Mum of 4 found dead in mould riddled home was 'solemn and helpless' week before her death
Codie, Ms McBride's daughter said her mother's death could have been avoided had it not been for "systemic and police-based failings".
Ms McBride was moved to Stalybridge, Tameside, with two of her children, but the property was allegedly “in a very poor state with a myriad of serious restoration work needing to be done”.
An inquest was told the house had several serious defects, including black mould which made Ms McBride and her children ill, causing black dirt to come out of their noses, and pigeons nesting in their loft.
Codie, Ms McBride’s daughter said her mother’s death could have been avoided had it not been for “systemic and police-based failings”.
In a statement read out at the inquest, reported by the Manchester Evening News, Codie said her mother had been a victim of systemic abuse.
Codie explained: “My mum was a victim of systemic abuse – which is the complete neglect towards a whole class of people in this country.
“This happens when funding is cut to vital services, ineffective procedures are adopted by agencies and an institutionalised poor perception towards those who are in receipt of benefits or living on the breadline is adopted.”
Codie added that her mother did not want to accept the tenancy, but was allegedly told by Jigsaw Homes that she would be making herself and her children intentionally homeless if she didn’t.
The inquest heard that there was a delay in moving her to the property because of promised renovation work. When she was in finally moved into the property in December 2019, it had no gas or electricity.
The situation had arisen because Mc McBride’s previous landlord had told her he intended to sell up and gave her six weeks to move out in early 2019.
Codie said: “This left her feeling very nervous and fearful. She was panicked about finding somewhere new to live in such a short space of time.
“She enquired about lots of properties but couldn’t find any private rentals that would accept her due to being on benefits. She was told by numerous estate agents that she would require a guarantor, which she did not have.
“She sought advice from the local authority and was advised to declare herself homeless in order to be prioritised for rehousing with the local housing association, Jigsaw.”
The inquest also heard that Ms McBride had allegedly been “passed back and forth” between Jigsaw Homes and Tameside Council.
The inquest heard that shortly before Ms McBride’s death on August 1, 2022, she was “solemn and helpless” and still “not certain” about her situation.
At the time of her death, the inquest heard that Ms McBride hadn’t been taking her prescribed anti-depressants.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Tameside Council said: “Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Karen McBride. The coroner found that no systemic failings by any organisation contributed to her death.
“The Council does not comment on individual cases, however, reviews are undertaken in all such cases to see if any learning can be gained and improvements be made. In all cases, benefits and council tax can only be assessed where information is available.”
The Samaritans can be reached round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call them on the phone. You can reach them by calling 116 123, by emailing jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org.
