Dear Editor,

It was refreshing to hear about the efforts of citizens like Ajitha Sajeev getting rough sleepers off the streets and Samantha White and Tee Fabukin, doing their bit to tackle hunger and homelessness. However, it concerns me that Newham Council is great at making promises for change and improvement but not so great at making good on the same.

In 2012 LBN introduced the Property licensing Scheme. I was very excited hearing about this, as a landlord and someone who has written and campaigned about improving standards in private sector renting.

It is my understanding the whole purpose of introducing the licensing scheme was to improve the quality of the housing stock in the London Borough of Newham. However, the council does not inspect properties to ensure that they are fit for purpose. They rely solely on written information provided by the landlord.

Without inspection concerns over hazards such as very poor quality of the internal state of the property, sanitary conditions, damp etc. get missed. My property has never been inspected since registration in 2012. On speaking to a member of the licensing team, I understand Newham do not verify the conditions of properties via inspection. So, it seems the licensing scheme is just another income generating tool.

It is great that citizens do their bit. That responsibility lies with all of us. However, the London Borough of Newham must lead by example. Making good on their promises and being accountable is a good start,

Rebekah Samuel

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