TUC Congress 2023: Day Three

 

Tuesday was a busy day for me. In the morning we had a great speech by guest speaker, the shadow Deputy Prime Minister (I love repeating this), Angela Rayner on Labour's "New Deal for Working People". 

During lunch I took part in a fringe panel debate on "Collective Defined Contribution" (CDC) pensions sponsored by First Actuarial, Hilary Salt as Chair. This was well attended and there was a thoughtful debate with lots of audience participation. I will post further on this, since CDC could be incredibly important to future pension provision in this country. 

There was a sober but at times passionate address by Lynn Sudbury-Riley on behalf of "Covid Bereaved Families" during the debate on the ongoing Covid-19 public enquiry. 

Since my mother died this year after being tested positive with Covid it was important to for me to listen. (but to be clear that the death certificate did not mention it even though she died of a respiratory condition but again, she had been unwell for a long time)

In the afternoon I spoke on behalf of UNISON in the affordable Housing key worker debate. I will post the speech later. People said it went well but I did mess up the timings a little bit. Hat tip the UNISON self confessed "nerd" who was at home working but still listening to the TUC live stream and sent me the picture top left. 

Later on there was a dignified and important debate on a composite calling for solidarity with Ukraine. One affiliated union spoke against this motion since it called for military equipment to be supplied to Ukraine but every other union who spoke was firmly in favour and the motion was carried overwhelmingly. Outgoing PCS General Secretary, Mark Serwotka, gave an amazing and powerful speech in favour. What a swan song Mark. 

TUC Congress 2023: Day Two

Congress started again on Monday at 9.30.  The ACC Liverpool conference centre is in the Kings docks area and it was a pleasant 10 minute walk from the hotel. Outside the conference centre there was a few people canvassing delegates, selling news papers, handing out invites to fringes and leaflets on how to vote on contentious motions. 

The UNISON delegate sits together in the middle of the conference floor near the front. Before business started we welcomed UNISON strikers from Wirral hospital, who spoke to conference about their dispute over pay banding and low pay. Later that morning I had to take part in a teams video call outside the main hall and found right next to me the strikers. I had to go up to them and congratulate them for speaking so well and solidarity for their cause. Sign their petition here. 

During lunchtime I went to the "What would Workers' Rights look like under a future Labour Government" organised by the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group. There was a range of speakers but the main interest was the responses of Justine Madders MP, Shadow Labour Minister on the Future of Work and Employment Rights and Protections. 

The room was packed with standing room only. There was some hostile and suspicious questions and comments about the "Labour New Deal for Working People" but Justine answered all these points very well. He received praise from RMT Mick Lynch about being always prepared to turn up to meetings with the trade unions, listen and engage. 

In the Q&A I explained that myself and around 50 of my unison members have been issued with "fire and rehire" dismissal letters by our employer in an attempt to get rid of our defined benefit pensions. I asked bearing in mind that Labour are committed to ban "hire and refire" what would they replace it with? Justine responded by saying that the vast majority of British people think "hire and refire" is "despicable" and Labour are pledged to make it illegal. He said that Labour are thinking on the lines of the private member bill supported by Lord John Hendy KC.

After conference I attended the Labour Unions fringe. Another packed event. Deputy leader of the Labour Party and Shadow Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Angela Rayner MP, was the keynote speaker. I have known Angela in UNISON since she was a young member and I am so proud of what she has achieved and her pride and acknowledgement over the support and encouragement she had received from her Labour movement family. 

After the fringe I spoke to her about "fire and rehire" and also asked if she would speak again at my UNISON Housing Association Branch Labour Link AGM at the House of Commons and we agreed that I should approach her office to agree a possible date.  

I also had a chat with the other impressive speaker at the fringe, Hannah Blythyn, who is a member of the Welsh Assembly for  Delyn and Deputy Minister for Social Partnership. By coincidence she was brought up only a few miles away from me and we both shared some memories of the "famous" nightclub in Buckley called the "Tivoli", which we think is still open. 

