Good news for Islington leaseholders as checks on scaffolding work tightened up
Following a series of problems with scaffolding contractors failing to clear up properly after themselves in Islington, Partners for Islington has decided to introduce photographic checks after scaffolding is removed.
The idea of staff taking photos after they complete a piece of work in order to document that it has been done properly is widespread in other fields. Previously, however, it was not the norm for work being done by scaffolding contractors on properties where Islington Council own the freehold.
News about this new approach came in Islington Council’s response to my detailed complaint about numerous failings by scaffolding contractors in work on my flat (for which Islington Council owns the freehold and for which therefore Partners for Islington arrange repair and maintenance work).
In that complaint, I queried why such taking of photographs was not a standard procedure.
It now will be.
Ah, a LibDem writing about (Labour) Council Leaseholders at last. Such people should be natural LibDem supporters, because Labour councils routinely treat them like milch-cows, loading them with service charges and indefensible extras which the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal does nothing to mitigate, since Leasehold tenants are seldom organised -enough to afford proper legal representation there. (It’s happening in Camden as we speak) It’s about time LibDems took up cudgels on their behalf, nationally. It should be worth it, in terms of votes.
Didn’t you know? It was the appalling coalition – that one between Labour in power and the LibDems running the council – which signed up leaseholders to Partners.
Never mind scaffolders. Check out the conservation issues where Partners has broken every rule in the book. Planning department has prepared a report but will not release for “commercial reasons”.
Or check out the major works charges, which you presumably you have missed. Contractor in liquidation, Partners’ directors dismissed, PWC investigation, work charged at three times street price.
Now check out when your property will be decorated. It’s out of the seven-year cycle, and will deteriorate, because LBI has signed up to the LGA’s local partnerships deal which aims to claw back money from pfi deals.
This was the LibDems in power. Steve Hitchins in his pomp. Terry Stacey on a roll. Welcome.