Tulip Siddiq

• LONDON’s councils have an impossible job under a Conservative government.

Often masquerading as pragmatic plans to “cut back office spending”, austerity budgets introduced by ministers in Whitehall have forced councillors into impossible decisions.

I have long argued that the only form of devolution that this government is truly committed to is the devolution of blame for spending cuts that devastate the most vulnerable in our communities.

With the government beset with the consequences created by their handling of Brexit negotiations, it seems unlikely that substantial local government reform or investment will be arriving any time soon. In turn this shines a spotlight on how our council’s manage the hand they have been dealt.

Recent tragedies such as that at Grenfell Tower have understandably ratcheted up the scrutiny of decisions taken by councillors. The manner in which such decisions are communicated, and the sincerity of the consultation efforts that underpin them have also been examined with a sharp focus that fatalities often belatedly prompt.

Next door in Haringey, the past year or so has seen the council push through a regeneration scheme – the Haringey Development Vehicle (HDV).

I don’t doubt that when this scheme was conceived, many of those implementing it sought solely to deliver desperately needed homes under desperately difficult budgets. However the whole episode has symbolised a hugely problematic disconnect from local people.

Labour Party members in Hampstead and Kilburn have been vocal in their opposition to the HDV’s compulsory purchase orders, which could dispossess Haringey residents and, in turn, deplete publicly-owned housing that will not be replaced.

I have also noted the stance of my parliamentary colleagues, David Lammy and Catherine West, who have my full support in standing up for their residents.

I was elected on a manifesto that promised to deliver the council homes and affordable homes that London and the United Kingdom desperately need.

I understand the constraints on borrowing and the innovation needed by councils to deliver under such difficult circumstances. However when councils miss the mark with regard to projects which should help their residents, it is important that public servants speak out.

TULIP SIDDIQ MP
Labour, Hampstead & Kilburn