Reporting the Housing Crisis
Socialist Organiser1981 1981-09-03Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 12 →
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WHILE NOT agreeing with everything D.J.Wells wrote in his letter (Socialist Organiser no.49) - for instance, where he refers to the weakness of organised labour?. , 1 would see this as the weakness of a leadership in the working class - 1 agree about the issue of housing.
The massive rent and rate increases have in some areas met some fightbacks in the form of rent strikes. And many tenants must be in extreme difficulties with payments and in arrears.
Many tamilies may find themselves in the position of being evicted and homeless.
A report recently publ ished, called 'Homeless in Hackney' and compiled by the homeless themselves with the aid and support of local groups, is available from Hackney Homeless Action, Box 39, 136 Kingsand High St, London EL (Price £ 1).
The foreword states: "This Report details not only the sad plight of the homeless in Hackney, but also highlights the weakness of the Council in controlling "bed and breakiast hotels' and its failure to provide alternative temporary accommodation.
'The pressure on public housing and the restrictive financial policies of central government are part of this problem, but so too is the attitude of officials and councillors towards the homeless, who in the Poor Law tradition are blamed and punished for their predicament".
I would ask and encourage D.J.Wells to read the report and review it for Socialist Organiser.
I would myself, but I'm totally committed to the child care issues that D.J.Wells praises Socialist Organiser for not being tokenistic on!
Perhaps similar reports could be initiated in other localities, and we could help work out some socialist alternatives and recommendations.
ANN McKINLEY, Oxford.