Labour says: "Let tenants decide!"

Labour says residents should decide

Labour's Cabinet member for Housing Councillor John Kazantzis has announced that residents will take the final decision on a multi-million pound investment plan for Lambeth's council homes in a borough-wide ballot. Labour is proposing to set up a new dedicated housing body, called an Arms-Length Management Organisation (or ALMO for short) to run the Council's housing service.

Setting up an ALMO will allow the Council to bid for up to £240 million new investment and also put tenants in the driving seat with their own elected representatives in charge of housing managers.

Following a consultation on how best to involve residents, Labour has decided to hold a ballot of all the borough's tenants and leaseholders.

John Kazantzis said: "Tenants and leaseholders must have their say in how housing is run. This ballot gives residents a real say in how Lambeth housing is managed - and the final say on whether they want millions of pounds spent on their homes."

"The prize for residents is the biggest-ever investment in Lambeth's council housing. Labour's ALMO bid could see millions invested in new windows, bathrooms, kitchens and roofs in council homes right across Lambeth. A council survey shows the new proposals are getting strong support from tenants. Already half of all London Boroughs have set up an ALMO, and residents in those areas have seen rapid improvements in their housing services as a result.

"Today's dramatic announcement marks a clean break with Lambeth's Liberal Democrat - Conservative past. When the Lib Dems introduced their discredited housing cuts programme known as 'Reframing', they refused to ballot tenants and leaseholders on the proposals. The programme saw services cut but costs soar as incompetent Lib Dems squandered their own budget, overspending by millions of pounds. Labour was left to pick up the pieces when voters rightly chucked out the Lib Dems and Tories in last year's council elections."

Share you views on the investment plan for Lambeth housing, ALMO and other local issues in the Lambeth Forum and be kept informed about local issues by emailing subscribe@lambethlabour.com.

To let us know your view on this issue, get help from your local councillor, or discover how you can help Labour in Lambeth, please complete the form below.