housing+-+Council+Housing+-+DCH+1.08+Update

= = =Defend Council Housing, Jan 08 Update= //Some recent news and issues affecting the 50,000 residents (tenants and leaseholders) in the borough's council housing...//


 * No Rent Rises!** the council are proposing an above-inflation rent rise of 6.5% for 2008-09. We were told in past years that higher rent rises were needed because of rent restructuring, but now we are told that **//even higher rises//** are needed due to government cuts in management and maintenance allowances.


 * We are opposing this increase.** Haringey Council’s own surveys show the severe housing affordability crisis in the borough. As suggested by the Audit Commission, Haringey must ring-fence right-to-buy receipts for housing purposes. At present the receipts are used as a funding stream for non-housing activities. The borough, with the support of tenants and leaseholders, should stand up to government, and demand a decent settlement on housing finance.


 * External decorations cancelled!** It has emerged that Haringey has cancelled the external decorations programme for its housing stock for the whole of the current year. There has been no ‘externals decs’ programme in 2004-05, 2005-06 and now 2007-08, and there was only a limited programme in 2006-07. **//The council is not meeting its obligations under its Ttenant’s Charter - or the tenancy agreement.//** Because of these cuts, many estates look dire, for instance the ‘alphabet blocks’ in Wood Green N22. Most importantly, the ‘external decs’ also include communal areas of blocks of flats. //"These cuts are disgusting",// said Paul Burnham of Newbury House, Partridge Way, Wood Green. //"The communal areas need a consistent rotational programme of painting",// he added. //"The council must stick to the tenancy agreement – just as we have to."//


 * Haringey fails to secure decent homes money** Despite winning ‘two stars’ for performance, Homes for Haringey was unsuccessful in confirming its place in the government’s long-awaited ‘decent homes’ funding round. Announced on 12th December. Neither Haringey Council nor the Almo, Homes for Haringey, are disclosing the reason why the much-needed investment is still being withheld.


 * Evidence session and rally. House of Commons, Tuesday 22 January** Local tenants and leaseholders are demanding answers from the Almo and the Council on all these issues. And on January 22 we will be attending an evidence session and rally at the House of Commons, where we will be lobbying our own MPs, and building the campaign for the ‘Fourth Option’ of direct investment in council housing.


 * On Tuesday 22 January we will be meeting at 10.00am at Wood Green tube. Please come and join us. Travel card expenses can be covered. Please phone, text or Email to reserve your place.**

More details from: Paul Burnham, Haringey Defend Council Housing [|paul959burnham@btinternet.com] //020 8888 7836 07847 714158//