Family homes have been left vacant for more than one year whilst Lewisham Council's Housing waiting list has grown to among the largest in London, according to a startling revelation by Liberal Democrat Mayoral challenger Chris Maines.

Recent research has revealed that 18,279 households in Lewisham Council are waiting for a Council house. Yet Liberal Democrat councillors have identified houses left vacant for more than 12 months.

"These figures, on one hand, demonstrated the sheer incompetence of Lewisham's Mayor and housing department," says Chris Maines, "and on the other hand, the desperate and shocking need for decent homes locally."

A property in Northover was reported as having been empty "for several weeks" by Liberal Democrat Cllr Mark Morris on 20th Jan 2005. The property had been boarded up by the Council and was attracting fly tipping. He pursued the matter in June and October, involving the Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Susan Wise. Cllr Morris was told the property was a "long-term void" in need of work.

"It was obvious this property was in need of work, it still is." says Cllr Morris, "the real issue is that a family have been deprived of a home for more than a year."

Chris Maines says, "I can identify several more houses, within a few yards of this one, which has been left empty by the Council for months. Imagine the frustration for Lewisham families desperate for a house when they see these homes left month after month waiting for a family to move in."

"Housing is a basic need that Lewisham Council is failing to meet," according to Mr Maines who will be challenging Lewisham's Mayor at the local election on 4th May. "Lewisham ranks among the five worst Councils in the capital for long waiting lists. Leaving houses empty is a waste of money, a loss of income and ensures the housing crisis deepens."

"The lack of permanent and decent homes has a damaging impact on the families affected, it leads to a loss of education, poor health and can cause other social problems such as anti-social behaviour."

The Liberal Democrats believe the situation in Lewisham is deteriorating. Particularly in the south of the borough which the Council's own figures indicate the turnaround times on empty properties have grown by 30% within the last year. This is mirrored by an increase in the number of households waiting for a Council house, which has grown by 10% during 2005.

"We have an elected Mayor in Lewisham, the buck stops with him," Chris added.

19th January 2006

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