|
|
 |
| |
Caretakers plan legal fight
Sacked council workers could go to High Court over tendering
THE decision to sack a quarter of Camden’s council estate caretakers is almost certain to face a legal challenge.
The New Journal learned last night (Wednesday) that lawyers at Hodge, Jones and Allen (HJA), one of London’s biggest legal firms, are working on a case which could potentially end up in the High Court.
The Town Hall’s own legal team are expected to receive a written list of concerns by the end of the week.
Veolia, a multinational private company, was awarded the estate cleaning contract last month after an initial pilot scheme on a handful of estates. The company, which already holds a contract to clean Camden’s streets, was given the job without having to tender for the work.
The move has helped provoke a tenants’ rebellion against a raft of unpopular housing policies. Many are upset at the potential loss of workers who know their estates inside out. Around 40 caretakers face losing their jobs.
It is understood that a tenant alarmed by the changes contacted HJA to enlist their help.
A source at the company said: “In their haste to turn this valued service over to private contractors, we are concerned that the council has not followed the rules in tendering. We are considering writing to the council to warn them of these concerns and the potential for legal proceedings.”
It is standard for legal firms to write before launching applications for court appeals. In the case of the caretaking contract, lawyers would almost certainly have to go through the Royal Courts of Justice in Aldwych and the judicial review process.
A council spokeswoman said: “The council estimates that if the scheme is rolled out borough-wide there will be savings of approximately £145,000 per year.”
‘Downsize’? Bid to empty large homes
THE Town Hall is to encourage tenants living in large council homes to “downsize” so that families on the waiting list can move into their properties.
Residents will be asked if they fancy moving out if they have more rooms than the council thinks they need.
While the idea of making the most of every inch of Camden’s council stock has few opponents, critics of “Downsize Week” have warned that there is a risk residents will feel pressured out of their homes and possibly lose their protection as council tenants.
The event is due to be staged next month and Camden will present the private lettings market as an option to people willing to downsize.
Officials are currently working on information for the event and a possible DVD to hand to people waiting for homes.
Labour councillor Jonathan Simpson said: “If they aren’t council tenants they are not guaranteed a secure tenancy and they do not have a democratically elected landlord.”
Liberal Democrat housing chief Councillor Chris Naylor was unavailable for comment but a press official at the Town Hall said the criticism was “misleading”. |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
