Wanted - New Labour support for ICG policy
No, you did read this correctly!Some users of this forum may be aware that the local authority recently took possession of several properties on Twickenham Road, Isleworth, which had previously been managed by Co-op Homes but which had always been owned by the London Borough of Hounslow.Additionally, we reclaimed another property in Chiswick which had also previously been let by Co-op. We sold the property in Chiswick on the open market, and used the proceeds of that sale to refurbish the Isleworth properties, and in some cases to convert them into larger properties, so that we could let them out to large families who were currently on our housing list.Now I accept that there will be different views as to whether or not we were right to take these properties back under the wing of the local council, however that is not the issue which I raise here.The refurbished properties in Twickenham Road are now being let out to families which meet the criteria in terms of household size. As it happens most, if not all, of these tenancies happen to have been allocated to families who are from minority ethnic groups.I have made the necessary enquiries and am completely satisfied that due process has been followed, and that all allocations have been made solely on the basis of the greatest need.However, I have to report that there has been a fundamentally racist reaction on the part of a small number of neighbouring residents to the occupation of these dwellings by these new, incoming families.There exists, of course, in such a climate, the potential for unscrupulous elements to try to take advantage of the situation which has arisen, for short-term political gain. We have witnessed, during the two most recent local election campaigns, the preparedness of New Labour to stir up racial unrest in Isleworth where it previously hadn't existed in the hope of securing a few extra votes. I therefore call upon all New Labour politicians, past and present, who use this forum to state unequivocally that they support in principle our policy of allocating these properties on the basis of housing need without any consideration whatsoever of the ethnic and cultural background of those residents concerned.I further call upon them to offer me their public assurance, here and now, that they will not seek in any way to exploit the dissatisfaction which has arisen amongst a very small section of the surrounding community as a result of these allocations.Specifically, I seek such assurances from Councillor Ruth Cadbury (TW8 resident and Deputy Leader of the LBH Labour Group), David Hughes (regular Labour Party spokesperson on this forum), Alan Sheerins (ditto), and Vanessa Smith and Councillor John Connelly (ex-Labour Party members and still frequent apologists for the Labour Party both locally and nationally on this forum) that our policy on this matter is supported.In the light of the previous words and deeds of all of these people, no answer will not suffice. I should state that to any past or present New Labour member responding to my post that I reserve the right to publicly quote any response which might be given.An opportunity has arisen for New Labour to demonstrate that it has some principles, and that its quest for votes is not completely unimpeded by considerations of basic morality. I look forward to the responses (or non-responses!) of the aforementioned with some interest.
Phil Andrews ● 6801d49 Comments ● 6782d