TUC Congress 2023: Day One

This year I am in Liverpool for the 155th annual TUC Congress as a UNISON NEC delegate. I travelled down from London by train with Regional delegate (and London Convenor) Yvonne Green. 

When we arrived in Liverpool we went into a meeting of all UNISON delegates to decide on whether to support or not motions and our speakers. There are 64 delegates from UNISON NEC, Regions, Service Groups, TUC committees, Self Organised Groups and young members.  

Conference opened with Composite 14 "Investing fair funding in public services" moved by our UNISON General Secretary, Christina McAnea with a powerful speech. This composite was supported by many speakers and was passed unanimously. 

Congress is due to finish at 7pm this evening and will restart 9.30 tomorrow morning. I will try and post/tweet as often as possible. 

You can watch Congress Live and check out agenda, motions etc https://www.tuc.org.uk/Congress2023

I am speaking on Tuesday lunchtime in a panel about (not in UNISON capacity) on improving Collective Pensions and hope to speak on the housing composite. 

https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2023/09/collective-pensions-improving-income.html

 

"didn't we have a lovely day the day we went to Walton" (-on the -Naze)"

 

Off message but the hot weather today reminded me of a glorious sunday last month when Gill and I  took the train from Forest Gate to the Essex seaside resort of Walton-on-the-Naze. We met up with Gill's sister Carol, her husband, her son and daughter in law and their 2 lovely monsters (family picture top left).

Walton is a lovely traditional working class seaside resort, not as commercialised as Southend but more relaxed than nearby Frinton (famous for refusing to allow a pub in the resort until very recently). It has sandy beaches, the historic Naze tower,  a huge pier and great fish n chips. 

Carol hired a beach hut for the day while we bought Rock and chips and drinks for everyone.  It was great paddling in the sea, building sandcastles and trying to save them from the advancing tide. 

Afterwards, Gill and I walked along the beach to Frinton to catch the train back to London. Wall to wall Beach huts filled with families intent on having a good time.  

Check out the song below that always brings a summer smile to my face 

Fiddler's Dram - "Day Trip to Bangor (Didn't We Have a Lovely Time)" - 1979

Clarion sends "fire & rehire" dismissal letters to long serving staff breaking their pension promises and futures.

Check Clarion UNISON Facebook page  

"The dismissal letters sent out by Social Mission Clarion also contain inaccurate and even untruthful information.

If we do not consent to the loss of our pension we will be sacked without compensation.

There was a very constructive meeting today of impacted UNISON members today and advice on appeals and wording will be sent before their deadlines.

The result of the Strike ballot against closing the pension schemes and increasing contributions to some members to over 30% of their pay will be announced soon.

Our campaign against the closure of our pension schemes, increase in contributions and "fire and rehire" dismissals have already gathered support from Councillors, Chairs of Planning Committees, Cabinet leads and MPs.

Watch this space for next steps".

Newham Voices Sept 23: "Newham in 50 Buildings"

 

Check out the latest news and views from our free local community newspaper, Newham Voices. I particularly enjoyed the review by Jean Gray ( no known relative!) on the Book "Newham in 50 Buildings" by Malcolm Batten. Which I must get and go on its guides and tours. 

30th anniversary as a Housing Officer and Trade Union Activist

 

On 6 September 1993 I started work as a housing officer in Bow for Tower Hamlets Council. I had worked as an agency temp in Columbia Road, Bethnal Green beforehand and also as a Housing Rights advisor in Edinburgh. I joined UNISON as a temp but had been a member/rep in the T&G previously. 

I cannot believe how fast the years have flown by nor that I still work normally one day a week in Bow for my same TUPE successor employer.

This picture is from the month long - all out 1999 UNISON Housing Strike, when I was the Chair of the Strike Committee. When we stopped the closure of local housing officers and the making of many staff redundant. It was a very tough dispute and while I hope to avoid future strikes with my present employer, it seems at the moment, very likely we will. 

