jet lag.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Look at this. Where else would you get to just stroll down the road
0:04:32 > 0:04:34to go and have a look at some properties?
0:04:34 > 0:04:36'Well, anywhere, really.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38'There's no doubt the scenery is very appealing,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41'but with lower than average wages and high property prices,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44'many locals struggle to find a home here.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47'That's why the 27 Housing Association properties
0:04:47 > 0:04:49'that Dave looks after are so vital.'
0:04:50 > 0:04:54'The first property we're inspecting demonstrates, though, that even if
0:04:54 > 0:04:56'you're lucky enough to find a house here,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59'it doesn't always guarantee a home for life.'
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- Dave from the Association. - Oh, hello.- How are you doing, mate?
0:05:03 > 0:05:04How are you doing?
0:05:04 > 0:05:06'The property is being vacated today
0:05:06 > 0:05:09'and the tenant's father is helping with the final clear up.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'We're checking to see that the place is left in a decent state for its new occupants.'
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- This gentleman's daughter's moving out.- Yeah.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- Or she's moved out.- She's gone. - She's gone now?- She went Monday.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- And...- Can I ask where she's gone?
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- Camborne.- She's gone to Camborne, so she's back to the mainland?
0:05:23 > 0:05:24- Is that right?- That's right.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Oh, I see, OK.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29My daughter, my granddaughter, rather,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32is going to attend the college at Camborne.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Right. Do you think she's going to come back after...?
0:05:35 > 0:05:36Come back? No.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- That's it, gone?- Gone.- Right.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40- OK.- That's the way it happens.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46It's a stark reminder that behind this almost fairy-tale scenery,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48residents of these beautiful islands
0:05:48 > 0:05:50are faced with some very real challenges.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52As we've seen first-hand,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55the Scilly Isles struggles to keep young people here.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00With only one secondary school and no college on the islands,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03they're often forced to leave to access further education
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and many don't return.
0:06:08 > 0:06:13But it sounds like there's no shortage of people in the queue for housing.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Is there a waiting list? Have you got people desperate for this?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18This has got somebody waiting to come in already.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21It's estimated there are more than 1.3 million households
0:06:21 > 0:06:24waiting for a social home in England alone,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27so it's no surprise this place has already been snapped up.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31But Dave and his team have guidelines on who might be eligible
0:06:31 > 0:06:33for the next one that becomes available.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36How does allocation of housing differ in somewhere like Scilly?
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Are you allocating on need,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40like other housing associations or other social housing?
0:06:40 > 0:06:42You're duty-bound to do that?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44We have to do that. There's all sorts of stipulations,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47so you have a local connection, a family connection,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51or you've lived on the islands for quite a long period of time or you're working.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55So, yeah, you've got to have a real strong connection.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59And that's the whole idea. We're a local housing association for
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- local people.- I can't just fly in?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Not a chance.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07But as the former tenant's father gathers her final possessions,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Dave's job now begins.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Preparing the property for its next phase.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Very interesting, the idea that he was saying people leave,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18people leave Scilly and don't come back.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21So it makes you wonder who's going to be here next,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23because this is a family house
0:07:23 > 0:07:25just waiting for somebody to take it over.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Interesting.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30But we've still got a busy day ahead of us
0:07:30 > 0:07:32with plenty more tenants for Dave to check up on.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We haven't got time to stand around and admire the surroundings.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Well, we've got a little bit of time.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40And that's one of yours as well?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Yes.- It's a Housing Association house?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45These are... These are ours.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Look at that.- These are the prettiest houses I've ever seen.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52I think these must be the most beautiful Housing Association houses in all of Britain.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57It's a far cry from what I'm used to investigating.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Single mum Claire Robson lives here with her family.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03How did you end up in this incredible,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05this incredible house on this incredible island?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09I was born here, my mum was born here as well.
0:08:09 > 0:08:16It took about two years to get this lovely house, of moving about.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17The people who lived here
0:08:17 > 0:08:21moved to the mainland, this house came up and I was high on the list.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I lived in lots of dodgy places.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I lived above the bike sheds opposite the old school for a bit,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- in sort of, one room!- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Where me and the kids slept in there, so I was lucky that this came up.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35You would never think of moving to the mainland?
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Um... It's a possibility,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42but I think it's too difficult if I change my mind,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45it would be too difficult to then move back to Scilly,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- so that's a big...- You've got to keep a foot in the Scillies?
