Lambeth Council Watch - news and updates about the 'co-operative' council
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CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
This is like taking money out of a Lambeth Council bank account labelled "Energy Subsidy"
We do expect banks to maintain security on people's accounts.
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
See Lambeth Labour retweeted this:
My view is do I really want Lambeth Labour one party state to have more powers?
Not really.
I'm sure if Starmer got elected they would love it.
Given how Labour Councils operate I don't want them to get more say
In Lambeth they use the powers they have to impose for example unpopular estate "regeneration"
More powers equals more top down decision making under the Cabinet system.
My view is do I really want Lambeth Labour one party state to have more powers?
Not really.
I'm sure if Starmer got elected they would love it.
Given how Labour Councils operate I don't want them to get more say
In Lambeth they use the powers they have to impose for example unpopular estate "regeneration"
More powers equals more top down decision making under the Cabinet system.
GarveyLives
Well-Known Member
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman finds against them again:
Lambeth Council fined £6,750 after family of five left in one bed flat ... for almost a year
Lambeth Council fined £6,750 after family of five left in one bed flat ... for almost a year
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Just noticed this. Apparently Liverpool is scrapping their Mayor - but it's a Labour controlled city so they are going back to a "strong Labour cabinet" to bring them into line with successful Labour councils like Lambeth.
The Lib Dem and Green groups on Liverpool council, will support scrapping the Mayor, but both will work towards committees being brought back instead of cabinet diktat.
No-one held a referendum about this. There was a "consultation" with only 11,519 valid responses out of an electorate of 330,000.
Sounds a bit like Lambeth Planning
The Lib Dem and Green groups on Liverpool council, will support scrapping the Mayor, but both will work towards committees being brought back instead of cabinet diktat.
No-one held a referendum about this. There was a "consultation" with only 11,519 valid responses out of an electorate of 330,000.
Sounds a bit like Lambeth Planning
Results in as Liverpool moves to scrap mayor position this month
The results of a public consultation have been revealed - with the elected mayor role set to be abolished in a matter of weeks
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Results in as Liverpool moves to scrap mayor position this month
The results of a public consultation have been revealed - with the elected mayor role set to be abolished in a matter of weeks
Have seen a lot of commentators including some current and former Lambeth councillors going on about the importance among other things of planting trees as one of the ways to address the climate crisis. Worth noting that Lambeth have been historically terrible in this regard as admitted by their own figures, where they have overseen a deficit in trees. Other Labour run councils like Hackney seem to be doing much better.
Yet they erroneously claimed in 2019 that since the 2018 re-election they had planted 1000 trees and have responded to missing their target by promising a net 5,000 new trees in this term!
Personally, I don't think Labour's manifesto promises go far enough but they need to deliver on their current aims as a minimum rather than run a propaganda campaign.
Yet they erroneously claimed in 2019 that since the 2018 re-election they had planted 1000 trees and have responded to missing their target by promising a net 5,000 new trees in this term!
Personally, I don't think Labour's manifesto promises go far enough but they need to deliver on their current aims as a minimum rather than run a propaganda campaign.
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Maybe he should go to this full-on Trot meeting tomorrow
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
No Councillor Bennett - and when John McDonnell hadn't turned up by 7.30 I realised it was time to repair to the Kentish Drover.
PS disappointed the meeting was in a huge hall at the back of the chapel. As a connoisseur of church architecture I would have enjoyed the interior of the actual Rye Lane Chapel no doubt - these Baptist churches usually have impressive galleries for John McDonnell to play to - had he turned up.
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
Does not surprise me that he says that.
"Trot" means in Blairite New Labour language anyone who is slightly to the left of Tony Blair. Which in practise covers a lot of people.
Anyone who at any time is critical of the wonderful policies of this New Labour Council is liable to be dismissed as trouble maker who is possibly a "Trot".
Thing is people like Bennett have had their nice little earner and social position of being a Cllr and Cabinet member. They can now go on and look forward to a lucrative career in the private sector.
