Join our call for urgent repairs to the Noel Park estate

Posted on 3rd Mar 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my weekly Ham and High column – this time on the urgent need for repairs to the Noel Park estate – which the local Council are ignoring.

Last week I held a public meeting in a part of my constituency which has been neglected by Haringey Council for decades.

Council properties on the Noel Park estate have not had any substantial repairs or ‘decent homes’ work for over 30 years now. Week in, week out, residents contact me in despair about the state of their homes – and express their frustration at the lack of repairs.

I’ve heard horror stories about individuals and families living with extreme mould and damp, broken windows, and faulty appliances. Yet Labour-run Haringey Council and their housing contractor Homes for Haringey seem unable to complete basic repairs in an efficient and timely manner – let alone organise ‘decent homes’ work, which would see bathrooms and kitchens replaced.

It’s particularly bad for residents on the Noel Park estate, who have seen the council spend the government’s ‘decent homes’ fund on other local estates and blocks – sometimes twice over – while they are ignored.

And to make matters even worse – it was revealed last year that the Labour-run Council allowed £3.7 million to be spent on bonuses for Homes for Haringey repairs staff. That’s £3.7million that could have been spent in Noel Park.

One local resident said: “Residents on the Noel Park estate need urgent repairs, but the council and Homes for Haringey have not taken action.

“It’s not fair for the council to spend so much money on other places, and waste money on botched repairs, when the Noel Park estate is in such desperate need.”

The local Noel Park Liberal Democrat team and I decided enough was enough. Over the last year, we’ve run a petition calling on the council to make vital repairs to the estate, and to spend money on buildings, not bonuses. We’ve done hundreds of pieces of casework on behalf of residents, to try and get them vital repairs.

More recently, we met with housing chiefs from both Homes for Haringey and Haringey Council. At the meeting, they committed to make urgent repairs to Noel Park properties and consult residents about more substantive repairs – but we have heard this before.

That’s why I called the public meeting – to finally give residents the chance to have their voices heard.

The meeting was absolutely packed full of local residents, who were very angry about the status quo. They shared stories about the troubles they face on a day to day basis.

This time, the council and Homes for Haringey made the promises about repairs directly to the residents.

I will keep a close eye on this – and ask the residents whether repairs have been made. If they have not – I will have no qualms about publicising the further failure on my website.

These residents have been ignored for too long. I hope, as a result of the Lib Dem campaign and the public meeting, the residents will finally get the repairs and living conditions they deserve.

You can sign the petition, calling on the Council to spend money on homes, rather than bonuses, here.

Mayor rubber stamps Hornsey High Street application

Posted on 28th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

The Conservative Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has refused Liberal Democrat and local resident calls to reject the Hornsey Depot application.

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone and Hornsey Councillor Monica Whyte both wrote to the Mayor, and asked him not to approve the application in its current form. They repeated the concerns on quality of development, housing density and impact on local trade and traffic – alongside concerns about drainage and possible damp problems on the depot site.

The Mayor of London had the power to instruct the Council to reject the application or to take over the application himself – however he opted to do neither.

The rubber stamping is the latest bad news in the on-going Hornsey Depot saga. Local Liberal Democrats and residents remain outraged, as Labour-run Haringey Council approved the application, despite objections from Hornsey Liberal Democrat councillors and local residents.

At Council level, the application went through on the Labour Chair’s casting vote even though all the Liberal Democrat members on the committee voted against the application.

Hornsey Campaigner Dawn Barnes said:

“Local residents are really worried about this development. It’s clear that the Labour-run Council have rushed this through and missed the chance to make crucial amendments. Now the Conservative Mayor has let us down, too.

“We’ll continue to speak up for residents, to try and get the best deal possible for Hornsey.”

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“It’s appalling that such a flawed application has been waived through by both the Labour Council and now, the Conservative Mayor.

“The Liberal Democrats in Hornsey will keep representing local residents and fighting for changes to these plans.

“We will be going back to the developers, and I’ll be writing to Sainsbury’s to ask that they recruit local residents to work in the store once it’s open. It is so important that local residents benefit from this development as much as possible.”

Uganda – A great leap backwards for gay rights

Posted on 28th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s a copy of a recent post by me – also available on Lib Dem Voice.

Uganda’s new anti-homosexuality legislation is abhorrent. It imposes draconian penalties for repeat offences of homosexuality, so-called ‘aggravated’ homosexuality, same-sex marriage, attempting to commit homosexuality and for the loosely defined ‘promotion’ of homosexuality. This is nothing short of a great leap backward – not just for Uganda but for gay rights across Africa. I believe it marks a growing state-backed homophobic trend across the continent, one we cannot and should not ignore.