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Yes, I think so, yeah.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54It's absolutely beautiful, picturesque cottages.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58No traffic on the roads.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Incredible plants in the garden.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06Social housing in Scilly is not the same as anywhere else. Wow.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10This morning certainly stands out as unique amongst my time
0:09:10 > 0:09:12working with housing officers.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Later on, I'll be discovering there is another side to living life on the island.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17You have to adapt to be able to live here.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Yeah, you can be cut off for, you know, four days because
0:09:20 > 0:09:23the weather's so bad that there's no boats and no flights.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31A safe and secure roof over our heads is a basic need for everyone,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34but the number of homeless people living on the street is growing.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38Government figures estimate more than 3,500 people sleeping on streets
0:09:38 > 0:09:41in England alone on any one night.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43But some groups think there may be many more.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Given the scale of the problem,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47it's no surprise that here in Tendring,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50housing officers like Rob Goswell and Ian Kavanagh
0:09:50 > 0:09:52are sometimes tasked with trying to help those forced to
0:09:52 > 0:09:54find shelter wherever they can.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59We've had a complaint from a resident about a rough sleeper in
0:09:59 > 0:10:01the communal area of their flat.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Oh, right.- It's quite concerning,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06as from what I'm hearing on the description is that
0:10:06 > 0:10:10it's actually down in a basement, no windows, no heating.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12We're going to go down there and have a quick look...
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Yeah.- ..and see if we can find the person.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17So, today, Rob and Ian are playing detective,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21to investigate if there is anything they can do to help someone in need.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Like most good mysteries,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26the best place to start is where he was last spotted -
0:10:26 > 0:10:28the block of flats.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Is it open? - The lock has been damaged.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36We just found out it's unlocked.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38Anybody can just get in.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41When I spoke to the landlord, they did assure us that it was...
0:10:41 > 0:10:42- That's locked it now.- Yeah.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So, it might be one of the reasons that they're getting in,
0:10:45 > 0:10:46that they are holding the door,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48sitting on the doorstep and holding the door.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50So, then getting in.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53This is really concerning, if they are holding the door.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56It's probably very scary for many of the occupants,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58as they won't know who's in the communal area.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02It really impacts on their security to their own properties as well.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07As well as adding things like fire issues and annoyances, such as
0:11:07 > 0:11:10fly-tipping and rubbish being put in there.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13What we're going to do, we're going to speak to the occupant now that's informed us,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16and we're going to have a look.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18If she does answer the door.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It's a shame that Ian locked the door,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24as the resident who agreed to let them in doesn't seem to be responding.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You spoke to her, didn't you?
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Well, it looks like she ain't in, which is typical.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Looks as if this investigation has finished before it's even started.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35But just as our dynamic duo is about to call it a day...
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Hello!
0:11:40 > 0:11:44..the boys are finally let inside and see there's already been
0:11:44 > 0:11:47an attempt to deal with the rough sleeper.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51I believe the occupants put these bikes in front of there
0:11:51 > 0:11:53to sort of deter them.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55From what we've been told, this hasn't worked.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58They've still gone in there.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08You can see the lock's been damaged there, can't we?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Lock's been damaged.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12It's been broken off its housing.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13It's on the latch.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16It's been put on the latch so it can't be closed.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20If Rob and Ian needed any proof there was someone homeless living
0:12:20 > 0:12:22in this basement, they've just found it.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26I can already tell there's someone down there, I can smell it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- It's a damp smell but something else.- There's something else down there as well, yes.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Hello? Just make sure once more.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Hello?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36I can see the mattress already.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- There is clear evidence. - There is someone living down here.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44Absolutely.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Once downstairs, Ian and Rob can see and smell
0:12:47 > 0:12:50the true extent of the situation.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52There's a lot of beer cans.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54There's no access to water.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57I can only assume that is human waste in there.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02It's hard to imagine someone having to sleep in conditions like these.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04We've got a twofold thing here, really, now.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09We've got some poor soul rough sleeping down here and, also,
0:13:09 > 0:13:10we've got the issue of fire safety
0:13:10 > 0:13:13for the tenants here as well as the smell.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- It's not ideal. - It's not desirable at all.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18The bad smell might be an inconvenience,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21but the risk of fire is unacceptable.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23With the danger posed to the other tenants,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25it's crucial that Rob and Ian find out
