London Assembly Members Visit PEACH

Members of the London Assembly’s Housing Committee met with local residents and PEACH members yesterday (21st May) to discuss a range of housing issues affecting Canning Town and Custom House.

The Assembly Members had a walkabout with residents in the Lawrence Street area, which is included in Phase Two of the Regeneration Plans approved by Newham Council. Residents raised various issues regarding the plans, including concerns that not all families who have a legal ‘right to return’ to the area following the redevelopment will in fact be able to access appropriate accommodation for their families.

PEACH members also highlighted that many of the new properties in the area will be set at ‘affordable rent’ levels, which are higher than the ‘social’ rent levels they currently pay. This means that many local families will struggle to afford to continue living in the community which they call home.

Following the estate walkabout, residents then spoke to the Assembly Members about the current Temporary Accommodation crisis in Newham, and the challenges they face in ensuring that routine repairs and maintenance work is completed in a timely manner by the Council.

“It was great to have the opportunity to listen to local residents about the issues directly affecting them. Thank you to PEACH for hosting us, and for the brilliant advocacy work they do on behalf of residents.”
– Zoe Garbett AM

“We were really pleased that the Assembly Members listened to our views and engaged with our concerns. The Housing Committee has a busy agenda for the year ahead and we will continue to input the views of residents into their work in a constructive manner.”
– Boglarka Filler, PEACH organiser and local resident