Housing in Vassall

Housing is one of the most important issues to residents of estates in Vassall. Many homes are still not at a decent standard, following years of neglect under the Liberal/Tory alliance that was booted out in 2006.

The backlog of repairs that built up under the Liberals are declining, and residents now have a say in local repairs through Labour’s Local Repairs Panels.

Lambeth Labour made a commitment to ensuring all council homes are up to a decent standard and are seeking investment of up to £240 million from the Government by setting up an Arms Length Management Organisation. This new additional investment of up to £240 million would allow every home to be brought up to the Government's Decent Homes Standard by 2013. In one of the biggest public consultation exercises ever undertaken in the borough, a ballot, organised independently by Electoral Reform Services, showed that the majority of residents who voted were in support of the plan.

Lambeth Council will still own the homes and tenants will remain as council tenants with their rights and affordable rents protected. The big difference is that the ALMO – a non-profit-making organisation run by its own board made up of tenants, leaseholders, independent people and council nominees – will be able to tap into central government funding that is not available directly to the council.

The Liberal Democrats shocked residents during the ballot by opposing Labour’s £200 million investment in council homes.

Do you have a housing problem that you need help with? Contact Andy at andy@lambethlabour.com for assistance or complete the form below.