Lib Dem council guarantees local homes for local people

12.00.00am GMT Fri 26th Mar 2004

Liberal Democrat Islington Council's 'New Generation' housing allocations scheme has guaranteed 108 lettings for local people this year - more than its annual target. The 'New Generation' scheme was set up by the Liberal Democrats after they took control of the Council in 1999. The aim of the scheme is to try and ensure that sons and daughters living with their council tenants parents for more than five years get their own home and are able to stay living in Islington. The annual target for the 'New Generation' is 100 lettings. So far this year the Council has achieved 108 lettings under the scheme. 85 lettings have been in one bed or bedsits and 23 in two bed units. Councillor Jyoti Vaja, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing, said: "The 'New Generation scheme brought in by the Liberal Democrat council has been more successful than we could ever have imagined. "The scheme ensures that we keep communities together wherever possible and provide support networks within families and friends locally. "The policy is particularly aimed at young people leaving home who are otherwise often driven out of the borough due to the lack of rented accommodation and cost of home ownership in the borough. "I am really pleased we are doing our bit to ensure families and friends can stay close by each other in Islington."