This email broadcast was sent on 16/05/11

Stop privatisation; improve existing and build a new generation of first class council housing
Tenants demand MPs oppose Localism Bill attacks
The Localism Bill will be debated by MPs next Tue and Wed, 17 and 18 May. This Bill undermines secure tenancies and homeless rights, and puts council housing finance at risk.

Contact your MP now - find their details here. MPs need to hear from us, speaking up for tenants and public housing, and for all those in housing need.

Ask your MP to speak in the debate to:

* Support amendments opposing fixed term flexible tenancies which will remove security for new tenants, intensify the poverty/benefit trap, and undermine community stability and cohesion - remove Clause 130 and 131

* Maintain the right of the homeless to suitable accomodation. At present if someone accepted as homeless is offered unsuitable accomodation (eg a studio flat and the homeless person has young children) they can refuse it and the local authority must make a new offer. The Bill would mean even an unsuitable offer would automatically discharge the local authority's duty to the homeless person - amend or oppose Clauses 124-5

* Uphold access to the housing waiting list - reject clauses 121-123

* Oppose imposed break-up of national financing for council housing unless adequate funding and public sector ownership guarantees are included - amend or oppose Clauses 140-147

Instead ask them to direct housing investment into new and improved council housing, to provide the secure, genuinely-affordable, decent and accountable housing desperately needed.

Cuts in housing benefit and up to 80% market rents for new and relet housing association homes mean council housing with secure tenancies is the only alternative for millions.

Book your place at the Housing Emergency Conference in Leeds next week - Thur 19th 11am at Leeds Church Institute (5 mins from station) see leaflet. To confirm your place contact info@leedstenants.org.uk or 0113 214 5330.

Further information from www.defendcouncilhousing.org.uk
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