Merlene writes on Housing (Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats)

Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats <info@hflibdems.org.uk>

Merlene writes on Housing

April 23, 2010 1:54 PM
By Merlene Emerson
Originally published by Merlene Emerson - Your First Choice for London

I believe that in a fair society, everyone should have the right to a decent home. This is not the reality of Hammersmith today. Instead, the Conservative-led council has been using every power at its disposal to prevent the further building of affordable homes and to rid the borough of much needed existing social housing stock, condemning thousands to lengthy waiting lists and sub-standard rented accommodation.

Council documents obtained under Freedom of Information reveals the council's 'solution to pockets of deprivation - the demolition of all or large parts of at least seven housing estates in the borough, including the White City, which consists of over 2,000 homes. It is not clear what the council would do with the people currently living in these places.

The Liberal Democrats would reform public sector borrowing requirements to free councils to borrow money against their assets in order to build a new generation of affordable homes, and allow them to keep all the revenue from these new homes to plough investment back into public services. We would also bring 250,000 empty homes back by equalising VAT on repairs and refurbishment work.

Never before have so many been in need of a decent, affordable home, yet never before have so many been let down by the lack of action. The Liberal Democrats would make high quality housing for all a reality.