0:13:25 > 0:13:27who the rough sleeper is as soon as possible.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Seems like a person that wants to look after themselves,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33which might help.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Don't particularly want to touch anything.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Even for seasoned housing officers like Rob and Ian,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42this is a depressing inspection.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Sockets, sump pump.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- Ah.- We've got a sump pump down here, probably to drain that.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- But it doesn't appear to be working. - OK, that's fine.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57So, we may have another issue,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01with all the stagnant water hanging around, we need to address that.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04There are clear safety concerns,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and not just for the person who's having to sleep down here.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10I'm actually worried about the people in this property.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Imagine if they're having a few drinks, smoking.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16You could potentially have a fire here and it wouldn't be detected
0:14:16 > 0:14:17until it was really raging.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20That could cause an issue in terms of the whole block.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23This is one of the main issues we have with rough sleeping here,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26this is not safe, fire-wise.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Well, this isn't good conditions.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Apart from the fact it isn't ideal for someone to be living down here,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35it's also a danger to the other tenants
0:14:35 > 0:14:37who are actually supposed to be here.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It's a concerning situation that requires immediate attention.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44As much as Ian and Rob want to help the basement dweller,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47they also have to think about the safety and security of the building.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Sort of looking at it,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54I think we need to get to talk to the landlord about making this fire sterile.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Yeah, we've got stuff on the means of escape, which we can't really have.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00The likelihood of fire is already increased by someone being down there.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03And then if you trip over a push-bike or cardboard box
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- on the way out, you know, that's not good.- Not good at all.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08There are plenty of problems in the basement,
0:15:08 > 0:15:12but, frustratingly, the guys are no closer to finding its new unwelcome tenant.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Later on, though, they find a potential new lead.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17You live in the building? Right.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- I don't know if you know, there's a rough sleeper in your basement. - Yeah.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27Back on the Isles of Scilly,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31I'm with Dave Hall from the Cornwall Rural Housing Association.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33We're making our rounds across
0:15:33 > 0:15:35some of their 27 social housing properties here,
0:15:35 > 0:15:36which I have to say,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38are a far cry from some of the places
0:15:38 > 0:15:40I usually end up investigating.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It's not only the fact it's so beautiful,
0:15:44 > 0:15:47it's the fact that there are so few people here to enjoy it.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50With house prices that rival London
0:15:50 > 0:15:53and some of the lowest wages in the country,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57the Scillies can be a tough place to live if you're a local.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01We've already seen how the lack of facilities can be a challenge to younger families.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06We're taking a two-mile ferry trip from Hugh Town, on St Mary's,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08to the neighbouring island of St Agnes,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11which illustrates a further challenge -
0:16:11 > 0:16:13this time, one of geography.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14Why have properties outlying
0:16:14 > 0:16:17when it's so much easier to have them based here,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19in the middle of Hugh Town? Why not just leave them there?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21That would be the easy way of doing it.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25So, even on the little islands, there's still a housing need.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27So, you've still got families, you've still got working people,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29they still need somewhere to live.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31So, we put houses out there
0:16:31 > 0:16:34so people could have reasonable rented accommodation.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Even on a beautiful day like today, it's not hard to imagine how easily
0:16:38 > 0:16:41islands like St Agnes can get cut off.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- This is the bit where it gets wet. - OK. Time to go.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49For a third of the year, it's too rough for this boat service to run.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Luckily, we managed to get ashore in one piece.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57This really is something, isn't it?
0:16:57 > 0:17:01But I'm beginning to wonder if I should have packed an extra pair of shoes.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02Don't get me wrong, I'm loving it.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05But come on! How much do you get done in a day?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08This is, like, two knocks. That's all you're going to get done.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Yeah, you only get two visits.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's a trek to reach the island's Housing Association homes.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15But it's worth the effort.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17I'm not kidding,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20these are three of the loveliest properties I think I've seen.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- These are stunning.- It's the only three we've got here.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25But they're all needed.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Could have filled them ten times over with people who needed housing.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30It's amazing, isn't it?
0:17:30 > 0:17:34We got off the boat, it's full of holiday-makers.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37You can't see this place as being anything other than a destination.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40And yet, these must be, by definition,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42people that have made their lives here.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Well, the chap who lives in the first one,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47he's the guy that brought us on the boat.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Really?- John, driving the boat.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51The second one, he runs a restaurant.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56The one in the bungalow is a lady who has lived here her whole life.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- Shall we go and say hello?- Shall we?
0:17:59 > 0:18:01These properties might be beautiful,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03but, in order for tenants to qualify,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07they need to have a strong connection to St Agnes.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Mark and Emma run a restaurant here.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12How did you end up here?
