Council backs Lib Dem 3-point plan for tenants' homes (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

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

Council backs Lib Dem 3-point plan for tenants' homes

November 12, 2009 2:20 PM

Southwark Lib Dems have won the backing of Council Assembly for its 3-point campaign to get the government to untie Southwark's hands when it comes to investing in council homes.

The campaign calls on the Labour government to:

• Write-off of millions of pounds of historic debt for building estates such as Heygate and Aylesbury for which the council is still paying.

• Allow the council to have a debt 'holiday' or to refinance existing debt at current lower interest rates.

• Give the council the flexibility to use money from new developments in the borough towards the cost home and estate improvements.

Commenting, Cllr Nick Stanton, Leader of Southwark Lib Dems said:

"It is time for the Labour government to recognise that Southwark faces unique housing problems. It's time they untied our hands and allow us to provide the financial solutions which take account of these challenges.

"It is clear that most tenants want to remain council tenants, and I share their belief that the Labour government's decent homes standard is below what our residents deserve.

"This 3-point plan sets out clearly to government what we believe we need to improve tenants' homes, and over the coming months I and Simon Hughes MP will be making that case to the Labour government."

ENDS