From Day 1 in my role as Africa minister at the Department for International Development (DFID), strengthening the department’s LGBT rights strategy has been one of my top priorities. I instructed every DFID country office in Africa to report back to me with details of their respective LGBT rights strategies, with proposals for doing more. The approach DFID has taken has been led by local gay campaigners in each country and, up until recently, they have asked that we take a subtle approach, raising our concerns only in private with their respective politicians. So, respecting their wishes, that is what I have done in African counties I’ve visited – raised my concerns behind closed doors with the Governments and privately met with local LGBT groups.

But this approach clearly didn’t work in Uganda. It failed to prevent new anti-gay legislation, and I fear it won’t deter similar legislation in other parts of Africa.

I will continue to do everything in my power to promote gay rights and equality – both at home and abroad. I’ve also invited Stonewall and the Kaleidoscope Trust to meet with me early next week to discuss how they and their international networks can help. We need to work closely together, jointly where possible, in defending and promoting human rights everywhere.

Because that is what this debate is about – not Western imperialism or Western impositions on African cultures, but the universal values of tolerance, love and mutual respect.

Homes for Haringey in the dock again!

Posted on 28th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

A couple of weeks ago I held a meeting (packed) for residents of the Noel Park estate where they could tell Homes for Haringey and Haringey Council face to face about the appalling failure on repairs. Tale after tale of real suffering due to repairs not being done or done so badly they needn’t have bothered.

Today the Tottenham and Wood Green Journal highlights – with a brilliant example – a level of incompetence by Homes for Haringey that is beyond belief.

‘Haringey’s council housing arm has come under fire after sending a bricklayer to fix a woman’s mould-covered window and then a gardener to repair her broken stair.

Staff at Homes for Haringey (HfH) then ignored her complaints, telling her all the repairs had been done, according to their reporting system.

Meanwhile Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone called a special meeting last week specifically to discuss the issue of HfH’s failure to carry out urgent repairs and basic upgrade work on its decrepit homes on Wood Green’s Noel Park Estate.

Teresa Martin, 68, regularly called HfH to chase up progress on repairs to the maisonette she has lived in for 32 years in Lordship Lane, Wood Green.

But a gardener used the only material he had to hand – some garden fencing – to repair a collapsed stair after he was assigned to the job, and a bricklayer was sent packing after being dispatched to treat and fix her mouldy windows.’

In Praise of Civil Servants

Posted on 27th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

When I first became a minister at the Home Office in 2010 we newbie ministers were invited by the Institute for Government to an induction. It’s a great idea to give new ministers some external, impartial advice on how to make the most of the job – and the advice I got that day stood me in better stead than any before or since.

Essentially there were two pieces of advice that I took to heart. Giving that advice were Michael Heseltine and Andrew Adonis – and whilst I know they are nothing alike, it’s the very fact that two such different people politically (from each other and from me!) had useful advice to give which shows there are common challenges ministers of all parties face.

The first piece of advice was to prioritise ruthlessly. We would find ourselves hit by a tsunami of work – a never-ending juggernaut all through our time in office – that was simply the business of government. If we weren’t careful we would do all our work, read all our submissions, make all our speeches, attend all our government meetings, take debates in Parliament and more – and we would exit our ministerships as good little ministers. Yes we would have done our work well but not used the extraordinary opportunity of our positions to deliver something we wanted to deliver during our time in the sun.

The second piece of advice was to trust our civil servants. They would, we were told, strain every muscle to enable us to deliver our mission if we made it clear what we wanted. They were not the satirical stuff of which ‘Yes Minister’ or ‘The Thick of It’ was made (although there have been some recognisable moments during my time in government!). We were told how civil servants are hard-working and noble in their efforts to make their new minister’s missions come true.

So I went back to my office, then at the Home Office as Equalities Minister, and set out my priority: introducing same-sex marriage. It was liberal. It righted a wrong and it would mean a huge amount to those it gave the freedom to choose to marry. I believed it was possible. Thus I decided and set my course.

The civil servants then got to work. Always willing to raise decent questions about how and when, but always willing to stick to the priority and find a way to make the details work. From a standing start they guided me through all the many many hoops, pitfalls and dangers that I had to get through. I had nothing but support, advice, energy and dedication to my mission.

And now it is the law.

And then I went to the Department for International Development (DFID) and did the same thing. I prioritised Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). I said to my civil servants I want to campaign in government on FGM (campaigning in government was a bit of a new concept for them at that point). And as I hope you have noticed – it is now in the media on virtually a daily basis. In fact – the media deserve plaudits for their coverage on this too – particularly the Evening Standard.

