 |
 |
 |
 |
Government cancelling £112 million housing renewal programme dubbed a betrayal of tenants
July 21, 2009 12:11 PM
News that the Government has cancelled a £112 million of funding to pay for work to bring the borough's Council housing up to decent home standards has been met with shock and anger by local tenants and Council Leaders. The decision to axe the funding was taken without consultation and or notification to the Councils affected.
The £112 million decent homes programme would pay for the replacement of antiquated box bathrooms on the St Helier estate, increased energy efficiency with the installation of new double glazed windows, and insulation and upgrading tower blocks such as Chaucer House.
Tenants and staff at the Sutton Housing Partnership have been working hard to get ready for a crucial inspection by the Audit Commission this autumn which was the final hurdle to release the decent homes funding.
The Department of Communities and Local Government had confirmed earlier this year that the money was already earmarked for the borough and just awaiting the inspection result.
The money is being redirected to pay for Gordon Brown's plan Britain's Future.
Council Leader, Sean Brennan, said
"This news is a kick in the teeth for tenants and housing staff. Everyone has worked so hard to secure this essential funding. We will do everything we can to challenge the Government for reneging on its promise."
Paul Burstow MP said,
"The Government has betrayed tenants with this disgraceful decision. Siphoning off these vital funds to pay for the Prime Minister's latest pet plans is underhand and badly lets tenants down. This act will condemn tenants to a live in homes that are not fit for the future."
Tom Brake MP said,
"This government u-turn is completely unacceptable. Sutton's tenants are entitled to decent homes now, not at some distant point in the future."
Council Executive Member for Housing, Colin Stears, said,
"This decision is a devastating blow to the council tenants of Sutton. It goes to show that this government cannot be trusted to keep its word even when supporting some of the most vulnerable sections of our community."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats