Housing

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 3:27 pm on 18 July 2007.

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Photo of Karen Buck Karen Buck Labour, Regent's Park and Kensington North 3:27, 18 July 2007

The number of times that I have said in this place that I am personally disappointed that the building of social housing has not been a higher priority for the Government would probably run into three figures. I think that it should have been a priority, but unfortunately that has not been the case, although in fairness to the Government they have been dealing with a decades-long backlog of housing in poor condition, because it was neglected by the previous Administration, and billions have been spent on the decent homes initiative, which has improved the quality of life for tens of thousands in my constituency. Not everything can be a priority at the same time, but I would have liked to have seen more house building.

We are now seeing, however, an extension of house building in London. I welcome very much the fact that the Mayor of London has given housing such a high priority; his housing strategy is driving forward additional housing construction. However, I ask my hon. Friend, the Minister, to keep his eye on the ball, because some local councils, particularly Conservative ones, are saying, on the one hand, "We want more house building," but, on the other hand, when it comes to house building in their local areas, they are saying, "No, we are putting up the signs. We are full here and we do not want any more homes." Sadly, that has been exacerbated since a number of councils became Conservative-controlled last year following the London elections. We have seen an immediate reduction in the number of properties coming on stream and being made available.

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Withington Observer
Posted on 19 Jul 2007 12:26 pm (Report this annotation)

Too right. John Leech has been orchestrating a ridiculous political campaign to save a 20 yards square of spoiled land by pretending the whole of a suburban park is about to be built on. His councillor colleague Mark Clayton sent in comments APPROVING OF the proposal because of a windfall for the Park which is in urgent need of investment. The campaign has even conjured up some bogus relatives and countless bogus signatures. Whether the Town Hall legal people approve the sale of the 20 yards square of spoilt land or not Leech and his Lib Dem colleagues have once again shown themselves up as opportunists, distorters and to be blunt liars.

Even the EDM title suggests a whole park is under threat. Hospital Hoax, Cemetary Hoax and now Memorial Gardens Hoax. A pattern is emerging.