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London
Tenants Federation
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The following letter was printed in Property People 30.09.04 Letters Page
The focus of the London Tenants Federation (LTF) conference 14th September reported in Property People 23.09.04 was the London Housing Strategy. Many of us in attendance pointed out the contradictions in the government's Communities Plan's aim, to achieve 'sustainable communities', whilst at the same time implementing policies that work against this in London. This includes rent restructuring, which adversely affects London's social housing tenants rent levels, in reflecting the capitals high property values. As if this alone isn't enough, the ODPM seems happy, in its rent restructuring review to propose the adoption of property valuations made by housing associations which are 22% higher than had been estimated. The results - London tenants rents will be hiked up on average, by more than £40 per month and in some London boroughs by almost double this figure by 2011/12. The governments stated aims of rent restructuring are to achieve 'affordability, and rents that are fair and reflect the qualities that we as tenants value in our homes'. Tenants don't see the reflection of London's high property values in our rents as fair or indeed to reflect the qualities we value in our homes. With more than 60% of social housing tenants unable now to afford the cost of their rent, rent increases will simply increase the number dependent on benefits. It will also make life much more difficult for those on small pensions who don't quite qualify for housing benefit. It is hard to see that this will help in attaining other governments stated aims of dealing with social exclusion and child poverty - all part of sustainability. Tenants certainly detect some double talk here and perhaps an ulterior motive of coercing social housing tenants to move from London, particularly its more desirable areas.
. More on Rent Restructuring
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