Last night in East Ham Town Hall, the temporary housing issues that we have been campaigning on for 2 years finally got air time in the highest chamber of Newham: Full Council. Nearly 60 Councillors from across the Borough, along with Mayor Robin Wales gathered to discuss the poor quality repairs, terrible customer service and extortionate rents charged by Tando\/Mears. Of course, PEACH was representing as well- over 20 Mears Cats turned up to listen to the debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the Mears Cats in the public gallery said: \u201cWe were on the edge of our seats, it was so tense waiting for our motion to come up but we were happy our issues were finally being getting the recognition they deserve\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposal was submitted by our local representative Cllr Fiaz. It originally asked for the contract with Mears to be broken, and was amended to call for the setting up of a high level Council Task Force with the power to investigate the full range of issues which tenants are experiencing and report back to Council in spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In her opening speech, our Local Councillor Rokhsana Fiaz offered her \u201cDeep and sincerest thanks to the Mears Cats residents, who have kept this issue in the spotlight for public scrutiny and political action\u201d and called for \u201cDecisive political action for our residents to ensure they experience quality of housing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cllr Fiaz had a message for Mears as well: \u201cPlease be under no illusions- you are on serious, serious notice.\u201d And laid the ball firmly in the Council\u2019s court, noting that \u201cwhat\u2019s appalling is that we as Newham Council have a contract with them.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n