I have instigated a £35million program to end FGM in a generation, working with the many opponents of FGM in the communities where it happens. The diaspora in our own country who practise FGM and their mother countries where this terrible practise has gone on for 4,000 years are inextricably linked. We won’t stop it here if we don’t end it there.

That is why we are supporting the African-led movement to end Female Genital mutilation and the UN resolution banning it worldwide.

And now my campaign stretches right across Whitehall – into the Department of Health, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education. I’ve had the privilege of working with phenomenal campaigners like Nimko Ali and Efua Dorkenoo, who for years have been so instrumental and inspiring with their work on FGM.

Without such dedicated civil servants understanding what I was trying to do and helping me do it – I could not have been so successful.

And not to forget that there is even more praise due to the DFID civil servants around the world in the most dangerous of locations – providing our programs to end extreme world poverty by delivering on health, education, water and sanitation and much more to the poorest and most marginalised people in the world.

A big thank you to all my civil servants!

£7.6 million funding win for Haringey Health Services!

Posted on 27th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Here’s my latest Muswell Flyer column – also available here.

Over a year ago I wrote a column about a new local campaign for fairer health funding in Haringey. We all rely on our vital local GPs, walk-in centres and hospitals – and I wanted to make sure they were getting a fair deal.

It had shockingly come to light that our local health services were severely underfunded in comparison to neighbouring boroughs such as Islington and Camden.

This was having a knock on impact on Haringey residents. The underfunding meant longer waiting times and less preventative care. One local resident went to get a free blood pressure and cholesterol test, offered by the NHS in an Islington supermarket. She was turned away because she had a Haringey postcode.

Another resident, a community nurse, told me that nurses in Islington had better training opportunities than those in Haringey.

When I met with Haringey GPs to discuss the problems caused by the underfunding – I heard horror stories about the longer waiting times Haringey residents have to face.

Something had to change. The core of the problem was an outdated funding formula, which discriminated against Haringey because we are an ‘outer London’ borough.

So – with the support of thousands of local residents, the Haringey Liberal Democrats and I lobbied the Department of Health and NHS England for a new funding formula – one that gives boroughs like Haringey a fairer deal on funding.

And in late December, we got some good news – NHS England have finally changed the funding formula, and Haringey health services will now receive a £7.6 million increase in funding.

This is an above inflation increase in funding, and a higher percentage increase than Islington and Camden. There is still a way to go until we get truly fair funding – but this is a great first step! The Haringey Lib Dems and I will keep campaigning to get more money for our vital services.

Now we have some extra funding (and hopefully there will be more to come!) I want to make sure it is spent well, on the health issues that matter most.

That’s why I’ve launched a survey, so residents can let me know what their priorities for improvements are. Whether you want to see longer opening hours, shorter waiting times, better services or something else, just let me know.

Residents can take part in the survey by going to www.tinyurl.com/HaringeyHealth

I look forward to seeing what your priorities are, and passing them on to our local NHS representatives.

Lib Dems hand in free high street parking petition

Posted on 24th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Last week Haringey Liberal Democrats submitted their petition calling for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets. The petition has been signed by 1,750 people and will be officially received by Haringey Council at the Budget meeting on Wednesday 26^th February.

The Lib Dems believe that 30 minutes of free parking would boost trade on local high streets and support the independent shops that make Haringey’s high streets unique.

At the budget meeting on Wednesday the Liberal Democrat councillors will be putting forward a budget amendment to implement 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets. The proposal would be funded by cutting the council’s huge agency staff bill and by ending the automatic refilling of vacant posts, ensuring only those posts that are needed are filled.

The campaign by Haringey Lib Dems for 30 minutes of free parking attracted the support of traders in Muswell Hill who gathered a petition with over 5,000 signatures calling for lower parking charges.

The campaign for 30 minutes of free parking was sparked by the Labour-run council’s decision to double parking charges in Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Green Lanes from £1.40 to £3 per hour. So far the council has refused to bow to pressure from traders, residents and Haringey Lib Dems on the issue.

Cara Jenkinson, Lib Dem candidate for Muswell Hill and lead petitioner, comments:

“Haringey Labour’s high parking charges encourage people to drive further to out-of-town supermarkets where the parking is free. We want people to be able to stop, park and shop locally.

“Local people clearly want to see the Labour council take some action on parking. We had 1,700 people support the Lib Dem petition for 30 minutes free parking on local high streets. I hope councillors on all sides consider that when they vote on the Lib Dem budget amendment proposing free parking on local high streets.”

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, comments:

“Local shopkeepers have told me that they are suffering because of these ridiculously high charges. 30 minutes of free parking is vital to keep small independent shops on our local high streets – and it would benefit residents too.

