A decision on whether local leaseholders will have to pay up to £800 towards the costs of digital aerials will now be taken in secret rather than in public, it has emerged.

In a move that will enrage leaseholders further, Haringey Council and Homes for Haringey bosses chose, last week, to hold a ‘behind closed doors’ meeting of the newly created Decent Homes Board to discuss the digital aerial issue rather than holding it in public.

Local Liberal Democrats, who were told recently that the decision would be taken at Haringey Council’s cabinet meeting tomorrow (21st July 2009), are concerned that Haringey’s 4,500 leaseholders may not be able to show their opposition to the current scheme if the decision is taken in secret.

Liberal Democrats have renewed their calls for a leaseholder opt-out , a better value scheme and have now demanded that Haringey Council holds a special public meeting with leaseholders to discuss plans.

Cllr Matt Davies, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson, comments:

“Leaseholders have already had a rotten deal out of this scheme. Yet, Haringey Council have now decided to ignore them entirely in discussions.

“Haringey Council and Homes for Haringey should give leaseholders an opt out scheme now.

“During a recession Haringey Council should not be asking leaseholders to fork out for diamond encrusted digital aerials that many don’t need and even more do not want.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“Haringey Council is truly treating leaseholders in a disdainful way – firstly forcing them to fork out excessive sums to watch TV, and now taking away their opportunity to have a say in the matter.

“This is unacceptable, and Haringey Council needs to arrange a public meeting as soon as possible to make sure residents get a fair say.”