Lib Dems work for fair deal for leaseholders (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems work for fair deal for leaseholders

February 13, 2006 12:06 PM

Councillor Jane Salmon (Southwark Council)

East Walworth councillor, Jane Salmon

Southwark Liberal Democrats have vowed to create a fair deal for leaseholders - who make up nearly one in four of residents across Southwark's housing estates.

Liberal Democrat councillors have overhauled the housing department to create a special unit to deal with leaseholders alongside the special units that deal with tenants.

"This has been a big priority for us," said hardworking Lib Dem councillor Jane Salmon. Leaseholders are overdue a more professional standard of service. I am sure that people will soon notice the difference. I know first hand the importance of leaseholders receiving clear bills and estimates on time."

Leaseholder and Lib Dem campaigner Andy Mayer has welcomed the Lib Dems' moves to make it easier for leaseholders to pay the charges for major works which the council is legally obliged to seek from leaseholders.

Andy Mayer (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Leaseholder and Lib Dem campaigner, Andy Mayer

"The government expects people to be able to pay bills which are sometimes very large - in some cases over £20,000," said Andy. "Most ordinary people don't have that kind of money under their mattress."

The Council now offers leaseholders low interest loans to make it easier for them to pay the bills and they are seeking better value for money on repairs contracts to ensure that leaseholders aren't being overcharged.