Watch this space!

UPDATE: It was pointed out that yesterday 6/9/23 was also the day that my employer issued me with a fire and rehire dismissal letter! The irony!

COLLECTIVE PENSIONS: IMPROVING INCOME AFTER WORK - TUC Fringe 23

 

Next tuesday 12 September 2023 at 12.45 - 2pm I will be a panel speaker at a TUC fringe at Congress in Liverpool sponsored by First Actuarial LLP. 

I am at TUC as a UNISON NEC delegate but will be speaking at this fringe as a trade union pension activist/LGPS Board member etc. 

Check out some of my previous posts on Collective Defined Contribution schemes (CDC)

https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2022/01/royal-mail-cdc-pensions-could.html

https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2019/06/going-dutch-collective-defined.html

https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2023/03/tuc-pensions-conference-2023-pensions.html

"Many members of trade unions no longer have access to good quality defined benefit pensions. Instead they are auto-enrolled into individual defined contribution schemes often with very low employer contributions which are unlikely to provide dignity in retirement. Legislation now allows a new type of scheme: collective defined contribution. These schemes have the potential to really improve the income workers receive in retirement. This session will look at how these schemes work, where they might be appropriate and how trade unions can get them onto their bargaining agenda.

Speakers: Andy O’Regan, Employers & Strategic Partnerships Director (TPT), John Gray, Derek Benstead – First Actuarial LLP

Chair: Hilary Salt – First Actuarial LLP

Refreshments provided

Venue: Room 13

(check out al l TUC fringes and agendas here https://mailchi.mp/2c9743ce8691/welcome-to-tuc-congress-2022-final-agenda-436884?e=ca2047d5d4

Are owners of shared ownership properties being forgotten?

This post is from my Newham Councillor colleague's blog, James Beckles. While I am broadly in favour of shared ownership, it is simply disgraceful how badly many are treated with high service charges and fees, poor management and I think less than 3% "staircase" up to becoming 100% (still nearly all leasehold) "owners".

Why we still have a medieval "leasehold" system in this country deserves another post.

© 2020 Andrew Baker. 24.25th Feb Feb 2020. Photograph © Andrew Baker PR HANDOUT

"In July 2023, I wrote to Lyn Brown MP about the problems faced by residents with their shared ownership properties. While shared ownership is marketed as an affordable housing option for first-time buyers and those with modest incomes, it can become expensive in the long run due to rising service charges, rents, and mortgage costs.

Shared ownership property owners are in a precarious situation as they have short-term leases (less than 99 years) or are “mortgaged tenants” who do not fully own their share of the property. As highlighted in the report Shared Ownership: The Consumer Perspective buying more shares in the property through stair-casing can also be costly, making it difficult for many to afford.

I was and am also concerned about the seeming lack of legal attention and protection shared owners are receiving in the Government’s recent Leaseholder Act 2022, which promised to do away with the medieval leaseholder system but is still very much intact.

I highlighted my concerns to Lyn stating:

“Shared owners (or mortgaged tenants) are not within the scope of the Act or even covered by other legislation that is making its way through parliament. Shared owners who own a share of their property while paying a subsidised rent on the outstanding share of the property they do not own are:

•Subject excessive service charges which can raise to 13% – a cap should be introduced.

•Unable or discouraged from selling their share of the property by housing associations who are either not equipped to buy back or reluctant to purchase the mortgages tenants share if they chose to sell their share – housing associations should purchase the shared owners property share or advise house they can sell it on the open market without excessive fees

•Subject to the whims of management agencies often chosen or operated by a housing association – a common good should be introduced to allow shared owners more say and rights in the management of their buildings and homes,

•Penalised for stair-casing (buying additional shares in their home) by excessive legal fees and cost placed up them by the housing association – an affordable flat rate should be introduced, and fees should be transparent and accessible.

