Islington Tribune
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 3 August 2007
 

Labour politicians on the town hall steps urge a policy to reduce the 13,000 waiting list
Lib Dems defend record as Labour demand housing rethink

THE construction of new council homes looks set to be the crunch election issue with both Labour and the Lib Dems this week vying for the crown of ­champion of affordable housing.
On Friday, residents and Labour politicians – including Islington’s MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry – protested at the town hall, urging Islington’s ruling Lib­eral Democrats to build more affordable homes.
The Lib Dems ­countered that they will, as revealed in the ­Trib­une earlier this year, start a homebuilding programme by Christmas.
They are pressing ahead with the ­programme without a penny of government money, instead using millions made from the controversial sell-off of the council’s commercial property portfolio.
Another sticking point is the amount of affordable housing that private developers provide. The current rule is that any projects of more than 10 units must have a 50 per cent element of affordable housing.
Labour want all developments – regardless of their size – to be half affordable.
There are around 13,000 people on ­Islington’s council ­housing waiting list.
Councillor Terry ­Stacy, the Lib Dem housing chief, has accused the opposition of “pie in the sky ­economics” saying they “haven’t properly researched” the matter.
He claims developers would be put off ­investing in Islington if the threshold was any lower. Cllr Stacy said that in the past year Islington has built 800 affordable housing units – far more than neighbouring boroughs.
Last week, the government announced an extra £2.5 billion to fund new council or housing association homes across England.
Emily Thornberry said: “Islington Council needs to work with the government and use the money on offer to build homes now.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:


 

 
Your Comments:
 
 
 
spacer














spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up