I was delighted to read that Leicester City council have finally submitted plans for Hospital Way in Evington. However, I’ve got to voice my utter frustration at the delays and time it has taken so far.
This estate has stood derelict for many years now, and the city council have owned it for over two years. In that time, houses which just needed some TLC and updating have been reduced to rack and ruin. Guards patrol the estate 24hours at great expense.
Why is it taking so long? We were promised the mayoral system would mean things happen swiftly, but this has proved anything but the case.
In the mayoral election, I questioned the mayor about this derelict estate in the BBC radio hustings event, which was recorded.
Sir Peter made a number of excuses, first claiming the city council had only owned the properties for less than a year. He then claimed that 50% of the work needed had already been done. Both of these claims were clearly mistaken.
With a housing crisis in the city, we’ve got to ask why is it that this estate has remained derelict and unloved when people desperately need homes. The Council should’ve acted first by insisting the Hospital trust kept the houses in a usable condition. Since they’ve owned the properties for over two years, they should have had a plan and acted immediately.
When will we actually see people able to live in these houses? Where are the climate ready sustainable plans for these buildings, too?
Our housing strategy in Leicester desperately needs a reboot and far more speed. This case also indicates that the current mayoral system is not fit for purpose: The mayor claimed the mayoral system would give him absolute power to act. He has absolute control and authority here, and absolute power, I believe, to appoint and handpick his deputy mayor in charge of the housing strategy . This lies with them. Either the mayor accepts responsibility , or he insists his personally appointed deputy , cllr Cutkelvin accepts responsibility. Which is it? Is the mayoral system , supported by barely a third of voters, fit for purpose?
If you would like to sign the petition calling for a referendum or receive more information about the referendum campaign, please visit peoplesvoteleicester@gmail.com .
Best wishes and thanks from,
Mags Lewis, Mayoral candidate 2023
