In the East End, local councillors receive more requests for help with housing than any other subject. As well as assistance for re- housing we receive numerous requests from residents to explain the lettings policy. This has now been revised by the council and we await to see how it works in effect.
It is an appalling but accurate fact that national house building in 2009, the last full year of the Labour government, fell to the lowest peacetime level since 1923, whilst the UK population is the highest ever. Outside of World War Two, in difficult and prosperous economic times, new houses were completed at a higher rate than in recent years. The Conservative led government intend to do something about this and have announced a new homes bonus scheme to kickstart housing and the council in line to receive the largest bonus of all is Tower Hamlets which will get £4.3 million. In addition the government has awarded the council almost £94.5 million to update and improve the quality of existing housing in the borough by way of the decent Home Funding Scheme. A further £96.8 million has been awarded to Tower Hamlets to deliver 600 affordable homes. Something is, at last being done in our borough to deliver additional good quality housing.
Funds have also been approved to commence the massive Blackwall Reach Regeneration scheme, which will see the end of the current Robin Hood Gardens, perhaps one of the most misguided and mistaken developments of the late 1960s, for which there are many contenders. Robin Hood Gardens is a monument to the vanity of architects who design homes for awards, not people. As local councillors my colleagues and I have been working with residents of Robin Hood Gardens to secure the best possible options for new homes as possible. Existing tenants must be assured that they can, if they wish stay in this area and have a new home which is comparable to that which they currently occupy. It is unfair to move people away from their jobs and schools when there are opportunities for them to stay in their present neighbourhood. The council has decided on a partnership with Swan Housing, who at least have experience in the area. They will be closely monitored to ensure that they deliver what they have promised at meetings.
The government has promised localism and this means people should be entitled to remain in their locality of choice if at all possible.
Tower Hamlets has some 23,000 people on its waiting list and these numbers are set to increase. Every chance must be taken to ensure that those in need can be housed in comfortable and safe homes. Sadly the borough has a small but significant number of examples of people who are occupying much needed affordable homes when they have second or more homes. This is not acceptable and social landlords and the council should take action against those who abuse the system. As well as tenants leaseholders are increasingly frustrated by the actions of their landlords. We are continuously asked to assist with service charges. This includes lift charges for blocks without lifts and the standard of maintenance work. Council meetings have regularly included deputations from tenants and leaseholders who have agreed to stock transfer only to find the landlord continuously changes and becomes increasingly remote.
The new government has shown its commitment to housing in Tower Hamlets by awarding the borough substantial financial support. It is now up to the administration to use that money for the benefit of local residents.