News from Westminster Labour

Westminster Conservatives waste £7 million buying small flats

Labour Councillors have blasted Westminster Conservatives for spending £7 million on buying 30 one bed flats when the overwhelming need is for larger flats to help the 867 families in overcrowded conditions. Labour Councillors say that the £7 million would have been much better spent buying 2, 3 and 4 bedroom flats which are the biggest need for families in overcrowded conditions.

The latest figures from the Council show that:

* 867 families are registered by the Council for a transfer because they need a larger property;
* Of these, 66 have been assessed by the Council as statutorily overcrowded;
* 835 households need a move to a property at least one bedroom larger but are not classified as statutorily overcrowded.

Councillor Guthrie McKie, Labour Housing Spokesperson said:

“Why are the Conservatives spending £7 million buying 1 bedroom flats when everyone knows the biggest need is for 2, 3, and 4 bedroom flats? What hope do the 860 families living in overcrowded conditions have of a decent home if the Conservatives refuse to buy the right size flats? Overcrowded families deserve an answer from those at City Hall are responsible for this crazy decision.

“This is at a time when the Council has failed, again, to meet the targets to house families living in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation. This clearly shows that families living in the most difficult of situations are the not a priority for Westminster Council.”

Other news from Westminster Labour

• Twelve questions for the next Leader of Westminster Council - 10 February 2012
• Westminster Council joint bottom of London league for Adult Social Care - 6 February 2012
• Westminster Labour calls for an 'outbreak of democracy' over election of new council Leader - 2 February 2012