Mansfield private landlord Haven Supported Housing says it welcomes council investigation

A Haven Supported Housing Ltd boss has vehemently refuted criticisms made by former residents which have sparked a Mansfield district Council investigation and a planned protest march.

Mayoral candidates for Mansfield pledged to investigate Haven Supported Housing Ltd after a former resident Jason Coulton spoke of the housing conditions he said he experienced, at a packed meeting of the Maun Valley Citizens Accountability Assembly last week.

Mayoral candidates, Kate Allsop (Independent and Martin Lee (Labour) were asked to investigate Haven and bring accommodation for homeless people in Mansfield “up to standard”.

At the meeting Kate Allsop said she had already started an investigation into the organisation and Martin Lee, Labour also said he would commit to a full investigation.

Maun Valley Citizens have also announced they are planning to march to the head office of the organisation to protest.

But when Chad put the allegations this week to Haven Supported Housing Ltd Director John Haddrell he said they were ‘nonsense’.

Mr Haddrell told Chad he was ‘astonished’ by Mr Coulton’s allegations and added: “We welcome any investigation by the local authority and the Chad or any mayoral candidate is welcome to come in and see what we do.

“We provide accommodation for people with complex needs, drug and alcohol problems and ex offenders.

“We have about 100 residents and work with statutory organisations and support workers. We are an open organisation.”

A Mansfield District Council spokesman confirmed the authority has been asked to investigate allegations relating to a private landlord.

Ajman Ali, Corporate Director of Housing and Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “We will investigate any allegations concerning private landlords who may not be meeting statutory requirements and will take any necessary enforcement action within our powers to improve the condition of private properties.

“If anyone has concerns about particular issues at specific properties, they should contact our Strategic Housing team on 01623 463212 with full details including the address.”