Housing - Catherine West MP

Grenfell Debate: five years on too many people are still living in unsafe homes

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to speak during the Parliamentary Debate to mark five years since the Grenfell Tower fire. Here is what I would have said: “Five years ago, 72 people were killed at Grenfell Tower in one of the most horrific and devastating tragedies we have seen. For 5…

Lifetime ISAs – raise the cap campaign

Many people were encouraged by the Government to set up Lifetime ISA (Individual Savings Account), a Government-backed scheme that would help people buying their first home. However, the scheme has a cap of £450,000. According to the Zoopla, the average price for property in London stood at £681,427 in January…

My column for the Ham & High: private tenants need more protections

Here’s my latest column for the Ham & High on the challenge for private tenants at the mercy of landlords concerned by profits not people. Read it online above or support your local newspapers by buying a print copy. “The treatment of some private tenants in Gisburn Mansions in Hornsey,…

Watch: end housing insecurity in the private rented sector

I was granted a Parliamentary Adjournment Debate today to discuss housing insecurity in the private rented sector. It’s a massive issue in Hornsey & Wood Green where over 17,000 households rent privately. Since November, I’ve been supporting local residents whose block was sold. Their new landlord wanted to kick out…

Watch: Catherine urges Government to end the fire safety scandal

Four and a half years on from Grenfell, too many people are still stuck in unsafe homes, and too many leaseholders are still facing eye-watering bills. Today’s Government announcement saw some progress, finally, but not enough. Any plan must also cover non-cladding issues, for my constituents who are facing huge…

London’s Housing Crisis: we need more council homes

London’s housing system is broken; we have been experiencing a housing crisis for decades. Not only is the government not building enough houses, but we also have a chronic lack of social housing. This has fuelled a dependency on expensive rented accommodation and led to thousands living in overcrowded and…

Update: Thames Water burst main on Church Lane, Hornsey

I’ve been in touch with Thames Water this morning following the burst water trunk main on Church Lane, Hornsey which I know is affecting many homes in the area. I’m sorry if you’re one of them. Below are the latest update I’ve had from Thames Water on the work they’re…

Mary Feilding Guild scandal highlights appalling insecurity for elderly care home residents

I’m disgusted at the news that the new owner of the Mary Feilding Guild has told the residents they need to leave by the end of May. This is a shocking way to treat vulnerable older residents, giving them eviction notices in the midst of a pandemic. I’ve met virtually…

End the cladding scandal – watch my speech

Tonight, Labour’s motion to protect people trapped in unsafe, unsellable flats and pursue those responsible for this cladding scandal passed 263-0. The Tories couldn’t even be bothered to vote. What a shameful way to treat struggling residents. In my speech, I shared the stories of some of the constituents who’ve…

Haringey New Local Plan: first steps engagement

Haringey Council are currently holding their first steps engagement on their new local plan. Full details can be found here and you have until 1 February 2021 to submit your comments at this stage. Here’s a copy of the letter I’ve sent setting out some of the key issues I’d…