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Left to right, back row: Brian Potter, Theodore Spyrou, Emma Dixon, Jackie Morgan, Anne Barthwaite, Annie Doubledee; front row: Helen Hajithemistou and Amelia Haralambous |
Charities under threat
Introduction of market rents puts dozens of organisations at risk
DOZENS of subsidised charities occupying council property could be forced to close down under a plan by Islington to charge a market rent.
Tenant and leaseholder groups, affordable nurseries and community associations may have to shut their doors if subsidies and grants are not increased to meet the expected huge trebling of the rent.
Brian Potter, whose campaigning Federation of Islington Tenants Associations pays a subsidised rent, believes this could spell the end to his organisation, said: “Our office is opposite Arsenal station in council property which is worth a fortune.
“Ours is the only one in the parade of shops which has not been put up for sale.
“We are often a thorn in the side of the council and if they wanted to get rid of us this [rent increase] would be the way.
“All they need to do is charge the market rent and not increase our grant. I fear that the council is simply interested in making money.”
Anne Barthwaite helps run Aberdeen Park nursery which has been running for 30 years.
“We’re a charity and obviously couldn’t afford to pay a market rent.”
Emma Dixon, barrister Parliamentary Candidate for the Green party said: “People are very angry. This has been sprung upon them without proper consultation. People have been told it is going to happen.”
She added that not content with putting 220 shops under threat, the council is now turning against Islington’s voluntary groups.
Lib Dem Cllr Terry Stacy, Executive Member for Communities, said: “We do support the voluntary sector and we want to develop a fairer system for the way we manage property occupied by these groups.
“The council owns more than 60 buildings occupied by voluntary sector organisations, and our approach to rent, leases, repair and maintenance is inconsistent.
“We’ve got an obligation to get the best return for taxpayers, but also we want to make best use of the accommodation available so each organisation occupies a property that matches their capacity and needs. Some are receiving a hidden subsidy from the council, which hasn’t been based on any kind of objective assessment. This is neither fair nor good practice. |
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