BusLanes
Pedestrian
Just saw this on Twitter - looks like St Martin's TRA has stirred the Council into action
www.insidehousing.co.uk
Council takes legal action against three housing associations over damp issues at London estate
A London council is taking legal action against three major housing associations over damp issues on an estate in the borough
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Haven't negotiated the paywall (yet) - but I've always been skeptical about "damp" which can easily be caused by improvements such as double glazing leading to poor ventilation in areas used for prolonged boiling in cooking, washer/dryer emissions, showers in a large family etc.Just saw this on Twitter - looks like St Martin's TRA has stirred the Council into action
Council takes legal action against three housing associations over damp issues at London estate
A London council is taking legal action against three major housing associations over damp issues on an estate in the borough
If windows cannot be opened by choice or design the solution is dehumidifiers.
In technical Britain today ruled by barristers no win no fee merchants are thriving - and we council tax payers are paying out.
This blog demonstrated my point - and it dates from 2018 Damp
Note mould next to double glazing
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
I couldn't get behind the pay wall of the Inside Housing article.
This come up in google:
www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk
Severe case of damp and Housing Ombudsman found that Lambeth hadn't dealt with it. Despite intervention by Ombudsman previously.
On trying to get confirmation that remedial works had been done they got dossier of email. Like loads they were expected to plough through. Instead of clear and straightforward record of repairs. They became involved again as Lambeth hadn't given confirmation to the tenant for works being done. Which clearly they hadnt. Or not properly.
It beggar belief that the Ombudsman has too get involved twice on same case. I pity the Council tenant. They obviously tried to get answers out of Lambeth and came up against this Council obfuscation.
The Ombudsman now says this is "systemic" problem.
Lambeth reply they have now reorganised and will deal better with record keeping of repairs and planned maintenance.
On planned maintenance of their buildings Lambeth imo don't have the will or expertise to do it. Maintenance is reactive. Planned maintenance would save money in long term.
Slightly off subject I've been reading surveyor's reports for the Brixton Rec. Specifically the heating in changing rooms. The ventilation and heating systems passed their usable life years ago. Yet haven't been replaced. Leaks leading to water damage are down to not clearing gutters to roof etc. Lambeth would save money and keep buildings in use for longer if they spent on planned maintenance. Often I've heard officers say of a building that its past its life. It needn't if maintained through planned maintenance. There are industry formulas to do this.
This come up in google:
Two severe maladministration for Lambeth | Housing Ombudsman
Two severe maladministration findings for London Borough Lambeth’s failings on damp and mould case. Find out more.
www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk
Severe case of damp and Housing Ombudsman found that Lambeth hadn't dealt with it. Despite intervention by Ombudsman previously.
On trying to get confirmation that remedial works had been done they got dossier of email. Like loads they were expected to plough through. Instead of clear and straightforward record of repairs. They became involved again as Lambeth hadn't given confirmation to the tenant for works being done. Which clearly they hadnt. Or not properly.
It beggar belief that the Ombudsman has too get involved twice on same case. I pity the Council tenant. They obviously tried to get answers out of Lambeth and came up against this Council obfuscation.
The Ombudsman now says this is "systemic" problem.
Lambeth reply they have now reorganised and will deal better with record keeping of repairs and planned maintenance.
On planned maintenance of their buildings Lambeth imo don't have the will or expertise to do it. Maintenance is reactive. Planned maintenance would save money in long term.
Slightly off subject I've been reading surveyor's reports for the Brixton Rec. Specifically the heating in changing rooms. The ventilation and heating systems passed their usable life years ago. Yet haven't been replaced. Leaks leading to water damage are down to not clearing gutters to roof etc. Lambeth would save money and keep buildings in use for longer if they spent on planned maintenance. Often I've heard officers say of a building that its past its life. It needn't if maintained through planned maintenance. There are industry formulas to do this.
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Apparently in Cologne and Berlin they've stopped heating their pools and showers - to save gas.
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
It's out door pools in Berlin. According to the management a political statement rather than a cost cutting measure.
Berlin cools pools in ‘political statement’ against Russian gas
Officials to dial down heat at German capital’s gas-heated lidos by 2C to help reduce reliance on Russian exports
Notice several of the pools have solar powered heating.
On swimming. London used to have lots of lidos. In 1930s a lot were built. Many were got rid of by 70s.
With climate change outdoor pools which are affordable are more neccessary.
Swimming in London isn't that cheap. During summer indoor and outdoor pools come under pressure.