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Well, we were living in a little flat.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16We put our name down for housing.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18You had to fit certain criteria.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22We were really lucky enough to be able to get this
0:18:22 > 0:18:25brilliant place to live.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30A lot of people live in sheds, it's all really pricey if it is for sale.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34You do have to put up with what there is.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Very often, we come across situations which you could class as survival,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41where people are really having to struggle to survive.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Although this is a beautiful and comfortable house,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47it feels like there's a degree of survival.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- You have to adapt. - You can be cut off for days
0:18:49 > 0:18:52because the weather's so bad that there's no boats, no flights.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55It seems to me one of the things that social housing here is doing is
0:18:55 > 0:18:58sustaining a community that's diverse and young.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Yeah, definitely.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03The school at the moment have nine children.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05A lot of people
0:19:05 > 0:19:08go to St Mary's to school, and then they go to the mainland.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12They do a few years on the mainland and then they want to come back.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Places like this, it's fabulous that people that want to come back
0:19:16 > 0:19:19to live here, you know, in their home, can.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It's continuing on, the new generation is coming in.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24It's just, yeah.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Cheers, Mark. Take care. - Thank you very much.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Affordable housing is vital for people on lower incomes
0:19:32 > 0:19:35wherever they are, but here on the Scillies,
0:19:35 > 0:19:37it's also about encouraging local people
0:19:37 > 0:19:39to stay living and working here.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44You know, that's a totally new one on me.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47You know, a house of that quality being social housing,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51really, I suppose. But I suppose it comes down to the need that there is
0:19:51 > 0:19:54not just for that couple but also for the community.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57If those houses weren't there, then those people would move away,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59but with those people living there,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01you've also got the people they employ,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03and you've also got members of their family that come,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07so you're not just building three houses and putting three people in.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10You're adding everything together. You're building a bigger part of it.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- It's fantastic. Shall we go?- Yep.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Maybe a short stop at the Turk's Head.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I think so, yeah.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Later, I'll see just how creative Dave and his team have become
0:20:21 > 0:20:24in providing affordable housing on the Scillies.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25It's incredible. I mean,
0:20:25 > 0:20:29the last thing you expect is two fully formed little cottages
0:20:29 > 0:20:30right in the middle of it.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Defending our right to a safe place to live is the job
0:20:39 > 0:20:41of housing officers right across the UK.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46It is unusual for us to find a tenanted property in this condition.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- You can smell that rubbish still, can't you, even from here?- Yep.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53I'm working alongside the men and women that do exactly that.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55You got insulted, we got kicked out.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Yep.- Bit of a red letter day, really, isn't it?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Hitting the streets, finding out what's happening on the front line...
0:21:00 > 0:21:02You've done a great thing.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04You've done a superb thing, you really have.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07..as we make sure a house is a fit place to call a home.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11This place is clearly being plagued by rats.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Raw sewage in the back garden.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16It's just apparent that this is not
0:21:16 > 0:21:19an OK environment for anyone to live in.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25One of the hardest roles of being a housing officer
0:21:25 > 0:21:29is when the day comes to remove a tenant from their property.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Unfortunately, with the numbers of evictions increasing
0:21:33 > 0:21:36by more than 50% in the past five years,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40it's something that many housing officers across the UK
0:21:40 > 0:21:41are now having to face.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44There are many different reasons why it might become
0:21:44 > 0:21:47necessary for someone to be forced from their home.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50It's never easy for anyone involved.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53And each situation presents its own set of challenges.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57And today, here in Romford, Essex...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01..this particularly difficult challenge falls to
0:22:01 > 0:22:03housing officers Nadeem and Claire.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06So, what's this next one, Claire?
0:22:06 > 0:22:08They've actually been evicted for rent,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11but this is the one that we've had a lot of unsocial behaviour from.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Oh, right, OK, yeah.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Falling behind with the rent is one thing,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18but when it's coupled with serious anti-social behaviour,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22councils are often left with little choice but to evict.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25After several warnings about noise and aggressive behaviour,
0:22:25 > 0:22:29the tenant at this property has now come to the end of the line.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31How do you think he'll react?
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Er, well...
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Considering what the residents have told us,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40it is possible that it could get slightly out of hand.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45Hopefully it won't. I mean, we've never had any issues with him when we've visited.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48But from the complaints of residents, you know,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51with the sort of people that have been going in there,
0:22:51 > 0:22:52from all sorts of issues.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57You know, we need to be on the safe side just in case.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00When dealing with an eviction,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04housing officers know they could encounter violent situations.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05To make sure they are safe,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Nadeem and Claire are being backed up by two bailiffs.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13THEY KNOCK ON DOOR
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Nobody's responding to the knock on the door, so it's time for plan B -
0:23:21 > 0:23:22drilling the locks.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39With the door finally forced open, the team can enter.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44But they get a shock when they find someone's inside.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46What is the state of that?
0:23:46 > 0:23:47Fortunately for Claire and Nadeem,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51it's not the tenant with a reputation for anti-social behaviour.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55The person we found in here claims to be the tenant's friend, his girlfriend.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It seems they were celebrating a 21st birthday last night.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01It must have been quite a party.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Well, as you can see, there is a lot of smoking and...
