30,000 Islington residents set to vote

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

Islington council is to send out voting forms to over 30,000 tenants for its forthcoming residents' champions and housing executive members elections.

The council wrote to its tenants in 2011 to ask for their views on the future housing management arrangements - a consultation that led to Homes for Islington (HFI) services coming back in-house.

It is hoped that the ballot will create new structures which best represent tenants whose homes are owned by the council, and will reflect residents' views on housing issues such as who qualifies for housing priority, anti-social behaviour and crime prevention, tenants and leaseholders rights, repairs and how complaints are resolved if there's a problem.

During the Council's 2011 housing consultation, residents said overcrowding and the chronic shortage of affordable housing in the borough were the two biggest issues for them.

In response, the council has decided to reject the Government’s '80% Market Rent' model, and start a programme to build 2,000 new social homes at affordable, social rent.  

Cllr Barbara Sidnell (pictured), executive member for Communities, said: "We want the very best for Islington residents and for them to influence decisions about their housing.

"September's ballot for positions in the new resident involvement structures will put residents at the heart of decision making on the issues that affect them day-to-day.

"It's really important that residents vote. I want everyone to get involved so whether you are a tenant or leaseholder and whatever background, age or community you come from, you make your views count.

"Look out for the ballot paper with the distinctive 'key' logo coming in the post.  Or check our website and estate notice boards for details."