Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1039/29024
From The Socialist newspaper, 24 April 2019
Shac to name and shame housing bosses
The Unite union housing workers' branch and Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) are holding the annual Alternative Housing Awards on Wednesday 1 May. It will name and shame housing associations for poor performance as landlords and employers.
This year, the awards will be presented outside the plush Grosvenor Hotel, in Park Lane, London - a venue wrapped in wealth, exclusivity and privilege, which will be hosting the industry awards at the same time.
Housing association executives have little to be proud of. The sector collectively reported a surplus of £5 billion in 2018, while the Chartered Institute of Housing reported that 165,000 social homes have been lost to the sector over the last six years.
It's not hard to see why housing associations have lost much of their original social purpose. Top executives were paid on average over £173,000 in 2018, up 4.3% on the previous year. The highest earner was David Cowans who received almost £600,000.
Their wealth is not trickling down to their staff, whose average pay rises in 2018 were below inflation. The percentage rise in housing repairs spending also fell below the rise in executive pay.
They have little understanding of the struggle to survive faced by many of their staff, tenants or service users, nor the homeless population. Their self-interest is clear.
Alternative Housing Awards
Wednesday 1 May Grosvenor Hotel,
86-90 Park Lane, London W1K 7TN
shaction.org
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In The Socialist 24 April 2019:
What we think
How to save the planet? End capitalism; Socialist change
Socialist Party news and analysis
Northern Ireland: killing of Lyra McKee
Socialist Party feature
The striking relevance of Leon Trotsky's Theory of Permanent Revolution
Workplace news and analysis
PCS union: strikes against poverty pay and job losses - vote Yes in national pay ballot
Doncaster NHS strike to stop terms and conditions attack
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Austerity must go! Kick out the Tories - we need a Socialist Alternative
Leicester mayoral husting: only two choices - stop the cuts or make the cuts
Housing associations - stop the segregation
Shac to name and shame housing bosses
May Day greetings
Socialist May Day greetings 2019
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