Most housing cash is wasted 3/2/2005. Dear Sir, Your leader (They can be turned on housing, CNJ, January 27) regrets the possible loss of housing by extending right to buy (RTB) to housing association tenants. I have seen it quoted that if RTB were to be encouraged, then the money needed to refurbish the nation's derelict housing stock might be available four times over. When I last enquired, Camden had 470 empty flats. In the north of the country, there are entire streets, and occasionally neigbourhoods empty and abandoned. The problem is acute. You speak of the loss of social housing; where has the RTB money gone? The answer is that a vast proportion is wasted. And although Camden is better than many housing associations, they have a lot in common, and work closely together. Genesis Housing Group, a.k.a. Paddington Churces HA, Pathmeads (the failed West Hampstead) HA etc were charged with converting one-bed flats into famuily homes whilst converting family homes into one-bed flats in two schemes both involving the council. They have stripped houses in good order whilst derelict wrecks are left to rot only to be subsequently flogged off at auction. Their wage bills are astromonical; their waste beyond description, their scrutiny panel futile. We should ask why tenants apply for RTB. In many cases, it is so that they can be shot of the appallingly stupid people who run social housing. Both the government's regulator, the Housing Corporation, and the council seem reluctant to look into these matters. Certainly, it is in the interests of taxpayers that an independent enquiry is held without delay. PETER RUTHERFORD Chair, Pathmeads Tenants Association (in exile) Back to the web site