Decent homes plea

Last week, while Parliament was on recess and I was making a number of visits in the constituency, I met with residents of the Cavendish Estate and had a look at some of the appalling conditions that they are having to live in. Problems the council tenants are putting up with range from damp to leaking pipes and extensive fire damage in communal walkways.

I was joined by local councillors Kris Brown and Ahmet Hasan, as well as Enfield Homes Chief Executive Bob Heapy. Enfield Homes is the agent responsible for providing services to the tenants and leaseholders of Enfield Council, so I was keen for Bob Heapy to witness at first hand the areas that need urgent attention.

When Enfield Homes reaches a two-star status, the Government will support it with an investment of around £160 million to enable it to provide decent homes for all council tenants. I am urging Enfield Homes to use this money to conduct the drastic overhaul to the council housing stock that is so desperately needed. Enfield Council has neglected the needs of its tenants for too long.