“Labour may say there’s no money available – but as the Lib Dem budget amendment shows – Labour-run Haringey Council could easily afford 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets by cutting the agency staff bill and not automatically filling jobs when people leave.”

Meeting on future of Alexandra Post Office

Posted on 24th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP on Saturday attended a local residents meeting, to discuss the future of Alexandra Parade Post Office. A representative from the Post Office was also there to answer questions.

The Post Office was closed without notice due to a dispute between the Post Office and the Post Master, and residents have been advised to use the Muswell Hill branch instead. The Post Office have stated that the closure is temporary.

Local residents contacted the Liberal Democrat MP, as they were worried about losing the post office for good, and having to brave the queues at Muswell Hill branch on a permanent basis.

At the meeting, residents made it clear that an ongoing Post Office service is needed in the area.

Lynne Featherstone MP is now writing to the Chief Executive of the Post Office to formally raise the residents’ concerns.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Post Offices are a vital part of our local communities. They provide a range of services to local residents and attract people to the high street.

“The residents obviously care a great deal about the Alexandra Parade office – and I’m glad they were able to make their voices heard to the Post Office representative.

“There are still a number of unanswered questions about the closure, and about when the service will return. On behalf of local residents, I will contact the Chief Executive to get some answers.”

Calls for quicker action on New River repairs

Posted on 19th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Lynne Featherstone MP last week met with Circle 33 managing director to discuss the ongoing saga at Colorado apartments, part of the New River Village in Hornsey.

Together with local campaigner Dawn Barnes, the Liberal Democrat MP has long been campaigning for better conditions for these residents – last year publishing a video on Youtube to get Circle 33’s attention.

Since then, Circle 33 have committed to make numerous repairs and to re-house residents on the ground floor. The Managing Director said that work to the roof and pumping to remove water coming through the floor has started.

But, the residents who are still experiencing poor living conditions made their voices heard – they want faster repairs and better conditions now.

At a recent planning meeting at Haringey Council, a representative from New River Village developers St James admitted that there were “a number of design issues and operational problems” with the development.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner and candidate for Hornsey, Dawn Barnes, said:

“Whilst it’s good news that work is in progress, these residents are still living in awful conditions on a day to day basis. We will continue to push Circle 33 to act as quickly as possible.

“The St James chairman has publicly admitted there were design issues. This is something that should have been picked up by Labour-run Haringey Council building control, when they were overseeing the development.

“There has been complete failure all around – and it’s the residents who are paying the price.”

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“Circle 33 know we are watching them and the New River Village closely. We know how substantial the repair work is, but it must continue without any further delay. These residents have suffered enough.”

The fight for Noel Park repairs continues after packed public meeting

Posted on 18th Feb 2014 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone last night hosted a packed public meeting in Noel Park, to give residents a chance to have their say on housing repairs.

Over 50 residents made their views heard to representatives from both Haringey Council and Homes for Haringey. The concerns raised included a lack of urgent repairs, failure to provide decent homes work and poor customer service.

Having seen the anger and upset among the residents, Homes for Haringey promised to take action and complete the urgent repairs.

Along with local campaigners Roberto Robles, Colin Heinink and Vik Seeborun – Lynne Featherstone MP has long been campaigning for a better deal for residents on the Noel Park estate. They have called on the Labour-run Council to include the Noel Park estate in the Decent Homes programme – and for Homes for Haringey to spend money on repairs, rather than bonuses.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“I am glad that, finally, residents have had the chance to raise their concerns directly with the Council and Homes for Haringey.

“Listening to the residents and hearing about the awful conditions they live in, it is obvious that the Labour-run Council have let them and the whole estate down badly. This is a scandal, no-one should have to live like this.

“Homes for Haringey promised at the meeting to make the urgent repairs. I will be keeping a close eye on them, and publishing whether they keep their word or not.”

Noel Park campaigner Roberto Robles said:

“It was shocking and deeply saddening to hear what some of the local residents have to live with on a day to day basis.

“And their local Labour councillor, who is responsible for housing in the borough, didn’t even bother to show up to the meeting.

“Noel Park deserves better. Colin Heinink, Vik Seeborun and I will carry on fighting for residents, to secure the urgent repairs that are so desperately needed.”

Noel Park estate resident Carol Cabey said:

“Residents on the Noel Park estate need urgent repairs, but the Council and Homes for Haringey have not taken action.

“It’s not fair for the Council to spend so much money on other places, and waste money on botched repairs, when the Noel Park estate is in such desperate need.

“I’m glad Lynne called the meeting and gave us a chance to have our voices heard. I just hope the Council and Homes for Haringey were listening.”