‘I’ll Take My Chances’: Londoners Risk Fines, Sewage and Drowning to Swim in Heatwaves | Novara Media
London has so few affordable outdoor swimming spots that in soaring temperatures, people are increasingly resorting to whatever water they can find. Clare Hymer reports.
novaramedia.com
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
I learnt to swim in an outdoor council pool in Bury St Edmunds in 1964. No heating.It's out door pools in Berlin. According to the management a political statement rather than a cost cutting measure.
Berlin cools pools in ‘political statement’ against Russian gas
Officials to dial down heat at German capital’s gas-heated lidos by 2C to help reduce reliance on Russian exportswww.theguardian.com
Notice several of the pools have solar powered heating.
On swimming. London used to have lots of lidos. In 1930s a lot were built. Many were got rid of by 70s.
With climate change outdoor pools which are affordable are more neccessary.
Swimming in London isn't that cheap. During summer indoor and outdoor pools come under pressure.
‘I’ll Take My Chances’: Londoners Risk Fines, Sewage and Drowning to Swim in Heatwaves | Novara Media
London has so few affordable outdoor swimming spots that in soaring temperatures, people are increasingly resorting to whatever water they can find. Clare Hymer reports.
That sort of thing would have violated Suffolk's Monty Python Code
Ergo Proxy
Well-Known Member
You ever heard of the SMI Council Tax reduction?
Maybe just maybe you should?
What is severe mentally impaired (SMI) for council tax purposes?
I may not be able to understand mentally wtf Council tax is or does nor how it effects my finances which are usually via a 3rd party.
Just because it's a mild inconvenience for you............
Granted I'm still awaiting my post office cash check off which may be may be mot 14th of this month.......
My SMI and anxiety via your totally selfish ardour towards people less able than yourself take a bow son taKE A FUCKING BOW
Edit - I've paid zero Council tax due to disability since prob 2007!
Last edited:
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Thank you very much. This is the information given on Barking and Dagenham claim forms:
Information When a property is occupied by a Severely Mentally Impaired Person(s) a 25% discount or 100% discount exemption may be awarded.
• A severely mentally impaired adult lives alone in the household. (A 100% exemption can be given.)
• All adults in the household are severely mentally impaired. (A 100% exemption can be given.)
• All but one of the adults who live in the household are severely mentally impaired. (A discount of 25% can be given.)
I expect, though don't know for sure that the "test" is "are you in receipt of services"
In which case there might be lots of people missing out here.
This original issue was government fuel payment via Council Tax bill.
And whether the information asked of people not (yet) on Direct Debit was reasonable.
I guess if you are severely mentally impaired you haver a carer or social worker who can assist with the issue?
Ergo Proxy
Well-Known Member
This original issue was government fuel payment via Council Tax bill.
Ha ha ha ha ha !
No your assumption!
Quick back track but.............
I will get that payment although due to SMI I will have to ask my career to claim it!
Hey ho hey he!
Ha ha ha ha ha !
No your assumption!
Quick back track but.............
I will get that payment although due to SMI I will have to ask my career to claim it!
Hey ho hey he!
GarveyLives
Well-Known Member
Schedule 1 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) (Amendment) Order 1999 (1999 No 536) give a Class U Exemption from council tax for the severely mentally impaired, who are defined as follows:
"a person is severely mentally impaired if he has a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent."
Lambeth Council will require this to be certified by a medical professional using one of their forms.
Anyone in such a position should definitely seek assistance from their carer, personal representative or attorney in relation to any dealings with Lambeth Council on this or any other issue.
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
Looking for something else and this came up.
Shows the importance of right to Judicial Reviews. Just about only way for ordinary people to challenge Lambeth.
This is more detailed look at it.
Following is easier to understand summary.
www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk
The lady in question sought housing under the "everyone in " that was supposed to mean everyone would get housed due to COVID health emergency.
In her case Lambeth refused. She was illegal immigrant (at the time) and therefore was NRPF (had no recourse to public funds).
Everyone In came from central government that everyone needed to be housed.
The judgement was that Lambeth had not formulated any policy to deal with this. So the decision not to house the lady was in legal terms arbitrary. The decision making process was flawed.
Kind of sounds like shambolic Lambeth way of doing things
Also Council made big thing about all it was doing at the time. But it appears decisions like this were being made. I wonder if others were refused housing but didn't go all the way to a Judicial Review.