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Nitrous oxide, are they?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- Yep.- That's a new craze at the moment.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Mainly it's just cigarette butts and some joint ends.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Just drinking, really.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18There's no evidence of any hard drugs as far we can see.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19With the scene secure,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22it's Nadeem and Claire's job to assess the condition
0:24:22 > 0:24:24of the rest of the house.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Which is in quite a state.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31It's obvious it wasn't just the impromptu party
0:24:31 > 0:24:33that's caused all the damage.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38There's a plug socket here with wires hanging loose.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40There's a lot of damage to the door.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45The disabled shower has got a lot of damage.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Water everywhere, so that's going to need a bit of tidying up and some
0:24:49 > 0:24:51repairs to the structure of it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55The bedroom here, same thing, a lot of damage to the door.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59And unfortunately, the bill for refurbishing this property is now
0:24:59 > 0:25:02very likely to come out of the council's pocket.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It's a typical property we will find where there's drug and anti-social
0:25:07 > 0:25:08behaviour going on,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11people are just sort of using it as a den to drink and smoke,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13that sort of thing.
0:25:13 > 0:25:14So we're not surprised by the mess.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19We did have reports of some violence going on in the property,
0:25:19 > 0:25:23so we were probably expecting a bit more than this in terms of damage,
0:25:23 > 0:25:24so we're...
0:25:24 > 0:25:29Let's just say quite pleased that we haven't found more damage.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31The kitchen is just a bit untidy.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34We've got one cabinet door that's off its hinges.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Aside from that, it's in pretty good condition.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39The washing up, as you can see, wasn't part
0:25:39 > 0:25:43of their day-to-day routine, but we can deal with that.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45That would just be quite straightforward.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47As long as there's no major structural damage,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50we're generally quite pleased. It could have been a lot worse.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53With the property now repossessed,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Nadeem and Claire can concentrate on
0:25:55 > 0:25:57returning it to a liveable condition.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01And they've managed to avoid any unnecessary confrontation.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Probably really was actually a good thing that the tenant wasn't there,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09because the tenant was known to cause quite a bit of trouble.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13The most important thing with all evictions is getting the property back,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17and we've managed to do that today, so the end result is a good one.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20No matter what state we found it in, repairs can always be done.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23As long as we get the property back, we're in a good position.
0:26:26 > 0:26:27It's a nice property,
0:26:27 > 0:26:31so it would be nice to have someone that'll look after it,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34and it's a nice, quiet area.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37It won't be long before the flat is re-let to someone in need of a home.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Let's hope they take more care of it than the last tenant.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48After Claire and Nadeem successfully managed to reclaim the property,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51the council have now completed work on bringing the flat
0:26:51 > 0:26:53back into a good working order.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55And it's now to be re-let to another,
0:26:55 > 0:26:56more deserving tenant.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05We all know that one of the roles of a housing officer is to try and get
0:27:05 > 0:27:09people off the streets into safe and secure homes.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11But another equally important part
0:27:11 > 0:27:14is to try and keep people in their homes.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Sometimes that's not as easy as it sounds.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Especially when the tenant in question might be struggling.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22For housing officers, it can be a difficult balance to pull off.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Keeping people in the place they've enjoyed and cherished for years,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27but also making sure they're safe enough
0:27:27 > 0:27:30to continue enjoying their lives.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Here in Stroud, I'm working with Luke Gibbs,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36on the way to meet one of the council's older tenants.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Madeleine Kerr is 86,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42and has enjoyed her home for a number of years,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45but as she gets older, the property might need a few changes.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51We're looking at an existing ramp,
0:27:51 > 0:27:57some handrails and things like that, to try and make her life easier,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00and also, more importantly safer for her.
0:28:00 > 0:28:01So we're going to meet her daughter,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03who's a lovely lady who I spoke to
0:28:03 > 0:28:05on the phone the other day called Margaret.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Daughter Margaret lives nearby, and helps keep an eye on her mum.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12But a recent fall has made her
0:28:12 > 0:28:14a little more concerned for her mum's safety.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16That's where Luke comes in.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Well, if you can see where you are now,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21there's a change in level there.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24She'll come down here and then she's getting into the car.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- OK, right.- And then stumbles over the edge of the path.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Yeah, because it's uneven.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32And is she all right with this step as well?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Mrs Kerr has also been diagnosed with dementia,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37but Margaret's hoping that, with a few adaptations to the property,
0:28:37 > 0:28:41her mum can remain independent for as long as possible.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Is that your walker there?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- Is that what?- Is that your walker?
0:28:45 > 0:28:49- What?- Your machine there. - That's your trolley, isn't it?
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- Who does that belong to?- That's yours.- Well, they never tell me.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58- I didn't know that!- Just interesting to see that coming out.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01It's just goes over the top, and then it'll just run...
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Go on, Margaret.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04It'll go right round.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08So usually, she can't use this without me or my sister.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Yeah.- That is an issue. - You've got the lump,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13and then you've got a slope straightaway afterwards,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16so you could easily find yourself...
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Pushing on when you don't want to.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- I just go as I am and see! - Fair enough.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Although Mrs Kerr's dementia has clearly not slowed her down,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27her recent fall is a concern.
