Funding To Renovate Homes Could Be Cut
Gordon has warned that the Coalition government are set to cut funding for improvements to Blackpool homes. The Coalition is currently reviewing the funding for the Decent Homes programme which is in the process of renovating social housing across Blackpool.
The Decent Homes programme was set up under the last Labour Government in order to bring Blackpool’s social housing up to a decent standard and currently supports approximately 200 employees in the town. The programme was set up to renovate windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems that are currently in very poor condition in houses across Blackpool.
Gordon who is the shadow minister for Communities and Local Government commented ‘The Decent Homes programme was set up to provide Blackpool families with a decent standard of home. Blackpool was allocated £81,309,950 to renovate homes and carry out major repairs, to which £31,296,000 has been spent so far. This means £50,013,950 is still needed to be spent on social housing across Blackpool in order to bring them up to a suitable living standard. Withdrawal or severe reduction of these funds will worry many people who have not yet had their home renovated and bring a great deal of concern to the employees who were expecting to be working on these homes.’
‘Blackpool South has already seen the Decent Homes programme in action in areas such as Mereside and Queens Park which have seen a variety of improvements to a very good standard. Blackpool Coastal Housing have identified further improvements that need to be made such as the replacement to the heating system to two multi-storey blocks on Queens Park and further refurbishments to window frames which amount to 128 properties there. This work is needed to be done and the Coalition must realise that this funding needs to remain in place to complete the work and uphold the jobs that are doing necessary and worthwhile work for residents in Blackpool.’
‘Everyone should have the right to a decent home. If ministers fail to give a clear commitment to finish Labour’s big refurbishment programme, tenants in Blackpool will be left in limbo. We will then see widespread unfairness of two-tiered council estates in our communities.’
