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Sold council flat in Portpool Lane |
Sell-off homes in ‘good’ condition
Town Hall tactics brought into doubt
HOMES being sold off by the Town Hall and cast as lost causes in terms of refurbishment actually need just a few thousand pounds to be bought back into use, the New Journal has learned.
Despite appeals from tenants and opposition councillors to freeze the sales on the grounds they could be used for couples on the waiting list, housing chiefs sold five more flats at auction on Monday.
The Liberal Democrat and Conservative coalition has insisted it is getting good value for the properties but a flat in Nigel House in Portpool Lane, Holborn, sold after only attracting one bid of £180,000.
In a report seen by the New Journal it was revealed that far from needing extensive work – a key claim made by the council – the flat in Nigel House needed only around £10,000 to make it suitable for use. This estimation was made by an independent surveyor.
The New Journal has also been told that the flat has only been empty since May.
Labour ward councillor Julian Fulbrook described the sale of the flat as a “disgrace”.
He said: “I have people queuing up in my ward surgery who are desperate and it is wantonly selling off council property acquired in 1909 for the public benefit.”
Camden’s claims the sell-off only involves homes in dire need were challenged when developer who snapped up a large property in Finchley Road said it was in “good” condition.
At Monday’s full council meeting, Labour councillors argued the current economic conditions meant this was the worst time to sell.
Lib Dem councillor Chris Naylor insisted the council was getting good money and sales were being agreed above guide book recommendations.
The cash is being used to repair homes and flats that survive the sell off.
Cllr Naylor said: “Last week I saw families excited about the prospect of their first improvements, their first kitchens and bathrooms in 50 years.”
He said the council did not want to sell off flats but was embarking on a sales programme because of a lack of government investment in Camden’s housing stock.
Another batch of flats are due to go to auction next month. |
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