0:29:29 > 0:29:30Looking round the place,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33it's understandable why the family wants her to remain here.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Is it a nice place to live?
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Oh, it's grand. It's beautiful.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40The canal's just at the back.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41- Is it?- Yes, yeah.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Do you ever sit and watch the ducks and sit and look at the canal?
0:29:47 > 0:29:50No, I haven't got to that stage yet!
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Well, ask a silly question.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Because the house contains so many memories for Mrs Kerr,
0:29:55 > 0:29:57you can also see why Luke is so keen
0:29:57 > 0:30:01to do his best to help her stay here.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02Who are these guys here?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- That's me.- Is that you there in the middle?
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- That's me, yeah.- Wow, look at that. - I was a big girl then.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15And then we've got this very handsome chap here with his beret.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17- Who's that?- Come on, who's that?
0:30:17 > 0:30:19I don't know. I'm trying to ask you.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22You spent years writing to him.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23That's Dad.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- That's Dad.- Is that Dad? - When he was in the Army.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Oh, yes, I know he was in the Army.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30And then who's this lovely couple here?
0:30:30 > 0:30:31I've never seen them before!
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Never seen them before, have you, Margaret?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- No, no.- You don't know who they are?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- Look at the size of that bouquet. - Yes, look at it.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Look at that. And the big horseshoe.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- It weighed a tonne.- Did it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Luke and his team are hoping they can make
0:30:48 > 0:30:50some important changes to Mrs Kerr's house
0:30:50 > 0:30:53without losing what made the place a home.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56So, things like this, the adaptations that hopefully are going to be made,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59what sort of difference do they make to your mum and to you
0:30:59 > 0:31:00looking after her?
0:31:00 > 0:31:03Well, that front will be a really big one.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Because I do think sometimes if I forget to shut the garden gate,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09she would go out to shut it.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Everything has to be tidy.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14And I think that's why she was outside when she fell in February.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17She was shutting the garden gate, because I left it open.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19So that would be a big relief.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21At least she'll be on a level surface.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Is your aim to keep your mum here for as long as possible?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26As long as possible.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27- Yeah.- As long as possible.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30We can bring the care in to her.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- As much as possible. - With familiar surroundings.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36She's very happy here. She wants to stay here.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40I wish you the very best with it and it's lovely to meet you, Margaret.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43And the support, you see, family support is important as well.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- Get them all involved. - As many as possible.- Yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Well, the good news is, after Luke and his team got to work,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54the new ramp and handrail were quickly put in place.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57He is now back with trainee contracts officer Becky
0:31:57 > 0:32:00to see if it meets with both Margaret and her mum's approval.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- Hello.- We've come to have a little look.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Here's the queen of the show. - Are you coming to watch me?
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Yeah, we've come to have a little look.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12- Do you like it? - Oh, yeah, of course I do.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Very nice. Yes. Yes, very good.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Can we see you come out with the walker?
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Just going round the caravan. - We just want to see what it's like.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24It'll just run down, it'll just run away.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- No, no, it won't. - Oh, how do you know, then?
0:32:27 > 0:32:29I do. I know everything!
0:32:29 > 0:32:32I'm just going to let it go and I'll be off down the road.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33Yeah, that's good.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- That's a lot easier, isn't it? - It is.- Yeah, brilliant.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41It might be just a small step for Mrs Kerr,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43but it's a giant leap for Margaret,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47knowing her mum can continue enjoying life safely in her own home.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50And you've got your nice handrails out there.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Oh, right. OK.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55And your nice new path and your nice new door.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58And who did all that? Oh, thank you very much.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Not me personally, no!
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- The District Council. - I can't take all the glory.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Your landlord.- Can you put the kettle on, Margaret?
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I will, yes. I'll put the kettle on.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- Polly put the kettle on.- Yes.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Back in Essex, Rob and Ian are on the case, investigating reports
0:33:23 > 0:33:25of a rough sleeper living in hazardous conditions
0:33:25 > 0:33:29and potentially being a danger to the building's occupants.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- I can see the mattress already. - Yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34There is no access to water,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and you can only assume that's human waste in there.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40You could potentially have a fire here and it wouldn't be detected
0:33:40 > 0:33:43until it was really raging.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Although they've made a number of worrying discoveries
0:33:45 > 0:33:49at the property, they're none the wiser to finding out
0:33:49 > 0:33:50who or where the rough sleeper is.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Until, that is, a chance meeting outside.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57You live in the building? Right, OK. What we're here to talk about, I don't know if you know,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59there's a rough sleeper in your basement.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Yes, basically, the smell that came up from the basement has been going
0:34:02 > 0:34:05into the building. It was so, like, nasty,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07that we just basically went to
0:34:07 > 0:34:09check down there and we saw him sleeping down there
0:34:09 > 0:34:13and basically said to him, "You can't stay down here."
