Sleep-out protest against the Housing and Planning Bill

On Friday 15th April, people from Tower Hamlets will join a national sleep-out protest

against the Housing and Planning Bill (the Bill).  They will meet outside the Council’s housing

office at 62 Roman Road E2 0PG at 8pm to raise awareness of the threats to our local

community posed by the Bill, including a rise in homelessness (62 Roman Road is the office

where homeless applications are handled).  They will also be expressing solidarity with the

large number of people who are already homeless, including those forced to sleep on the

streets.  ‘Rough sleeping’ has doubled since 2010.

Phil Sedler, Chair of Tower Hamlets Tenants Federation said:

‘We already have an acute housing crisis in the borough.  The Housing Bill will make it

worse.The government wants to destroy council housing, while pushing private developers

to build ‘Starter Homes’ to buy for the lucky few, instead of homes that most people can

afford.’

Tower Hamlets Council passed a motion in January condemning the Housing Bill and local

councillors say they will support the sleep-out protest.

Bethnal Green resident Eileen Short, who is involved in the national ‘Kill the Bill’ campaign

says:

‘There are similar sleep-outs taking place around the country, including several other

London boroughs.  We welcome the support of local people and politicians who recognise

the massive damage the Bill will do and are prepared to stand up and fight it.’

Among those pledged to come and support for the Tower Hamlets action on 15th April are

the Bishop of Stepney, the Housing Justice organisation and Tower Hamlets UNISON.

It’s hoped that a striking Junior Doctor from the London Hospital will join the protest.  Also

attending will be local artist Tim Sanders who will work with campaigners on some ‘live art’

to capture the event.

For more details contact Glyn Robbins glynrobbins@aol.com 07411 557097

Towerhamletskillthehousingbill@outlook.com