Lib Dems agree new way forward for shortlife housing (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems agree new way forward for shortlife housing

February 17, 2004 12:00 AM

Islington's Liberal Democrat councillors have agreed a new way forward for shortlife housing in the borough at an Executive meeting of the Council last week.

A pilot scheme for 15 homes to be purchased at full market price by Solon Housing Association - a housing association specialising in shortlife issues - was endorsed by the Liberal Democrat Executive. Previously agreed council policy was to dispose of the council's shortlife stock on the open market to raise capital for major regeneration projects in the borough.

The new agreement will ensure that Solon bring the homes up to the government's required decent homes standard and that any existing residents will be rehoused by Solon where required.

There is also an option if Solon HA is successful in its bid to the government to extend the scheme to all the council's remaning shortlife stock of 82 properties meaning an end to the current disposal programme on the open market.

Councillor Jyoti Vaja, Executive Member for Housing, said: "This is a win-win situation for existing residents in these homes and the Council.

"These properties will remain used for social housing, they will be upgraded significantly and the majority of existing residents will be rehoused. The Council will also receive the same capital receipt from Solon as it would on the open market and in one go rather than by individual property.

"Shortlife groups in the borough also support these plans so we really want to start moving with these plans. We hope that this is a new start for shortlife housing in Islington."