Residents of Leith’s famous Banana Flats (Cables Wynd House) have launched their human rights monitoring report.

The report, “Our Housing Rights Project” was written by Cables Wynd House Residents Group (CWHRG) and is based on their research over the past three years. After surveying residents in 2022 and 2024, the group have uncovered significant housing issues including dampness and mould, pests, anti-social behaviour, broken lifts, delayed repairs and poor communication. 

For example, in 2024:

  • 53% of respondents said they had a problem with mould
  • 63% of respondents reported a pest problem
  • 40% said their home negatively impacted on their mental health.

Based on this evidence, the group have set ambitious targets for improvements and are calling upon their landlord City of Edinburgh Council to bring their homes up to an adequate standard. Human rights are being breached here- such as the right to adequate housing, children’s rights and the rights of people with disabilities.

This follows City of Edinburgh Council declaring a housing emergency in 2023 due to significant pressures on the housing market. In response, the Council created a Housing Emergency Action Plan (2024-2029) containing a priority to provide quality housing.

Angela O’Hagan, Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, who is speaking at the launch, said

“The increase in repair times, and repairs left unresolved, prevalence of vermin, and in anti-social behaviour all reveal the impact on people’s quality of life and everyday living conditions. All the elements the residents raise in this report are basic human rights – to housing, health, participation – in decision making, in education, and access to services.”

As the report states

“Our aim is to work together to make the flats a happier and healthier place to live, and to hold City of Edinburgh Council accountable for its basic duties in the realm of international human rights treaties, UK laws and Scotland’s Promise to young people, especially those with care experience.”

The report has been provided to duty bearers who have been asked to respond to the findings and make specific commitments to address these issues. CWHRG will be monitoring progress on suggested improvements.

The report launch, sponsored by Councillor Katrina Facenda, will be held at Edinburgh City Chambers, where residents will present their findings and calls for action. City of Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland have been invited to respond.

To attend the launch at 6.30pm on 30 January 2025 please contact Hannah Kitchen Kirby on hannahkitchenkirby@bethanychristiantrust.com

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