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I did realise, because he used to sit there a lot, all the time,
0:34:16 > 0:34:17a lot of the homeless people do sit there.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19A lot of the drunks and that sit there.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22And I noticed that when people go in, he holds the door.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24I thought that was happening.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26I wasn't totally sure, but that's exactly what I suspected.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29What I'm going to do is I'm going to ask your landlord to change
0:34:29 > 0:34:31the weighting on your self closer
0:34:31 > 0:34:33so it kind of closes up a little bit more.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36And as I say, change that lock on there,
0:34:36 > 0:34:37remove the stuff that's down there.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40There is a pump down there that gets rid of the stuff,
0:34:40 > 0:34:42so maybe get that back up and running again,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and just get rid of the smell for you guys, you know.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- Definitely, yeah. - And just make sure it's safe.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- Yeah, definitely. - Yeah, well, thanks for that,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- that really helped.- Cheers. - Thanks a lot. Bye.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54With a plan in place to protect the property,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Rob and Ian's attention turns back
0:34:56 > 0:34:58to the location of the rough sleeper.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01It seems he's now no longer using the basement as a bedroom.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03We've just had a chat with the occupant,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06and she believes he's moved on further around,
0:35:06 > 0:35:08so it's a little bit above, about our remit,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11but it might help us learn a little bit more information,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14and we feel like it's a little bit of a duty, really, you know.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17The last thing we want is for him to go back in there, so we feel like if we talk to him,
0:35:17 > 0:35:19it might be a little bit easier,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21we can find out what's going on and hopefully find him somewhere
0:35:21 > 0:35:23and we can deal with this situation.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24Based on the tenant's tip-off,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28they head down to the location of the latest sighting.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31I reckon they've moved down to the seafront, myself.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33It definitely looks like we've got some evidence here of some rough
0:35:33 > 0:35:37sleepers. There seems to be some cardboard there in the corner,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39food, cans, blankets.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Yeah, they tend to use the cardboard as, like, a pallet to lie on,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44they put their sleeping bag on there.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47But judging by the big puddle that's there, I reckon they've moved off.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- It feels like we're always one step behind, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Unfortunately, it seems the trail's gone cold.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Although searching for a rough sleeper is not strictly
0:35:59 > 0:36:01part of Rob and Ian's job description,
0:36:01 > 0:36:05with homelessness on the rise, that might soon change.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08For now, all they can do is try to ensure the basement of the block
0:36:08 > 0:36:11of flats doesn't turn back into a dangerous bedroom.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16The reason why we're involved here is that no-one should be living in
0:36:16 > 0:36:20these conditions, so we can try and look to speak to the landlord,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23make sure that they can try and know what's going on,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26and try and liaise with them potentially.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28And if they don't sort of work with us,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31then we have a number of powers we can to stop this from happening
0:36:31 > 0:36:35and to try to kind of stop this from happening in the future as well.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41But the boys haven't given up on trying to find the man in need.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44A few days later, Ian's back on the streets to see if he's showed up
0:36:44 > 0:36:47again at his usual haunts.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48That's locked.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52And they're probably not here now.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Entry to the flats seems a lot more secure,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57which just leaves location number two.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59That looks like he's not there any more.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03As much as Ian and Rob want to help,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06there's not much they can do if they can't find him.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09He's obviously moved on. Where to, we don't know as yet,
0:37:09 > 0:37:11but I'll probably have a word with our homeless team,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14see if they've heard where he's moved to.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16But most likely thing is
0:37:16 > 0:37:19we'll probably pick him up again when somebody makes a phone call
0:37:19 > 0:37:21or something to us to complain that there's somebody
0:37:21 > 0:37:23sleeping rough somewhere.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Well, the homeless team did eventually find the rough sleeper,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35but unfortunately, after an initial chat about how to help him further,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37he's not been seen in the area since.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Not the outcome Rob and Ian would have wanted,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42and with the number of homeless people on our streets increasing,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45it demonstrates yet again the difficult task
0:37:45 > 0:37:47faced by housing officers across the UK.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57'We've flown, we've sailed...'
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- Is this where it gets wet? - OK! Time to go!
0:38:01 > 0:38:04'..and used a bit of shoe leather...'
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Where's your car, then?
0:38:05 > 0:38:10'..through one of the most remote parts of the country - the Isles of Scilly,
0:38:10 > 0:38:15'where housing maintenance officer David has been showing me some unique Housing Association homes.'
0:38:15 > 0:38:17You're not kidding.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20These are three of the loveliest properties I think I've seen.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22These are stunning.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26'But low wages coupled with high property prices mean it can be
0:38:26 > 0:38:28'tricky if you live here full-time.'
