The Filigree

Over the last month we have been in contact with Get Living regarding the evacuation of The Filigree, a block they manage in Lewisham Town Centre, following serious flooding in the building’s plant room that has led to the loss of power throughout the building. 

Get Living have been paying for residents, who all rent their homes, to stay in alternative accommodation while they complete an investigation to understand the long-term impact of the flooding. They now anticipate the work will take six to 12 months. 

We understand how distressing, disruptive and frustrating this situation is for everyone who has been forced out of their home and we have been liaising with Get Living to urge them to find as positive a solution as possible, given the complex circumstances. 

We have raised concerns about the impact on tenants and Get Living have now confirmed that they plan to support residents to move into one of their other developments at the same rent levels. Whilst they don’t manage any other London Living Rent properties, this offer will be extended to residents renting under this scheme too. 

As the landlord, Get Living are liaising directly with tenants to make these arrangements. 

The Council is currently making arrangements to ensure that anyone choosing this option – which would involve them retaining their tenancy at The Filigree – will not pay council tax while they are unable to live at The Filigree.  This will be backdated to the date when tenants were first evicted. We are liaising with Get Living to identify these properties and will be in direct contact with these tenants. 

We are also in discussions with Get Living to ensure outside access through and around the development is retained as far as possible and regular maintenance is undertaken, while enabling works are carried out to rectify this situation. Unfortunately, we understand the current issues have also impacted use of the ground floor retail units. 

Get Living remain in direct contact with the affected tenants.  

Cllr Will Cooper
Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Homelessness