FROM the beginning of this week, local authorities were permitted to sell council houses and flats for as little as half the mirkel price, thanks to new regulations introduced by the Tory government Even the chairperson of the Tory-controlled Association of Metropolitan Authoritics was moved to say these sales might create an imbalance in bousing revenue accounts'.
Translated, this means that the loss of rents from houses that are sold will have to be made up by big rent increases on remaining houses in order to meet the debts to the financiers.
Meanwhile, Ibose on waiting lists will have to carry on waiting because new council house construction will be axed.
To implement their plans. the Tories are relying on the traditional unwillingess of the trade unions to take up 'social' questions such as housing and and to the takes t and on the weakness community organisation.
Il is by militants developing practical methods of struggle on these issues, both nationully and in the communities, that they can be effectively raised in The present organisation of tenants, squatters, and communily groaps is low, but the Tories victory is revitalising activity in many areas.
Tenants" organisation was at strikes against the government's Housing Finance Act.
Squatting groups declined in activity since the Tory Greater London Council and other extensive A new political turn came during general. when Housing Action - an LUC organisation of squatters and EcheDts — occupied Mats on the GIC's new Ferry Lane estate in Tottenham.
The council bas been trying to sell them. Housing Action is demanding an end to all council house sales, and that the flats be allocated to those on the waiting list.
At present, the governent simply "trusts" and "hopes councils will co-operate in the sale of the century. sion is due to come with a Housing Bit in the autumn.
In the Commons debate last | Thursday, state of Housing Minister Peter Shore M'BS quick to government: "It will be for local clection authorities like other organisalaw.
Never mind that we wouldn't with rent have Heath workers"
Shore's touching deference bad been observed by those who fought to form the unions and have The fight for decent housing made means Labour councils refusconces- ing to participate in the sale of the century, and resisting the financial sanctions that can be expecied to follow such action. Instead of the sale of council more democratic control by tenants over their hones and their CINCOOC reversal of the housing curs.
An opportunity these issues conference on Housing in the next five years, to be beld on 30 Tory June. Sponsors include Hous "urges" ing Action and Shelter.
that Among the items on the Compul. council house sales; the defence and extension of direct labour; Labour's former assure the organised movement today if should demand and be discus will be rents.
in the Botany University from Joan Halbert, opposition to Conference, c/o Shelter, rights, and council ext 5027. PIERS INNOCENT