Jacobs House Update from Director of Housing Services and Inclusive Economy

Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Housing & Inclusive Economy:

Further to the statement made by Newham’s Chief Executive, Abi Gbago, in response to the death of Aalim Makail Jibril at Jacobs House, Plaistow last Thursday morning, I would like to provide some detail on the scope, nature and timeline of the internal investigation announced by the Council last week.
 
We have commissioned an internal audit team who have instigated a thoroughgoing review of our management of the property in question over the past two years, including an examination of records of all correspondence with our tenants in relation to any concerns about windows, and details relating to repairs and maintenance of the flat.
 
We will look again at any complaints that have previously been made and review all interactions between the Council and our tenants.
 
We will investigate whether the contractors used in any maintenance and repair work carried all relevant qualifications and British Safety Council accreditations, and whether the Council complied with its own policy standards for inspecting and assessing the work carried out.
 
We will review all interactions between the Council and our tenants, and determine whether our communication with them has met the required minimum standards.
 
We will conclude our investigations by 12 June and provide a further update at that point. 
 
We intend to make our findings public, pending advice from other investigating bodies and we will provide Aalim’s family with advance sight of our report before we do so. We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy and our thoughts remain with them first and foremost.
 
We are keenly aware of the importance of establishing the full facts in as transparent and accountable a way as possible. And the need to act quickly and decisively should anything fall short of what is expected and required. We are continuing to liaise with and update the relevant regulatory bodies.

See the statement from Abi Gbago, Newham Council Chief Executive