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Ruth Kelly |
Homes vote lost for a third year
Minister signals intent to ignore decision
COMMUNITIES minister Ruth Kelly has signalled the Labour leadership will ignore their third conference defeat in a row over council housing and continue to withhold the investment needed to repair Camden’s crumbling council homes.
But tenant campaigners from Camden who made the journey to Manchester are confident that the pressure is beginning to show.
Ms Kelly warned party delegates that the government would not back down in a funding stalemate that has remained unresolved for the past three years.
Ministers insist Camden must transfer its council homes to housing associations, to lever in money using Private Finance Initiatives or switch control to new management companies known as Arms Length Management Organisations (Almos).
Tenants and leaseholders have voted against all three strategies, largely on the basis that they fear they will lose control over the way their homes are managed. They are calling for a ‘fourth option’ of traditional direct investment.
In retaliation, the government has refused to cough up the £300 million needed to bring Camden’s homes up to national standards – a deadlock that has run for the past three years.
On the conference floor last Tuesday, Labour delegates voted for direct funding, the third defeat in a row for ministers. It is first time the leadership has been beaten on the same issue at conference since the campaign for nuclear disarmament in the 1960s.
Ms Kelly told the conference floor: “We are listening. However, we have to make sure we are responsible with the public finances.”
Last year, party members in Camden led the revolt with a motion against government policy. This year a similar assault was launched by members from Gravesham.
Ms Kelly is the latest in a line of ministers including Keith Hill, Yvette Cooper, David Miliband and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to refuse to give any ground on the issue.
She said: “We cannot support the resolution. By 2010 over 3.5 million homes will have been refurbished – millions more people across the country able to live in a decent, warm home with modern facilities. And since last year’s debate we have been working to promote a more level playing field on social housing too.”
Ms Kelly did, however, ask the Labour Housing Group policy unit to review the motion and “explore” future options.
Labour leader Councillor Anna Stewart said: “We have always said that we respect the tenants’ vote and support their argument for investment in council housing.
“I do think there is an onus on the other parties now they are in power to work towards a solution as well.”
Alan Walter, a tenants leader in Kentish Town who helps lead the Defend Council Housing pressure group, said that the tide was turning in residents favour.
He said: “This is three defeats in a row and it is has become an embarrassment for the government. They can no longer ignore the tenants. The government will be forced to act.” |
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