Housing Emergency news and action round-up

The Prime Minister is proposing denying  under-25s  any housing benefit after the next election.

The National Private Tenants Organisation warn: ‘This could lead to poverty, hardship and homelessness and a generation of
young people trapped at home. This would hit those struggling on a minimum wage in areas of inflated rents and where there is competition for accommodation, particularly hard. Estimates put the number of people under 25 claiming housing benefit at around 380,000.’

Following our meeting with the Housing Minister’s office, they are asking for evidence on how landlords are consulting about the Localism Bill.  They want examples of council and housing association landlords failing to consult tenants fully on any proposed changes in tenancy strategies – eg use of fixed term tenancies and up to 80% market rents; changes to who can go on the waiting list and rehousing for homeless etc.  They also want evidence that 2-year minimum tenancies are being proposed or used other than ‘exceptionally’.  Send any evidence to Housing Emergency: mitchellav@parliament.uk or by post: Austin Mitchell MP, House of Commons London SW1A 0AA

 Can you help?

Tue 26th June      at Brighton Conference Centre   Leafletting Unite union conference – call Eileen 07432 098440  to help

Wed 27th            lobby National Landlords Association in London  Meet 8.30am Vauxhall tube  email housingforthe99@gmail.com to confirm

Sat 30th              Defend Council Housing national meeting 12-4pm Trades and Labour Club 200 Duke St Sheffield  – all welcome

 And let us know if you are organising meetings, protests or lobbies

Eileen Short

for Housing Emergency