Sheffield campaigners claim victory after 15-year battle for council home repairs
Family say they have lived with damp and black mould for 15 years
Sheffield campaigners who confronted a councillor over a family’s 15-year battle to deal with problems in their council home are claiming victory after repairs took place.
Misha Feinstein, community organiser for tenants’ organisation Acorn the Union, said they have been supporting single mother of five Khayriya (not her real name), whose council house in Broomhill needed substantial repairs.
Acorn say problems included damp and black mould, a shower that was broken for years and a “huge hole” in a bathroom wall.
Mr Feinstein said: “They have been dealing with this for about 15 years. They have had 11 years without a shower.
“She tried a no-win, no-fee solicitor, she tried getting in touch with pretty much every local councillor for about 15 years. Lots of councillors have tried to do something.
“They’ve been writing to the council, saying this has slipped through the cracks. Certain repairs have been done over the years but nothing has been done to deal with the serious structural problems.”
Mr Feinstein said that six surveyors have looked at the property, including one Khayriya paid for herself.
Acorn decided to confront council housing policy committee chair Coun Douglas Johnson publicly outside the Crucible Theatre when Green Party leader Zack Polanski visited the city in July. They filmed the encounter in a video shared on social media.
Campaigners asked about Khayriya’s case and Mr Feinstein claimed it “didn’t seem too important” to Coun Johnson. He said the councillor gave stock replies to their questions.
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The issue seemed to have come to an impasse but now staff have carried out extensive repairs.
Mr Feinstein said that Acorn are now pressing for the family to receive compensation from the council for the problems they have suffered and the serious impact it has had on the children’s health.
Acorn also want a proper investigation into the case. They want to meet Coun Johnson and director of housing services James Clark to discuss what went wrong.
Mr Feinstein said: “She’s been waiting 15 years. As much as the council seems to give us excuses about processes, if they want something to be done quite clearly they can get it done.
“She’s been through 15 years of absolute hell and the kids have got lots of health conditions.”
Coun Johnson said: “A comprehensive review of repairs records confirms that significant compliance and repair works have been undertaken since 2021, including completion of legal disrepair works, replacement of the heating system, gas commissioning, electrical testing, fire safety works, ventilation improvements and multiple damp and mould inspections.
“Following a detailed review in July 2026 (after I asked for straight after being notified of the situation), a further programme of remedial repairs was agreed with the tenant and completed during the first weeks in August 26, together with additional decoration and reinstatement works.
“All identified repair items were completed within the agreed programme and the tenant was satisfied with the outcome. There are currently no other outstanding repairs recorded on the system.”
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The council said it has has undertaken a detailed review of repairs, complaints and tenancy records.
It says there has been significant involvement from council services, with senior manager oversight, over a number of years in attempting to investigate concerns, complete repairs and support the tenant.
The records show multiple repairs and safety works have been carried out, including damp and mould inspections and remediation work, and works to improve the heating and electrical systems.
The council said it is investigating all concerns raised and is seeking to establish the current condition of the property, agree access arrangements and complete any outstanding repairs as a priority.