Housing Co-ops Under Attack in Lambeth

Over 150 properties used by short-life housing co-ops have been under attack in Lambeth.  The Borough Council intend to raise funds by auctioning off their short-life properties, many of which have been well managed by housing co-operatives for decades.  Sadly this short-term strategy will reduce the amount of social housing in Lambeth, put more pressure on the council housing waiting list, and incur huge legal and other costs.

Many of the residents have already been evicted, and only 40 properties remain to be saved.  Now is a good time to offer support to co-ops in Lambeth, as the remaining cases will be contested in court in April and the autumn of 2013.  In true co-operative tradition, the residents have taken the initiative and formed Lambeth United Housing Co-op.  They are demanding that Lambeth Council explore options to transfer the remaining housing to this 'Super Co-op', and stop making a mockery of their claim to be Britain's first "co-operative council".

How you can help:

First, inform yourself about what's happening in Lambeth: there is lots of news on the Lambeth United website https://www.lambethunitedhousingco-op.org.uk/

Secondly, let people know what's happening.  Lambeth United Housing Co-op particularly need contacts in the national press who might highlight their cause.  Also, if you know of MPs who might be sympathetic, pass on their details - they may be able to help with lobbying decision-makers.  You can contact Lambeth United on:

Mobile: 07965 818105
Email: lambethunitedhousingco-op@hotmail.com

Finally, there may be other actions we can take within the housing co-op movement as this cause progresses.  Watch this space, and be ready to offer practical support when the time comes.  Details will also be available on Lambeth United's Twitter feed @LambethUnited


Some more links:

What Squash have said about the situation:

"The utterly corrupt Lambeth Council in London has started proceedings against numerous squats and short-life housing co-operatives in the borough, starting with the eviction of the 30-year old squat Clifton Mansions in 2011, replacing the long-term squatters with Camelot guardians, costing the Brixton taxpayers £440,000 for the privilege. Now Lambeth (dubbing themselves the “co-operative council”…some sort of sick joke) are looking to evict all short-life tenancies in the borough to make way for more property guardians and no doubt smelling big money from liquidating publically-held property for quick cash. In response, those under threat have formed the Lambeth Super Co-op which looks to deploy a diversity of tactics to ensure that this does not happen, protecting their homes and the public purse from the abuses of unaccountable government."

What Red Pepper have said about the sell-offs

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