Bashdar Saleh, his wife, and their three young children have spent the past four years living in a one-bedroom home on Austin Street riddled with mould. Their appeals for a larger property were repeatedly rejected by Ipswich Borough Council, despite the home being overcrowded.
Mr Saleh, who shares the bedroom with his wife and baby while sleeping on the living room floor with his two oldest children, expressed relief at the council’s recent efforts to find them a new home.
“I hope it happens. The council have been good to us since, our current home has been cleaned of mould and they are showing us potential homes for my family,” he said.
A health visitor from Suffolk County Council said the family’s housing conditions had a “very negative impact on the mental and physical health of the parents, and on the health and development of the children.”
The Salehs have already been shown one potential property, which they rejected due to its size. More viewings are planned in the coming weeks, with the council aiming to have the family settled before Christmas.
Councillor Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
“It is Mr Saleh’s right to wait and only accept a new property when he finds the right home through the choice-based lettings service. The existing accommodation currently provided to Mr Saleh remains safe, as the council have taken all necessary steps to remove mould caused by condensation. Officers continue to work with Mr Saleh to identify the right property. We hope he finds the right home and is able to move as soon as possible.”
Ipswich Star, November 2025
