Wolverhampton-backed housing provider guilty of failing to provide care to vulnerable people

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

Phoenix directors Davinder Chall, 41, and Kimberly Bethell, 38, based in All Saints Road, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to several charges relating to a property and tenant in Park Street South, Wolverhampton.

Between January 2023 and February 2023 they caused distress to their tenant, whom they were paid to care for due to his vulnerable nature, by neglecting and harassing them.

Prosecutor Mark Jackson said: “This was a complex case and unusual in its nature for this court. We have accepted the pleas of the accused and other charges will be on file.”

A third director, Sanjeev Jangra, 41, a teacher from Saudi Arabia, pleaded not guilty and the prosecution presented no evidence because he was outside the country when the crimes were committed.

Mr Jackson said: “We are satisfied that Mr Jangra was teaching in Saudi Arabia when this happened.”

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

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

They boast: “We provide housing for anyone temporarily or permanently exposed to hazardous environments. We are committed to providing immediate housing for those in need, allowing them to improve their situation from a safe and stable environment.”

“Our principle is that housing should be a home, not a house. We take a purposeful approach to our review of living conditions and properties, ensuring that each home is a good fit, carefully considering each individual’s unique needs. Ultimately we are focused on providing the best service possible.”

Recorder Mark Brown told Chall and Bethell: “You will have to return to this court to be sentenced. I note that you have a history of good character, but I want to read the reports on both of you before sentencing.”

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