I've lived through the nightmare of being a flat owner in the UK, with a home sat on the 9th floor becoming more and more dangerous for my own children due to the lack of space and my eldest "playing" on the balcony and standing on a chair. We had to move, not only because of safety concerns but also due to insufficient space for my growing family. Yet, I'm left with a property I cannot sell off and distressingly, a tax burden that adds overwhelmingly to my financial strain. I want you to understand my story because it’s not just mine, it's the story of countless others who are simultaneously victims of both, a housing and an economic crisis.

There are thousands of innocent taxpayers burdened with untenable costs, trapped by this cladding scandal that has created a legion of "mortgage prisoners." The burden of mortgage payments on a home we can't sell is already a significant strain. Adding taxes on properties not making any money is a punch to the gut for those like us juggling lifesaving choices. We have rented out our property and are renting elsewhere but having to pay taxes that don't consider the mortgage payment and interests is overwhelming. 

All the owners(leaseholders) of apartments in high rise properties ( that is all over 3 storeys) purchased their homes in good faith, assuming  the buildings were safe. They would all have been passed as safe when built, but changing building safety regulations after the Grenfell Tower fire now means that the cladding on many of these buildings is non-compliant. 

The majority of leaseholders of high rise buildings, can neither afford to pay for the replacement of the inadequate cladding, remortgage to pay the bills or try and sell their properties.  This is at a time when many are struggling to pay mortgages and service charges already, having lost jobs or are on shorter hours and incomes. Some will lose their homes and everything they have from no fault of their own. 

The builders have committed to remediate and pay for the work required but for the most part this commitment is nothing more than promises. There is a feeling of grievance that the government is not supporting its residents and could do more.

It's striking to see that as per UK Finance, 17.9% of flats and 10.5% of all privately owned residential properties are affected by the cladding crisis. Imagine the number of people grappling with this dilemma, distressed, and financially sinking.

We aren't asking for special treatment - but for a fair one. We're urging the government to temporarily suspend the taxes on flats impacted by the cladding crisis at least until we can safely sell our properties. Our livelihood is at stake, and we deserve empathy, understanding, and swift action.

Please sign this petition to bring about this crucial legislative change, providing much-needed relief to the victims of the cladding scandal.