Labour exposed over secret talks on shock housing crisis

4.54.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 1st Sep 2007

Sheffield Council Housing

Sheffield Labour Party have been holding secret talks over a new funding crisis due to hit Sheffield's tenants post 2010. It has been revealed that the improvements carried out on Sheffield's council housing stock through the 'decent homes programme' worth hundreds of millions of pounds are at risk as there are no resources to maintain homes at the new standard.

The shocking news is revealed in a confidential council produced briefing paper for local Labour MP's and Labour Councillors. The paper, called "Housing: Big Issues", notes: -

"It is very important to understand that we do not anticipate having the capital resources, post 2010/11 to maintain stock in the Decent Homes condition let alone do all the other essential work that falls outside the technical decent homes standard."

The news will come as a shock to local tenants who have not been informed of the impending financial problem. The crisis could have wider implications such as the future ownership of Sheffield's housing stock.

Liberal Democrats are calling on Labour to explain why they have been discussing the issue in secret. Lib Dems will be tabling a proposal at the September Council meeting which, if accepted will see the issue brought fully out in the open through an open council report which would also set out proposals to start the process of consulting tenants.

Cllr Bob McCann, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Housing, said: -

"Given the importance of this issue I am surprised and disappointed to learn that Labour have known about the impending crisis but have chosen to hide it from local tenants. We wouldn't have known about the issue at all if it wasn't for the document being sent out in error."

"According to the report produced by the council we could face the prospect of a poor sub-standard maintenance service after the decent homes programme comes to an end. This is unacceptable given the level of investment at risk and the rights of local tenants."

"The past under investment in social housing this city has seen must not be repeated. Instead of trying to hide the problem, we should all be working together to come up with a solution to ensure that council homes are properly maintained."

"If accepted by a majority of council, our proposal will see the issue brought out into the open via a public report. The report will recommend a process of fully consulting local tenants keeping them fully informed. Given that this issue could have a huge impact on the future of Sheffields social housing stock, tenants should be involved every step of the way."