•Classed as leaseholders when they have ‘purchased’ a share in a property – their share should be converted to a freehold or commonhold

•Given short term leases – leases should be longer than 99 years granting more security and providing an asset to pass on to relatives rather than the present system where shared owners have to buy extensions to their lease again at exorbitant rates placed on them by their landlords the housing associations.”

Lyn’s response was considerate and thoughtful. I have referenced it below.

Dear James,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the shared ownership scheme for purchasing property. I understand your concerns on this issue, and I fear for the conditions shared owners face, particularly given the current economic climate.

As you are aware, shared ownership is a method whereby new buyers can purchase part of a property and pay rent to a housing association for the rest, only paying the mortgage for their part of the property. The individual who owns part of the property can then purchase more shares in the property from the housing association, sometimes leading to the eventual outcome of the buyer owning 100% of their property and becoming the outright owner.

I share your alarm over the lack of protections and reforms for shared owners within the Leaseholder Act 2022. I do not feel the Act went far enough to overhaul the antiquated and feudal leasehold system, which leaves leaseholders open to excessive service charges and poor-quality maintenance companies.

For some, shared ownership schemes are a useful way of getting onto the property ladder without having to pay prohibitively large deposits. However, I know that for many in Newham and across the country, the lack of proper protections for those within shared ownership agreements has resulted in great difficulties for primarily new homeowners.

For example, I have heard from many constituents about the pain that excessive service charges have brought. Currently, service charges can rise up to 13%, often from housing management agencies providing sub-standard service. These charges are simply unaffordable for many young couples and working families, especially as the prices of food and energy continue to soar.

Moreover, one of the advertised perks of shared ownership is the promise of ‘stair-casing’, whereby shared owners can buy more of their home as they can afford it until they own the property outright. However, I know that many shared owners have been hit by excessive and cumbersome legal fees and other costs placed upon them by housing associations, thereby preventing them from buying more of the property.

On top of this, many owners are either unable or dissuaded from selling their portion of a property should they decide to leave the home, often by housing associations who are either unequipped or unwilling to buy back the shares. This leaves some shared owners in properties they simply cannot sell or afford to leave.

Finally, I am aware many shared owners have issues with the leasehold process itself. Despite owning a portion of the property, they are legally classed as leaseholders and often given short-term leases. This creates insecurity for those living in the homes and introduces all of the problems we know come with the leasehold system.

I believe that our housing system, from rental to leasehold and outright home ownership, needs fundamental and wide-reaching reform.

In 2019, during a debate on leasehold reform, I told the Government of the conditions that many leaseholders are forced to endure, from instances of completely dead water pressure to non-existent waste disposal services. I called on the Government then to free leaseholders from the injustice of the leasehold system, but I fear that they did not listen. I will link this speech below.

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-07-11/debates/329FC410-5C69-40AC-80B1-32D470DB8B0C/LeaseholdReformhighlight=leasehold#contribution-7EBDA717-D61F-4597-8492-D3F8A1B98C50

Moreover, on 23 May this year, I voted for an Opposition motion calling on the Government to end the sale of new private leasehold houses, introduce a workable system to replace private leasehold flats with commonhold and to implement the Law Commission’s recommendations on enfranchisement, commonhold and the right to manage in full. This motion passed unanimously.

I have written to the Minister for Housing and Planning, Rachel Maclean MP, to further raise these concerns. I have asked what steps the Government are taking to ensure that shared owners are given the protections they need to live securely in their homes. I have also asked how the Government plans to reform the shared ownership and wider leasehold sector to end current abuses.

Please do not hesitate to contact me again on this, or any other, matter.

Kind regards,
Lyn Brown

Clearly Lyn has been advocating for the rights of leaseholders and owners of shared ownership properties. Shared ownership can be the right housing option for some, however more needs to be done to ensure there is equity in the housing system and share ownership is not the forgotten section of our housing system.

Billy Bragg Responds To Viral Country Singer

"If you don't like the rich men having total control...Join a union.." Well said Billy.