A packed London LHG conference on Saturday heard Labour Shadow Housing Minister Emma Reynolds MP give a comprehensive review of Labour’s developing housing policy following the Lyons Review. Focusing mainly on getting building again, she also emphasised Labour’s plans to bring some order to the private rented sector.
Shadow Housing Minister Emma Reynolds MP addresses the conference.
The morning session concentrated on the work that campaign groups are doing and what Labour might learn from them. Fascinating speeches by Tim Morton from SHOUT, Alex Hilton from Generation Rent, Madeleine Davis from the Peabody ex-Crown Estate Tenants Group and Environmental Health campaigner Steve Battersby gave everyone a lot of food for thought, especially around the issues of housing costs and affordability.
The afternoon session involved four thoughtful contributions from councillors from London boroughs, Cllr Sarah Hayward Leader of Camden and Housing Cabinet Members Cllr Ahmet Oykener from Enfield, Cllr Lisa Homan from Hammersmith and Fulham and Cllr James Murray from Islington. Despite the many financial constraints and the appalling policies of London Mayor Johnson, all four councils are making significant progress, building more council homes and tackling the private rented sector.
Top: Cllr Sarah Hayward speaks, flanked by Cllr Ahmet Oykener of Enfield and Cllr Lisa Homan of Hammersmith and Fulham. Bottom: Cllr James Murray of Islington
The day was rounded off by an impassioned speech from London LHG EC member Karen Buck MP – the conference was in her constituency and she highlighted some local issues and trends. The whole day was notable for the expert and robust contributions from a very knowledgeable audience.