• IT’S been interesting to follow the furore about The Times letter signed by various Labour council leaders in support of their colleagues in Haringey, the subtext of which is support for the Haringey Development Vehicle.

This partnership between Haringey and one large private developer will displace tenants from thousands of homes in the name of “redevelopment”, in exchange for a small number of “affordable” homes and a whole lot of luxury flats.

The mystery whether Camden leader Georgia Gould did or did not agree to put her name to the letter is a bit of a sideshow. But remember that without the scrutiny and pressure of Camden Green Party, Camden could have faced a similar fate.

Before summer 2017, a “strategic partnership” with a single major developer, was on the table and being considered by the council’s secret working group on its housing programme.

This was brought into the open by Green Cllr Sian Berry, whose series of FoI requests also shed light on the limitations of Camden’s partnerships in the Community Investment Programme.

Thankfully, the “strategic partnership” option is now off the table, but questions remain about whether alternative proposals such as the Community Land Trust at Camley Street are being discounted by Labour in favour of partnerships that generate a quick buck.

Greens will continue to do an important scrutiny job on Labour’s plans and argue for solutions that bring more sustainable, long-term, social housing to Camden.

KIRSTEN DE KEYSER
JOHN HOLMES
Green Party candidates for Highgate ward

DEE SEARLE
Green Party candidate for Kentish Town ward