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Firdaus Kanga with supporters who have backed his fight to kep his home |
Disabled TV writer wins home battle
Actor thanks the Tribune after a government inspector blocks scheme to develop building
DISABLED TV writer and actor Firdaus Kanga has achieved another remarkable victory in his battle against eviction, after a government planning inspector threw out an appeal by his housing association to develop his home in Highbury.
In a slap in the face for the Community Housing Group (CHG), the inspector refused to allow the £1 milllion scheme at Purley Way, off Upper Street, on the grounds of insufficient detail about the environmental impact on the locality.
The scheme had gone to appeal after the original application to turn the property into a home for 10 vulnerable young men was thrown out by Islington’s Labour-held West Area committee.
Mr Kanga, 46, with support from gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, will now seek a landmark legal ruling, which will decide whether Camden-based CHG is bound by anti-discrimination laws. The case is due to be heard at Clerkenwell County Court later this year. The case will hinge on whether CHG is deemed in law to be a public body or a private body. Mr Kanga’s lawyers will argue that with a multi-million pound turnover and £785 million worth of housing stock, CHG is a public body with a duty to protect his rights under the Human Rights Act.
As a public body it would also be liable under disability discrimination laws.
Mr Kanga has been fighting for the past year to keep his home, which is specially adapted to his needs as a wheelchai-user and is part of a scheme built 20 years ago for disabled Islington residents.
“What use are human rights and disability discrimination laws if they cannot protect a disabled man who has lived in his flat peacefully for 10 years?” said Mr Kanga.
“This case is not just about my rights to my home, it highlights the chronic shortage of housing for disabled people in London and our right to respect for home life under the Human Rights Convention.”
Mr Tatchell said that Mr Kanga is fighting a legal battle that he must win for the sake of all disabled people.He said: “His victory will set a precedent that will help other victims of disability discrimination. It will ensure that landlords cannot ride roughshod over the rights of disabled tenants.”
CHG, with support from Islington social services and a £1 million government grant, wants to refurbish Mr Kanga’s property – which he once shared with eight other disabled people.All of Mr Kanga’s former tenants have been re-housed and he has been offered alternative housing which he considers unsuitable for his needs.
Mr Kanga added: “This last, cruel, year has made me sad and angry. My genetic condition, brittle bones, means that I have already outlived my life expectancy. To have had a year, from what remains, stolen by distress is unbearable. And yet, I think myself fortunate that I have met so many who are good and brave. I thank the many residents and councillors who have supported me, my MP Emily Thornberry and, most importantly, the Islington Tribune who have consistently highlighted my battle against eviction.”
Novelist Zina Rohan, a friend of Mr Kanga, said: “He doesn’t want to, nor can he, live alone.
“He wants to share a house with other people, like he’s done for 10 or more years. He doesn’t want to be cut off from people.
“It’s all about comradeship, friendships and support. Not everyone wants to live on his or her own.”
CHG maintains that it has consulted fully with local residents over the scheme and has support from Islington’s social services.
“There is a desperate need for this new kind of accommodation for vulnerable people,” a spokesman said.
“And we have done everything we can to offer Mr Kanga suitable alternative accommodation.”
It must now consider whether or not to submit a new application for the property. |
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