News Prohibition Notice remains in place at Miller Heights

Frequently asked questions

Please click here for our FAQs.

Support available for Miller Heights residents

Maidstone Borough Council is providing help and guidance to all residents affected by the situation at Miller Heights, regardless of individual circumstances. This includes advice, support and signposting to other organisations and services where appropriate.

Most residents are eligible for  emergency accommodation support for up to 56 days under a homeless duty.

However, the Council is not able to provide this accommodation to residents who have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). This is a condition linked to a person’s immigration status, meaning they are not able to access most government benefits, housing support or financial assistance from Maidstone Borough Council.

The rules around access to public funds are set by national legislation and immigration policy, not by the local council. This means Maidstone Borough Council must follow these legal requirements when deciding what support can be provided and does not have the power to override them.

We understand this may be frustrating. Maidstone Borough Council will always do what it can within the law and will work with partners to help ensure residents receive the appropriate support wherever possible.

After 56 days

After the initial 56-day period, the level of support we can provide may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Where emergency accommodation is provided by the Council, we will always try to place residents within the borough, although this is not always possible due to availability.

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Important information for residents

• Homeowners and landlords: you should contact your insurance provider as your first point of contact.
• Tenants: the prohibition notice does not end your tenancy agreement. You are still expected to meet the terms of your tenancy, including paying rent. You should speak directly with your landlord and seek independent legal advice if needed.
• Placed by another council: if you were placed in Miller Heights by another local authority, you will need to contact and return to that council for support.
• Alternative accommodation: if you are currently staying in accommodation not arranged by the Council, please let us know, even if you do not wish to access our services. This helps us monitor the situation and ensure everyone is accounted for.
• If you haven’t contacted us: please get in touch so we can understand your situation and offer support where possible.

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Council tax exemption update

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Dedicated email address set up for displaced Miller Heights residents

The management company for the privately owned Miller Heights flats has advised residents that the building is unlikely to be accessible for at least 16 weeks, following a Prohibition Notice issued by Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

We recognise how difficult and upsetting this situation is for residents, and we want to be clear that we have not forgotten them. Our officers have been working continuously to provide support, advice and, where needed, emergency accommodation to those affected. However, there are statutory limits to the level of support the Council can provide.

We understand that some residents may have made short-term arrangements that won’t extend over a longer period. It’s important that people begin to consider their options for the coming months. Our team is here to help, and we would encourage anyone who needs support to get in touch via our dedicated email address.

Residents advised to check home insurance

Residents are also encouraged to check their home insurance and speak to their provider, as this may offer more suitable or longer-term solutions depending on individual circumstances.

We have received a number of questions about responsibility for the building. Miller Heights is privately owned and has never been owned by Maidstone Borough Council. The building is part of a government-led programme of improvement works, which sits outside the Council’s remit and is overseen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

We remain committed to supporting residents through this situation. We are working closely with government, Kent County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and those responsible for the building to ensure residents receive the support and information they need. While this is a complex situation involving a number of organisations, we will continue to provide guidance and support to anyone affected.

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Support from Maidstone Borough Council

Anyone who needs support to get in touch via our dedicated email address.

Those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, click here.

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Please disregard recent UK Power Network text message

We are aware of a communication sent to residents suggesting that issues at Miller House have been resolved - This is not the case. Work is still ongoing and has not been completed.

A prohibition notice remains in place and residents must not return to the building at this time (unless you are collecting belongings at the allotted times).

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Welfare centre stood down

The Welfare Centre for residents affected by the Miller Heights incident is was stood down Wednesday 13 May, as Maidstone Borough Council confirms the situation is no longer being treated as a Major Incident.

Whilst the centre has closed, due to low number of people using the service, the council is clear, this does not mean that support is not available to displaced residents. Furthermore, the downgrading of a major incident, refers only to the initial emergency response, there is a longer-term programme of support available to residents of Miller Heights.

Councillor Stuart Jeffery, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said:

We understand how distressing this situation has been for residents, and while the Major Incident has now been stood down, our focus remains on ensuring everyone is safe and supported.

The prohibition order is a necessary step while we complete all safety checks. Residents will not be able to return until we are confident the building is safe."

Daniel Noonan, Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Building Safety, said:

Following an incident at Miller Heights in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, our building safety inspectors identified a number of fire safety concerns.

As a result, a prohibition notice was issued on Tuesday (12 May 2026), which prevents anyone from living or sleeping at the premises, or entering the premises for anything other than remedial works.

