Little London Tenants speak out

Little London Tenants and Residents Association Committee has issued a press release condemned the Council's decision to further stall the decision on the PFI process. Here it is in full:

21st April 2006

TENANTS IN LIMBO WHILE COUNCIL STALL

While Leeds City Council drags its feet the Community in Little London becomes ever more angry, frustrated and fearful.

“We were originally told it was imperative that Leeds City Council makes its decision on the future of our homes by April, now we’ve found out it has been put on the back burner until May.”
Andrew Coley Vice Chair LLTRA

Back in February the entire neighbourhood was asked if it wanted a Comprehensive Regeneration Scheme, funded by Private Finance Initiative (PFI) money. It was promised £80 million would be pumped into the estate but mean over 800 people having to be re-housed – most of whom said they wanted to stay within the community.

“The people I’m really concerned about are the ones who have been told they may lose their homes. It’s like waiting for the axe to fall. They can’t make any plans, whether it’s bothering redecorating their homes or worrying if the kids will have their education disrupted by having to move to a new school.”
LLTRA Committee Member, Alan Ridsdale.

LLTRA have compiled a dossier about the consultation. The report was very critical of the consultation process and, based on results that showed a majority of people in the Lovell flats didn’t want to lose their homes, recommended changes if the PFI proposals were to go ahead. It was forwarded to LCC and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) almost a month ago. Neither organisation has yet responded to the dossier.

“One of our criticisms was that the tight timescale meant Tenant representatives were denied a chance to fully endorse the consultation. LCC said the timescale was so tight because the ODPM demanded a decision by April. Now suddenly they’ve extended the process by another four weeks. Some of us are wondering how they can change the size of the goalposts when it suits them, but not us the tenants.”
Andrew Coley Vice Chair LLTRA

“Now that LCC have put off making their decision until May I just hope they make use of this extra time wisely. They need to take into account what the people of our Community really need and want, not just to rubber stamp a proposal that’s there just to encourage the developers and money men.”
LLTRA Secretary Margaret Spink

“Throughout this whole PFI farce the Council have messed us about. After five years, two votes and this latest consultation, it’s all becoming a bit of a fiasco.”
Long standing Committee Member Frank Pullan

LCC have stated a decision on the regeneration of Little London will be made at the Councils Executive on 17th May.

Little London Tenants & Residents Association will be available for a photo-op by arrangement.