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Grenfell and a Tory-run council not fit for purpose Grenfell and a Tory-run council not fit for purpose
(6 months later)
Letters
Sun 23 Jul 2017 16.54 BST
Last modified on Mon 27 Nov 2017 19.41 GMT
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The meeting last Wednesday night (Fire survivors call on council leader to quit during chaotic town hall meeting, 20 July) demonstrated how out of touch the Conservative administration of the council is with the realities of life for many in one of the richest boroughs in the world. It also highlighted the disadvantages of a majority group that has been in power for too long. Cllr Elizabeth Campbell stated that there would be radical change, but instead voted in a new leadership team which is a cabinet in all but name.The meeting last Wednesday night (Fire survivors call on council leader to quit during chaotic town hall meeting, 20 July) demonstrated how out of touch the Conservative administration of the council is with the realities of life for many in one of the richest boroughs in the world. It also highlighted the disadvantages of a majority group that has been in power for too long. Cllr Elizabeth Campbell stated that there would be radical change, but instead voted in a new leadership team which is a cabinet in all but name.
We, as the Liberal Democrats, could not vote for Cllr Campbell for leader and wrote to Sajid Javid, the secretary of state for communities and local government, requesting that commissioners took over the administration, as we feel that this council is not fit for purpose.We, as the Liberal Democrats, could not vote for Cllr Campbell for leader and wrote to Sajid Javid, the secretary of state for communities and local government, requesting that commissioners took over the administration, as we feel that this council is not fit for purpose.
After years of underspend on construction and maintenance of a range of genuinely affordable homes, suddenly it takes a disaster on the scale of Grenfell Tower for them to open their coffers. Missed opportunities, with poor masterplanning driven by developer-lead urban planning rather than planning based on identified need, has further contributed to the crisis that, as an authority, we are now facing to re-home these survivors.After years of underspend on construction and maintenance of a range of genuinely affordable homes, suddenly it takes a disaster on the scale of Grenfell Tower for them to open their coffers. Missed opportunities, with poor masterplanning driven by developer-lead urban planning rather than planning based on identified need, has further contributed to the crisis that, as an authority, we are now facing to re-home these survivors.
The pain and frustration was palpable in the council chamber on Wednesday and the majority party response, although well-intended, failed to comprehend the inequalities that exist within the borough and will continue to exist without cross-party and community input that has significant weight and influence.The pain and frustration was palpable in the council chamber on Wednesday and the majority party response, although well-intended, failed to comprehend the inequalities that exist within the borough and will continue to exist without cross-party and community input that has significant weight and influence.
To affect change, we must be more radical and create a cross-party committee system which would reflect the diversity of the borough, and importantly ensure that the actions of councillors are accountable through their attendance and voting record.Linda WadeLib Dem councillor, Earl’s Court ward, Royal Borough of Kensington and ChelseaTo affect change, we must be more radical and create a cross-party committee system which would reflect the diversity of the borough, and importantly ensure that the actions of councillors are accountable through their attendance and voting record.Linda WadeLib Dem councillor, Earl’s Court ward, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
Grenfell Tower fire
London
Local government
Local politics
Conservatives
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