Letters to the Editor
The article "Perry's Progress" has me wondering whether there is more than one Housing Corporation.
Dr. Perry describes his office as "a very effective regulator". How did he have a member of his staff at the epicentre of finances of West Hampstead (now Pathmeads) Housing Association when it suddenly presented with an unexplained debt of £3m?
Where is the evidence that housing associations are more efficient than many councils at carrying out work? Why does his office require associations to rip out all ceilings when some are brand new, and when everyone knows that what brings down ceilings is not age but overflowing water? Why does he preside over projects involving the turning of one-bed flats into family homes while family homes are converted into one-bed flats, and while houses in good order are ripped to bits leaving tenants in unheatable derelict buildings?
Councils unregulated? Every four years, voters use their right foot of indignation to kick some of them into the ditch of oblivion. That's the ultimate threat and the ultimate regulation.
Dr Perry should get out of his ivory tower once in a while and meet tenants face to face, if not for his own benefit then at least out of respect for the public purse.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Rutherford.
Chair, WHHA/Pathmeads Tenants' Association (in exile)