When challenged on Haringey s latest rent rises at the full council meeting on 23 February, Cllr John Bevan, Executive Member for Housing, claimed that Haringey gains from the council housing subsidy system . However, this is not so. Independent resea

When challenged on Haringey's latest rent rises at the full council meeting on 23 February, Cllr John Bevan, Executive Member for Housing, claimed that 'Haringey gains from the council housing subsidy system'.

However, this is not so. Independent research, commissioned by the government itself, has shown that housing management and maintenance allowances in this borough are �47.03million in the current year, whereas the amount actually needed is �69.82million. Perhaps this is why Haringey does not decorate the externals of the properties every five years, as its own tenancy agreements require. No wonder that it is so hard to get basic repairs done.

Inside Housing reported on 23/01/09 that nationally, the government will take 'surpluses' of �194m, �294m and �394m from council rent accounts in the three years 2008/11, and that the Treasury 'already has these funds earmarked' for education and defence.

The Council and the Almo, Homes for Haringey, are raising rents and tenant service charges as a lazy alternative to speaking out against this ongoing plunder from our rent accounts.

Instead of voting for excess rent increases, local Councillors should be joining with Haringey tenants, and with tenants, Councillors and MPs from other parts of Britain, to shout about it, to campaign and to lobby, until these misguided policies are changed.

Paul Burnham

Haringey Defend Council Housing

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