0:38:28 > 0:38:31That is the reward you get, isn't it,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34for choosing to live somewhere this remote?
0:38:34 > 0:38:38You get that at the end of every day. That's the most amazing view.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41It really is. But then you have to have the survival skills.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45You have to take on two, three, four jobs,
0:38:45 > 0:38:47and you have to cope with what is
0:38:47 > 0:38:50a real shortage of accommodation for these guys.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53I suppose everybody deserves to live somewhere,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55and why shouldn't you live here?
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Why shouldn't you build social housing on places like this?
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Why indeed?
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Social housing helps keep an essential core community here
0:39:03 > 0:39:07who might otherwise be forced to move to the mainland.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Yeah, that's it. Done that, done that.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13We're heading back to the largest of the Scilly Isles.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17There is such a high demand for homes on St Mary's that
0:39:17 > 0:39:20the Housing Association are now building extra properties,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22and converting existing buildings.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25So, what have we got here?
0:39:25 > 0:39:29This used to be a boat-building yard which became derelict.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32So how did you get in there ahead of commercial concerns?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34That's the bit that interests me.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Because this is like prime real estate.
0:39:36 > 0:39:37We applied to the council.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41They say this place is up for further development,
0:39:41 > 0:39:45but they don't want it done as a selling or a holiday,
0:39:45 > 0:39:47they wanted social housing.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49They wanted rented accommodation for local people.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Let's see if anybody's in, shall we?
0:39:53 > 0:39:57More affordable housing can also support locals who find themselves
0:39:57 > 0:39:59in difficulty through illness.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- Doreen? Hi, sorry to come unannounced.- That's all right.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Doreen has spent much of her adult life on the Scillies.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10She moved to this bungalow eight months ago,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and is recovering from a hip replacement.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17What sort of difference has it made living in this property?
0:40:17 > 0:40:18Oh, a tremendous difference.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22If you saw the other place I was in, it was so damp and cold.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27This place, it's so warm, really, it's lovely and warm.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30I'm just trying to imagine what it's like if you do get ill here,
0:40:30 > 0:40:36and that distance between here and maybe the treatment that you need.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Well, it's the transport, getting backwards and forwards.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Oh, it's... I mean, I had a really traumatic time.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46I actually was going to move to the mainland.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Hopefully I'm not going to be poorly any more, touch wood.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Touch wood, touch wood!
0:40:52 > 0:40:55You would rather be in Scilly?
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- Why? What is it about this place? - Oh, it's just lovely.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00You feel so safe.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04It's nice to think that somebody is building property
0:41:04 > 0:41:06that people can afford to live in.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I mean, quite often the houses are being built,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12and they're so expensive, you couldn't dream of buying them.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Thank you so much for having us here.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17That's all right. My pleasure.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Cheers now. It's incredible.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25The last thing you expect is two fully formed little cottages
0:41:25 > 0:41:28right in the middle of it. They're incredible.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30It's amazing that they squeeze them in.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32But you've got two full-size houses,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35and two more people that can stay on the island.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38I suppose, when you're making these decisions about what you want here,
0:41:38 > 0:41:42you know, tourism is well looked after, really, isn't it?
0:41:42 > 0:41:46- Yes.- You know, there will always be people who will buy houses and let
0:41:46 > 0:41:52them out again. But then preventing Doreen from having to go back to
0:41:52 > 0:41:55the mainland, this means she can stay amongst her family,
0:41:55 > 0:41:59her loved ones, you know, for a bit longer, at least.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Yeah, so she's here, all her family's still here, her daughters,
0:42:01 > 0:42:05her granddaughters. And yes, she gets to stay here even longer.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Dave, it's been a fantastic day on Scilly.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10I feel like I know it intimately now!
0:42:10 > 0:42:15I mean, I know there's not a lot of it, but, yeah, certainly,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17I know more than I did before we started.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- Thank you so much. - Any time, any time.- Cheers.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Well, it certainly feels very different
0:42:23 > 0:42:25from any other day on Housing Enforcers.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27But it's been fascinating to accompany Dave on his rounds,
0:42:27 > 0:42:31to discover the needs of locals in this part of the world.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And to find out that just because the view from your window is
0:42:34 > 0:42:37picturesque, it doesn't necessarily mean that housing challenges
0:42:37 > 0:42:39are any less demanding.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Well, as we've just seen,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47being a housing officer means
0:42:47 > 0:42:50a daily dose of tough choices and difficult decisions.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54But it's all in a day's work for the men and women fighting
0:42:54 > 0:42:58to ensure we can enjoy a safe place to call home.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01That's it for today, but join me again next time when I'll be back
0:43:01 > 0:43:03on the front line with the housing enforcers.