Maidstone Labour Group
LABOUR WANTS GOOD HOMES AND SECURITY OF TENURE FOR EVERYONE
The former Tory government failed home owners and tenants alike.
Labour Councillors will:
Strive
to ensure that the Council continues to be the major provider of social housing within the
Maidstone Borough area. Support affordable rented family housing in rural areas.
Encourage
tenants' participation and consultation through the Housing Forum and Residents' and
Tenants' Associations and encourage such Associations to affiliate to the Federation of
such associations.
Continue
to urge the Government to release capital receipts so that new Council homes can be built.
Continue
to urge measures to protect and regulate privately rented housing and houses in multiple
occupation. We believe those renting on insecure private tenancies deserve the support of
a Tenancy Relations Officer.
Support
the Foyer Scheme initiative.
Support
self-help for tenants and home owners, for example, through the 'care and repair'
initiative that allows older people to stay in their own homes.
Support
the Mediation Service and the Citizens' Advice Bureau who support residents in housing
difficulties..
Be
committed to consulting tenants about the quality of repair services, the introduction of
improvements and the rent levels of Council homes. Council housing is an asset to the
community and should be well maintained for the benefit of present and future generations.
Encourage
the use of local contractors wherever possible.
Support
the rights of tenants to different forms of housing. Greater benefit can be gained from
council homes by promoting mobility and by funding initiatives that will allow tenants'
homes to be adapted to their needs.
Continue
to participate in the Community Housing Forum to ensure maximum co-operation and liaison
between all social housing agencies.
Seek
to introduce a Social Housing Agreement committing Housing Associations operating in the
borough to a common agenda for the benefit of those in housing need.
Ensure
that rents are kept within affordable ranges whilst not allowing the repair and renovation
programme to be delayed.
Support
and monitor a clear Tenant's Charter.
Support
moves to bring back derelict housing into use.
Copyright
© 1996 [Labour Party Maidstone]. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 26, 1996.