Council Tenants Could Lose Rights
Gordon has raised concerns about the Coalition Government’s proposals to remove Council tenants’ rights to a home for life. David Cameron has discussed proposals for fixed term contracts to be issued so that people could be evicted if they get a job or start earning more.
These plans to remove tenants’ rights come as the Government has recently planned to slash housing benefit for poor families in private accommodation - in a move that could force thousands from their homes.
Gordon who is shadow minister for Communities and Local Government commented ‘These proposals could get rid of important rights tenants in Blackpool have over the house that they live in. The Government’s plans are unlikely even to take into consideration whether a tenant has lived in their house for one year or twenty years which makes the plans extremely unfair and inconsistent. We know that Blackpool has one of the largest rented housing sectors in the country with around 5500 managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing as well as thousands of other tenants in the privately rented sector. These proposals will cause a great deal of concern for many of these Blackpool families.’
‘It’s unacceptable that Blackpool’s social housing tenants should be kept in the dark over these proposals. The Coalition needs to come clean on what could happen if there are sudden changes in family circumstances, from children leaving home or partners dieing to getting a better job, the Government’s plans could result in tenants’ losing their home at a time when support is needed the most.’
‘The Coalition Government’s suggestion to move families on if they manage to find a job or get a pay rise would torpedo people’s aspirations to improve themselves and get better jobs. They are likely to do little to address shortages of affordable homes given that the coalition has axed Labour funding for new building and put the construction industry on the ropes, while expanding the pockets of deprivation we already have in Blackpool.’
