Why only a school poll?

Published: 3 June, 2011

• I NOTE that Labour councillors are backing the idea of a referendum before a final decision is made on the possibility of three primary schools becoming academies (‘Stitch-up’ fears spark pleas by parents for a ballot on school bid to go it alone, May 27).

Nobody would disagree with asking all parents’ views. But Labour’s position is a bit hypocritical. Why wasn’t the public asked for their views on this year’s council budget cuts? This is the first time for years there has been no budget consultation.  

Then last year when Liberal Democrats proposed a referendum on the future of Homes for Islington (HfI), the council’s housing management provider, Labour councillors refused to consider the idea.  

This is despite the fact that the former Liberal Democrat council held a referendum of all tenants and leaseholders to set up HfI. Even Labour MP Clive Betts, who chairs the Department for Communities and Local Government Select Committee in Parliament, which deals with housing issues, is calling for councils to carry out a referendum before disbanding organisations like HfI.

Labour councillors can’t have it both ways and only want consultation on issues that suit them.

CLLR TERRY STACY 
Lib Dem housing spokesman