Single Mother Faces Crisis in Edinburgh Council Flat After Repairs

A single mother in Edinburgh is confronting a crisis in her council flat, expressing her desperation after enduring inadequate repairs that have left her living conditions perilous. Lauren Currie, aged 29, shares her Drylaw home with her 11-year-old son and has voiced her frustration over the state of the property, which she describes as “falling apart.”

Currie has been waiting since February 2022 for necessary refurbishments to her kitchen and bathroom. Although some work was completed last month, she claims it did not address the issues she raised. Instead, contractors focused on other areas of the home, leaving behind what she termed “shoddy” and “unfinished work.”

One particularly alarming incident involved a shower curtain rail that was improperly installed, resulting in it falling into the bath. Currie reported that it had not been secured correctly, leaving a large nail protruding dangerously. She stated, “If my child or I had been in the bath when that happened, it could have been fatal.”

Currie’s situation is compounded by her health conditions, which include ADHD, Tourette syndrome, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety. This stress has taken a toll, leading her to declare that she would “rather be homeless” than continue living in the unsafe flat. She recounted a harrowing incident when her son was scalded due to a mix-up of hot and cold taps, stating, “Things have got worse. The place is falling apart.”

In addition to the dangerous conditions, Currie highlighted that the council failed to address her primary concerns, including issues with skirting boards, holes around lights, and mould on the walls. “I can’t live like that, living in fear that something will fall apart and hurt my son or me. I want to keep my son safe, but this home is not safe,” she remarked.

The City of Edinburgh Council has acknowledged her concerns. A spokesperson stated, “We are aware of the concerns raised by the tenant and are actively working to address and resolve these as soon as possible.”

As Currie grapples with her living situation, she emphasizes her desire for a permanent move, rather than temporary measures while repairs are ongoing. The ongoing struggle illustrates the broader challenges faced by tenants in securing safe and habitable living environments, particularly within council housing.

This incident not only highlights individual suffering but raises important questions about the efficacy of local housing authorities in providing adequate living conditions for their tenants. As Currie continues to advocate for her and her son’s safety, her story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic improvements in public housing repair processes.