The safety of the public is paramount, and we will continue to work with those responsible for the building to ensure any issues are resolved."

There is currently no confirmed timeline for residents to return home.

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Miller Heights frequently asked questions

What has happened at Miller Heights?

A flood in the building’s basement has damaged electrical systems, resulting in a loss of power and safety risks. As a result, the building cannot currently be occupied safely.

Does MBC own Miller Heights?

MBC does not own Miller Heights, the building is owned and managed by a third party.

Do I have to pay council tax still?

Why do I have to leave my home?

You must leave because a prohibition order has been formally issued. This is not a precaution; it is an essential safety measure.

• The building has been assessed as unsafe for occupation
• It is not safe for residents to remain inside
• It is a legal requirement that residents leave until the order is lifted

I need something essential from my flat, what should I do?

We understand many residents and leaseholders need further access to the building to collect belongings or support their move to temporary or permanent accommodation.

Building Managers Centrick are developing a plan to allow access in a safe, fair and controlled way. To help do this, please complete the access planning form.

This will help Centrick understand what you need to collect, how long you may need, and any support required. Please note:

• Completing the form is not a booking or guarantee of access
• Any arrangements must be fully risk assessed and agreed with regulatory authorities before access can be provided

What support is available to me?

What is a prohibition order?

A prohibition order is a legal notice which prohibits people from living in or using a building where there is a serious safety risk. Under this order residents cannot stay overnight, residents cannot return to live in the building and access is restricted and controlled.

Can I stay in my flat if I feel safe?

No. You must not stay in your flat under any circumstances while the prohibition order is in place. Even if you feel safe and you have no immediate alternative accommodation

Do I need to leave immediately?

Yes. Residents are required to leave the building as soon as possible. On-site staff and partners will support residents to leave safely.

What should I bring?

A full list of items that may be suitable for your grab bag can be found online.

Can I return to my flat?

No. Residents must not return to the building unless formally told it is safe to do so. The building will remain restricted while safety inspections are completed, electrical systems are repaired and risks are removed.

What should I do if I have nowhere to stay?

If you cannot stay with family or friends, we are here to offer guidance to anyone affected Call 01622 602127 you can also get in touch via our dedicated email address.

What support is available to residents?

Support is available, including emergency accommodation, welfare support for vulnerable residents and advice and ongoing assistance.

When can I go back home?

You will only be able to return once:

• The prohibition order is lifted
• Safety authorities confirm the building is safe
• Residents will be formally notified when it is safe to return.

What is being done to fix the issue?

Specialist teams are: assessing the damage caused by the flooding, repairing electrical and other affected systems and carrying out safety inspections

What should I do about food and belongings left inside?

Any food left in fridges or freezers after this point is unsafe. For hygiene and safety reasons, please attend your property as soon as possible onthe arranged access day to empty and dispose of any perishable food. You may wish to contact your insurer regarding any losses and belongings should only be collected when safe access is arranged.

What should I do about rent, bills or my mortgage?

Residents should: check tenancy or lease agreements, contact landlords, managing agents or mortgage providers and seek independent advice where needed.

How will I receive updates?

We are committed to keeping residents informed. Updates will be shared through direct contact with residents where possible, council and managing agent communications and official council website and social media channels.

Where can I find more support?

The Maidstone voluntary and community sector is providing help and support to residents of Miller Heights.

• Breakeven - help for people affected by financial stress, housing pressure, or displacement
• Child’s Vision - support for children
• Maidstone Mencap - information and support for families with children who have special educational needs or disabilities
• Making a Difference to Maidstone - food and clothing bank and homemaker fund
• The Princess Project - support for families with children aged 0–5, including nappies, formula, clothing, toys, and larger equipment
• The Vine Church - food bank and household store
• Samaritans of Maidstone and Weald - mental health support

What is the council's position on the Prohibition Notice?

The Prohibition Order was served by Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS), not Maidstone Borough Council. The terms required by them to lift the notice, in our opinion, are likely to be complex and costly, and some interventions may require approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before work can begin. As a result, it may take some time for the notice can be lifted. Ultimately, this sits with the building’s freeholder, working through their managing agent, Centrick.

Will the council relax or lift the Prohibition notice?

What is the timeline for a phased or conditional return to the building?

This sits with the freeholder and the managing agent, Centrick. Given the seriousness and complexity of the situation, the Council has sought specialist advice form the Joint Inspection Team (JIT) within the Local Government Association.  This process is now underway, but we do not yet know how long it will take for advice to be provided.

Are additional works required before any residents can return?

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