Later that evening I met residents from my ward (with my ward colleague Cllr John Whitworth. Our 3rd ward colleague, Cllr Mclean, is a member of a Planning Committee, so therefore could not attend) to discuss a local planning proposal.
This proposal would, if accepted, result in in new homes being built but only at "Market rents". In September 2022 average rents in Newham for a one bed flat was £1300 per month.
There is also a number of other important objections to this particular development.
While there will be some payments by the developers to fund possible social housing or infrasture, it would appear that very little if any, of the 5800 on the Newham Council homelessness register or the 34,000 on its waiting list will be able to afford such "market rents".
I hope we can find a way to fund more homes for homeless families but I will certainly be working with residents to change, or if necessary, stop any proposal to build any single development that is 100% market rents.
I am looking forward to attending their future events including their housing fringes during this years Labour Party conference.
I am planning to bring up UNISON Housing related issues at conference and attend as many social housing (and pension) fringes as possible.
Join the LHG here (Labour Party supporters only)
Hat tip Clarion UNISON Facebook page "Solidarity to Unite Housing association members taking strike action over their pay cuts. Hopefully Clarion UNISON members will be taking similar action next month".
"Nearly 60 workers at Freebridge Community Housing, based in King’s Lynn, were balloted by Unite the Union to take part in industrial action.
The 7,000-home landlord offered employees a 5% pay increase and a £500 non-consolidated payment, Unite claimed. The union argued that this represents a real-terms pay cut with retail price index inflation at 10.7%.
The striking workers are responsible for providing home maintenance repairs and estate services, Freebridge said.
Many of the workers, who perform roles including cleaning, are paid little more than the national minimum wage and are struggling to pay their bills, Unite said.
The nine strike days are 21, 29, 30 and 31 August and on 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 September.
This walk last month was a delight. A bit overcast but quiet and peaceful. Started off with a coffee in local village cafe and a pint in a local pub at end.
I found this 5.9 mile circular walk in the Ordinance Survey website (subscription) and it was provided by Country Walking magazine (which also a subscription but is free for certain walks if you subscribe to OS but you only get very limited details - see below).
