Issue - meetings

[Cllr Chandwani left the meeting at 6.42pm]

Deputation in relation to item 9

Mr Michael Hardy and Ms Gaby Vandanberg, Haringey Leaseholders Association, addressed the Committee in relation to item 9 – Alterations Policy for Leaseholders.

Mr Michael Hardy noted that leaseholders cared a lot about their properties and that they sought high standards for works carried out. In relation to consultation, he stated that he would like the policy to be reconsidered as he was not convinced that councillors had been provided with an accurate reflection of leaseholder views. He commented that there should have been more consultation and noted that, in considering the revision to this policy, there had not been a leaseholder panel or a comparison of the policies in other London Boroughs.

Mr Michael Hardy stated that the consultation letter to leaseholders, which implied that there was an inherent risk from windows in relation to fire safety, was misleading as windows did not have fire ratings and there were no fire safety regulations for windows, except for fixed panels. It was noted that there had been no indication to leaseholders that the ability to undertake their own works could result in cost savings and higher quality works. Mr Michael Hardy commented that leaseholders understood concerns about fire safety but considered that protection from fire could be retained based on the existing policy for alterations. He stated that the regulations on fire safety had not changed since 2018 and there was no evidence that doors or windows fitted by leaseholders had a role in causing or exacerbating fires.

Ms Gaby Van Den Bergh noted that the front door to her property was not secure and she did not feel safe in her home. She had applied to have her front door re-fitted in 2017 but had been directed to an incorrect form and then the policy had come under review. She outlined that locksmiths had looked at the door and it was not considered to be secure but she had been unable to obtain a replacement and had reached an impasse. Ms Gaby Vandanberg explained that her shed had been broken into and, as she did not feel that the property was secure, had lived with others. She urged the Cabinet to reconsider the policy and explained that, if leaseholders could afford to install doors and windows in accordance with the fire safety regulations, they should have the choice to do so.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal thanked leaseholders for attending the meeting and for their deputation. She noted that it was important that issues could be raised and urged residents to contact her where they felt that there had been inadequate performance or responsiveness and she would raise it directly with Homes for Haringey. In particular, she urged Ms Gaby Vandanberg to contact her so that this issue could be resolved as soon as possible.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal explained that the Council’s primary concern was the safety of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 347