Lambeth Liberal Democrats in hot water, but none for tenants

Lambeth housing

The controversy surrounding Lambeth’s embattled Liberal Democrat Housing boss has taken a new turn, after it emerged that many residents of a Lambeth owned estate had been without hot water since the 17th September. Councillor Keith Fitchett is currently refusing to resign despite his department being defrauded of £3 million of council tax payers money. That money had been earmarked to install boilers, providing hot water for council tenants!

Parts of Hurley House on the Cotton Gardens Estate has been without hot water for two months. The hot water supply to the block was turned off on 17th September without any prior notice or explanation. It was not until 29th September, some 12 days later, that any official explanation was offered, when residents were written to by the Area Housing Office saying the communal boiler was undergoing maintenance. No alternative was offered at that time.

The Liberal Democrat /Conservative controlled council is being denounced by Labour Councillors and local activists for the extreme delay in repairing the water heating system. Attempts to provide emergency supplies to residents have also been botched. To date 10 flats still have no hot water whatsoever, but have been given electric kettle style inadequate electric water heaters. Labour have submitted a motion for the next council meeting calling for the council to:

- Refund the portion of tenants' rents and leaseholders' service charges that covers hot water heating, for the entire period they have been without it.
- Properly compensate residents for the extreme inconvenience caused
- Fully resolve all the outstanding repair issues to ensure all residents once again have a full, normal hot water supply.

Labour Action Team Member, Cllr Townend said:

“Making sure tenants get access to hot water is not something the council should struggle with, but the Lib Dems are clearly failing to run the housing department properly.

“They’ve already lost £3 million to a fraudster and now it appears basic repairs are not being done. Why should tenants suffer for their incompetence?”

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