Two Star Result Means Improvements for Homes in North West Leeds Can Go Ahead (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Two Star Result Means Improvements for Homes in North West Leeds Can Go Ahead

July 29, 2004 12:00 AM

Up to £60 million now available after first round disappointment

Cllr Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) Chair of the Council's new Inner North West Area Committee has welcomed the news that the Leeds North West ALMO has achieved a two star rating in its latest inspection. This will allow investment to go ahead allowing huge strides to be made towards meeting the Government's decent homes target.

Cllr Hamilton said "Council Housing was neglected in many areas of North West Leeds over a long period. The award of two stars by the Audit Commission to the

ALMO after their recent re-inspection will allow much needed investment to go ahead, although nearly a year later than originally planned. This delay was unfortunate, to say the least, but now the funding should become available for work to start on reversing the years of neglect.

Cllr Brian Jennings (Lib Dem, Weetwood), who has been a member of the ALMO Board since it was created in Feb 2003, added :- "The ALMO has worked hard to improve its rating since the first round of inspections last year. The success in raising its rating has been due in no small part to the hard work of the staff, along with the greater willingness of the Council to relinquish its overcentralised control. With the additional funding, and the greater freedom to concentrate on delivering services, the future is bright for ALMO tenants in North West Leeds.

Cllr Penny Ewens (Lib Dem, Hyde Park and Woodhouse), recently appointed to the Board of Leeds North West Homes; said :- "The new funding will be very welcome, but there is a long way to go. Over the last couple of years I have been appalled by the state to which Council Housing in Hyde Park and Woodhouse had been allowed to deteriorate. The ALMO has a major task in turning round the problems, and providing decent homes for local people. I hope that this announcement marks the start of a new era for our tenants."

Leeds City Council's Inner North West Area Committee covers the Wards of Headingley, Hyde Park & Woodhouse, Kirkstall and Weetwood. Liberal Democrat members hold nine of the twelve seats on the Area Committee.