Lambeth Mum Claims Ceiling Collapse Caused Injuries, Daughter Fell Down Stairs

Venesha Rose claims she sustained concussion, spinal spasms, and whiplash after the ceiling in her Lambeth council home collapsed for a second time in eight months. The incident occurred in August 2026 at her property in Gipsy Hill. Ms Rose stated that a piece of wood from the collapsed ceiling injured her nephew, requiring hospital treatment.

The family had previously been moved to temporary accommodation in January 2026 after both a bedroom ceiling and a downstairs study ceiling collapsed. Ms Rose reported that she had complained to the council about leaks in 2024. Upon returning from temporary accommodation in May 2026, she raised concerns that repairs had not been completed adequately. Three months later, the study ceiling collapsed again.

Injuries and Property Condition

Ms Rose told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the electrics were left exposed and still are. She also stated that the water was turned off and then turned back on, but the property continued to leak. A GP note seen by the LDRS documented Ms Rose's injuries as a concussion headache, lower back pain, bruising, and neck pain, directly linked to the ceiling collapse.

A spokesperson for Lambeth Council expressed shock and sadness regarding the injuries but claimed they had not been previously informed of them. However, the LDRS has viewed emails indicating Ms Rose had informed the council about her and her nephew's injuries. The spokesperson added that the authority had faced access issues when attempting to visit the property.

Due to faulty electricity and ongoing leaks, Ms Rose stated that most of the upstairs of her three-bedroom property is in darkness. She also reported that her fire alarms had been disconnected because of water ingress.

Daughter's Fall and Utility Disputes

On September 28, Ms Rose claimed her three-year-old daughter fell down the stairs because there were no working lights in that section of the house. She described the area as pitch black, resulting in her daughter sustaining grazes to her knees and forehead. Ms Rose also reported being in dispute with the council over her gas and electricity bills, having lodged a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman. She stated that prior to being moved to temporary accommodation, her gas account was £350 in credit and her electricity was £650 in credit, but upon her return, she found her gas account in debt by £200 and her electricity in debt by £150.

Ms Rose, who lives with disabilities, normally cares for a foster child. However, she stated the child is unable to stay at the property due to its condition and safety concerns, and is currently in temporary respite care. This situation has persisted for approximately 10 months. Ms Rose also expressed a desire to purchase her council home through the Right to Buy scheme, but this process is on hold until the property can be properly valued and made saleable.

Council's Response and Next Steps

Lambeth Council acknowledged awareness of the necessary repairs at the property and stated they had contacted Ms Rose multiple times, including visits and undertaking some works. They reiterated claims of access issues on one occasion. A senior surveyor visited the property after the August ceiling collapse, and the council stated they were working on repairs. An appointment was scheduled for October 9 to address the remaining issues.