Unite welcomes cash boost for affordable council homes
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Friday, 26, Oct 2007 12:00
Unite, Britain’s largest union, today welcomed news that local councils which promote affordable housing will receive a cash bonus under new government plans.
Jack Dromey, Unite deputy general secretary, who has been involved in the top level discussions which led to the housing Green Paper, said the government is right to recognise the vital role of councils.
“All councils should now rise to the challenge, building badly-needed homes,” he said. “Councils which build should be supported. Councils which say ‘not in our back yard’ let their communities down and should be named and shamed.”
Commenting on bringing empty homes back into use Mr. Dromey, who campaigned for the powers that councils now have, said, “Empty homes in communities full of the homeless and badly housed is wrong. The government is right to call on councils to act.”
Unite has played a leading role in developing housing policy and promoting a comprehensive strategy which allows the freedoms to local government to build new homes and removes the unfair advantage the private sector and third sector have had.
The union has continually stressed that such a strategy should have the needs of tenants at its heart to help develop sustainable communities and be accountable through the council.
ENDS
Unite was formed on 1st May 2007 from a merger of amicus and the Transport and General Workers Union (T&G)
For further information please call the Unite Press Office on 020 7611 2550
Andrew Dodgshon
Unite Press Office
020 7611 2550
07976 832156
adodgshon@tgwu.org.uk