Lib Dems Stand up for Islington Leaseholders Against Utilities

2.07.27am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 14th Apr 2007

Islington Lib Dems have taken on the Thames Water and EDF Energy to protect Islington Leaseholders.

As a result of lobbing by Islington Liberal Democrat Councillors Thames Water paying 50% of the costs for new water pumps in blocks affected by low water pressure. The Council is passing the saving onto leaseholders who will not be charged for the works.

Thames Water is also currently carrying out long overdue works to tackle low water pressure in a number of Islington Tower Blocks. Additional pumps have already been installed in Dixon Clarke Court (St Mary's) and Bevin Court (Clerkenwell).

The Council and Homes For Islington is also now in talks with Energy Watch, the energy watchdog, about EDF Energy's responsibilities for repairing and maintaining electrical infrastructure on Islington housing estates after Liberal Democrats discovered that some of the repairs should be funded by EDF. It is the intention of HFI and the Council that any benefits achieved will be passed on to leaseholders.

Councillor Terry Stacy, Deputy Leader of the Council said "We have listened to what leaseholders have been telling us, and been fighting for a fair deal for leaseholders on these issues. Why should Leaseholders in properties effected pick up the bills for these works, when it is clearly the responsibility of the utility companies concerned"