Homes were not left to rot

Published: 15 October, 2010

• WE write in response to your article (MPs fury at empty homes left to rot, October 8) and to set the record straight over our housing policies.

Contrary to the claim made by Karen Buck MP, the three homes referred to in your article were not “left to rot” but are empty because they suffer from serious structural and subsidence problems.

The council and CityWest Homes are taking action and in November work is due to start to convert the property at Hormead Road into a much-needed larger home for an overcrowded family.

With regards to Warlock Road, the two properties are extremely expensive to repair and we are working to get the best value for money for our residents.

The reality is that every year, some of our properties become empty for a whole variety of reasons such as people leaving Westminster or being transferred to another home but these are turned around in a matter of weeks while repairs are carried out.

A smaller number of properties, however, may be undergoing major structural works, have been identified for redevelopment or being converted to a larger property to help families who live in overcrowded homes and therefore may be unoccupied for longer.

For our part, we are doing everything we can to increase the number of affordable homes in Westminster and earlier this year launched a programme to build 500 homes over the next four years.

CLLR PHILIPPA ROE
Cabinet member for housing, Westminster Council
MARK HOYLAND
Chief Executive
CityWest Homes