At the full Council meeting last Monday 5th July a number of Councillors had questions to the Cabinet Member for Homes. It is normal that the majority and opposition Councillors have an equal share within the time frame of 30 minutes to ask questions to three Cabinet Members.
On this occasion the Cabinet Member for Homes, when asked a question by a Labour Councillor, chose to read out a statement for 10 minutes, opposition members questioned the Mayor as to why this was allowed to happen, the Mayor became oblivious and took no notice, leaving the Cabinet Member to ramble on, when answers are supposed to be concise and short.
Because this happened, there was no time left for further questions, with the Mayor ending the session.
I mention this because 3 opposition Members had further questions to the Cabinet Member for Homes on matters of importance for their tenants.
My question;
“Once again the Council is failing their Social Housing responsibilities in Haling Grove. Piles of festering rubbish alongside children playing, residents placed in inappropriate Housing. With the ARK report (Regina Road) condemning the way the Council Housing service is run, when will this Labour Council start to act to ensure living conditions for tenants are suitable for all”
I emailed the Council on the 28th June and got a reply that Haling Grove issues would be dealt with, 10 days later the situation is still the same.
Residents have also complained and sent photographs, yet we have had no action from the Council for weeks. Foxes now come through from the park and search for food.
At the rear of the properties, there is further proof that Labour’s inaction is causing tenants to live in very poor conditions.
I invite the Cabinet Member for Homes to see for herself what conditions for tenants are like in Haling Grove.
The Cabinet Member for Homes can ramble in full council on what the Council has implemented, the key factor as we all know is what happens on the ground. If a tenant is surrounded by these poor conditions, how can they take pride in how they look after their property and surroundings
I am sure that all Housing officers work very hard under extreme conditions, It is the Labour leadership that is at fault, they should be held to account, tenants have no voice, Who is responsible for Haling Grove? Why is nobody monitoring?
One resident told me i call and call and i never get a response. I have given up and wish to move to another Borough. Another tenant said thank you to me after my intervention, they finally received a call from the Housing Department having called and emailed for weeks without a proper answer.
Labour can talk all they like in full Council, what matters is tenants welfare, they deserve better than this.
