Wolverhampton Supported Housing provider guilty of failing to care for vulnerable people

Phoenix Supported Housing is providing accommodation on behalf of Wolverhampton Council, which is taking action against the company at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Phoenix managers Davinder Chall, 41, and Kimberley Bethell, 38, of All Saints Road, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to various charges relating to a property and a tenant in Park Street South, Wolverhampton.

Between January 2023 and February 2023, they caused distress to their tenants, whom they cared for due to their sensitive nature, by neglecting and harassing them.

Prosecutor Mark Jackson said: “This is a complex case that is inherently unusual for this court. We have accepted the defendants’ pleas and further charges will remain on file.”

The third principal, Sanjeev Jangra, 41, who teaches in Saudi Arabia, did not admit his guilt and the prosecution did not present any evidence because he was out of the country when the crimes were committed.

Mr Jackson said: “We are pleased that Mr Jangra was teaching in Saudi Arabia when this incident occurred.”

Phoenix is ​​being paid hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ cash to provide supported housing in HMOs across Wolverhampton. The company’s 2022 profit was £ 249,974 and its 2023 profit was £ 290,290

On Wolverhampton Council’s website Phoenix Supported Housing promises to look after its tenants.

They boast: “We provide accommodation to anyone experiencing temporary or ongoing conditions in a harmful environment. We aim to provide immediate accommodation to those in need, enabling them to improve their situation in a safe and stable environment.”

“Our principles are that accommodation should be a home, not a home. We place an emphasis on purpose when assessing living conditions and properties, carefully considering each individual’s unique needs to ensure each accommodation is a good fit. Ultimately, we deliver the best possible We offer the service.”

Recorder Marc Brown told Chall and Bethell: “You will have to return to this court for sentencing. I note that you have previously been of good character, but I will want to read the pre-sentence reports on you both.”

Chall and Bethell will be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on December 19. They can be sentenced to up to two years in prison.