Mr Law of the Borough Road Tenants Association is correct to say there is an inbuilt minority voice for the tenants in the so-called partnership scheme.

In one expensive glossy document the heading implies a heavy vote has taken place, but no vote has been taken yet, though the propaganda is heavily loaded to get a yes vote.

In all the glossy material the council has sent out, no tenant voices have appeared, only selected comments.

It is misleading to state a minister will make an impartial declaration on the voting, when we know John Prescott stated in 1994 that within 10 years (quoting from a green paper) all council homes would be phased out. Only a better-off minority can get on what is called the property ladder.

The shortage of homes has been created by the Government's policy of not allowing elected local authorities to borrow money to finance the repair and building of low-cost rented homes as a social need and responsibility.

Recently the secretary of state Stephen Byers gave elected local authorities the right to borrow finance as an alternative to private ownership. We can remove councillors but not those in control of the partnerships. Reject the sales talk, keep our homes in the hands of our elected representatives. Eighty per cent of Laburnum tenants signed a petition against privatising their homes through the partnership scheme.

MR G MARSH

Laburnum Road

Mitcham

July 10, 2002 11:30