More than 100 activists gathered in person and online on the 11th October to plan a national tenants and residents (housing) union. The event was organised by SHAC as the basis for forming an independent action group that can transform the vision into reality. Attendees included those leading local action on their estates, regional groups… Continue reading Conference Agrees to Build a Housing Union
A story of injustice, discrimination against leaseholders, and a broken housing system By Gill Perceval 2008 and Mum was living in a house in Langley. She was active, sociable and hands-on in helping others. After losing her husband and suffering some health issues, she became aware of Extra Care Developments which were to be built… Continue reading Jean’s Story: Life and Death with Shared Ownership
By Alison, SHAC Campaigner Twice a year, the estate agent subsidiaries of the big London housing associations assemble at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster for the London Home Show. Mortgage providers, conveyancing solicitors, and related service providers also take stalls. It’s a one stop shop for Shared Ownership (SO) flats. The problem… Continue reading Neither Shared Nor Ownership – Protesting the London Home Show
By Dave Lake, MTVHA Resident and Chair of Royal Mint Court Residents Association My residents' association needs to raise £30,000 to have a fighting chance of success at a public inquiry into the relocation of the Chinese Embassy to our estate. We are fighting to prevent the Chinese government's plans for a super-embassy next to… Continue reading Financial Appeal: MTVHA Residents v Chinese Embassy
Workers at homeless charity and housing association St Mungo's have been told that their Harrow Road Assessment Centre is to be shut down after being sold to luxury private developer Lodha. It is safe to assume that the site will not be used for low cost housing or homelessness services. Lodha proudly boasts of being:… Continue reading St Mungo’s Creeping Corporatisation
Housing campaigners began occupying a four bedroom house in Hastings to prevent it being sold at auction by housing association Southern Housing. Southern withdrew another family home from auction earlier this year after a similar protest by members of Housing Rebellion. Protestors are demanding that Southern Housing stop selling off homes and instead rent this… Continue reading Housing Protestors Occupy Southern and Peabody Homes
By Michael Savell Last week I was invited to address the local planning board for the Royal Borough of Greenwich (where I live) having objected to the removal of 86 mature trees to facilitate an extension of Kidbrooke Village. My challenge was unsuccessful and planning permission was granted. I have to say that it is… Continue reading Greenwich Councillors’ Housing Sell Out
Tenants and residents of Home Group’s Douglas Bader Park (DBP) estate in Colindale, North West London claim the housing association is flouting both criminal and civil laws in order to push through a redevelopment scheme. The regeneration is partially funded by £17 million from the Mayor of London. Home Group has woken up to the… Continue reading Greedy Home Group Prefers Profits to Social Purpose
Tenants and residents of Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH) have formally complained to the association’s board over a failure to consult properly. They have claimed that a flawed consultation process indirectly discriminated on grounds of race or ethnic background, and against disabled tenants and residents, potentially breaching Equality laws. Merger Threat When THCH sought to… Continue reading THCH Tenants and Residents Slam Race and Disability Discrimination
By Onward tenant Michael Harrison On a Thursday afternoon towards the end of November 2023, tenants and residents of Onward Homes, a housing association, were invited to a meeting. It was called at very short notice, with little publicity, and took place in the late afternoon when many of those who might have attended were… Continue reading Onward Homes: From Managed Decline to Gold Mine
