Sir: A large part of the residential accommodation in central
London is in the private sector. Exploitation of such property is rife and social needs are disregarded.
Mr Peter Walker has proposed action against empty office blocks. Through Mr Tugendhat MP for Westminster, this association has requested the Minister to take specific action in the housing field in central London. We are awaiting his reaction to proposals that: 1 Full rates (or over) be levied on empty residential property and compulsory purchase powers be available after one year. 2 Buildings of historic or architectural interest be subject to full rates if they form part of the housing stock. 3 Property involved in a successful prosecution for harrassment of tenants be subject to powers of compulsory purchase. 4 Repairs ordered by public health departments must be carried out before ownership can be transferred.
5 That a condition should be at tached to the award of improvement grants to ensure tenants "are not thrown out either before the work begins or when it is finished."
6 The Government reconsiders its position regarding furnished tenancies in central London.
We believe that there is a stable Population in Pimlico that is dependent on furnished tenancies and that these people, essential to the life of the capital, will soon be driven away by the policies of voracious property developers.. We believe that if central London is to retain Its life and character. it needs a homogeneous population. Those families and individuals for whom central London is "home" are essential and urgent action !s needed if they are to remain in areas such as Pimlico.
M. Stratton Hon Secretary, Pimlico Tenants and Residents' Association, 108 Warwick Way, London SW1.
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