I also wonder where the Cllrs oversight was. Why they didn't make a policy for officers to follow. Or why the Lambeth legal advisor didn't tell Cllrs to make a policy.
Shows the importance of right to Judicial Reviews. Just about only way for ordinary people to challenge Lambeth.
Everyone in - Lambeth lacking a policy - Nearly Legal: Housing Law News and Comment
R(Cort) v London Borough of Lambeth (2022) EWHC 1085 (Admin) While in some ways this is a decision on an historic context (hopefully), there is a lot in this judgment on local authority approaches to housing in a public health emergency to consider. This was a judicial review of Lambeth’s...
nearlylegal.co.uk
This is more detailed look at it.
Following is easier to understand summary.
Implementing the 'Everyone In' scheme
www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk
The lady in question sought housing under the "everyone in " that was supposed to mean everyone would get housed due to COVID health emergency.
In her case Lambeth refused. She was illegal immigrant (at the time) and therefore was NRPF (had no recourse to public funds).
Everyone In came from central government that everyone needed to be housed.
The judgement was that Lambeth had not formulated any policy to deal with this. So the decision not to house the lady was in legal terms arbitrary. The decision making process was flawed.
Kind of sounds like shambolic Lambeth way of doing things
Also Council made big thing about all it was doing at the time. But it appears decisions like this were being made. I wonder if others were refused housing but didn't go all the way to a Judicial Review.
I also wonder where the Cllrs oversight was. Why they didn't make a policy for officers to follow. Or why the Lambeth legal advisor didn't tell Cllrs to make a policy.
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Fascinating. Such legal wrangles leaved me wondering what happened in the end to Ms Cort and Mr Ncube.Looking for something else and this came up.
Shows the importance of right to Judicial Reviews. Just about only way for ordinary people to challenge Lambeth.
Everyone in - Lambeth lacking a policy - Nearly Legal: Housing Law News and Comment
R(Cort) v London Borough of Lambeth (2022) EWHC 1085 (Admin) While in some ways this is a decision on an historic context (hopefully), there is a lot in this judgment on local authority approaches to housing in a public health emergency to consider. This was a judicial review of Lambeth’s...nearlylegal.co.uk
This is more detailed look at it.
Following is easier to understand summary.
Implementing the 'Everyone In' scheme
The lady in question sought housing under the "everyone in " that was supposed to mean everyone would get housed due to COVID health emergency.
In her case Lambeth refused. She was illegal immigrant (at the time) and therefore was NRPF (had no recourse to public funds).
Everyone In came from central government that everyone needed to be housed.
The judgement was that Lambeth had not formulated any policy to deal with this. So the decision not to house the lady was in legal terms arbitrary. The decision making process was flawed.
Kind of sounds like shambolic Lambeth way of doing things
Also Council made big thing about all it was doing at the time. But it appears decisions like this were being made. I wonder if others were refused housing but didn't go all the way to a Judicial Review.
I also wonder where the Cllrs oversight was. Why they didn't make a policy for officers to follow. Or why the Lambeth legal advisor didn't tell Cllrs to make a policy.
I believe we are now in a neo-Mediaeval society. In actual Mediaeval England, aside from aberrations like the Peasants' Revolt and the Magna Carta (both early examples of popular direct action) the people who mulled over governmental wickedness were the Doctors of the Church and even splinter factions of the church.
Now these rarified moral discussions take place in court - presumably financed on a no-win no-fee basis. Arbitrary decisions may require descendants to "have justice" after death, even as in claims against the NHS - which also add to running costs!
CH1
"Red Guard"(NLYL)
Apparently the Ombudsman is compiling a "special report" on Lambeth's housing complaints failings
www.localgov.co.uk
LocalGov.co.uk - Your authority on UK local government - Council landlords named and shamed
Seven councils have been named and shamed for failings in their housing services.
www.localgov.co.uk
Gramsci
Well-Known Member
Coop Council in action
newsfromcrystalpalace.wordpress.com
Estate residents chairwoman told to quit by council officer
The chairwoman of a Lambeth council estate’s residents association has been told to quit – by a council officer. The letter concerns a poster put up on the estate about a meeting planne…
newsfromcrystalpalace.wordpress.com
