Alan calls for clarification on Lib Dem HMO stance
8th February 2011
Southampton Liberal Democrats have launched a blistering attack on their own government over the watering down of Labour legislation on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Southampton City Council, Cllr Adrian Vinson, slams his own government for forcing Councils to enter into a “lengthy and costly process to apply for extra powers” and that this will cause a “loss in quality of life in a number of our neighbourhoods."
His comments were made in the latest Portswood Liberal Democrat leaflet.
Alan Whitehead MP, who led the campaign in Southampton for tougher HMO legislation, said:
“Councillor Vinson is absolutely right to point out the huge harm that will be done to communities and tenants as a result of the Coalition Government watering down Labour's HMO reforms.
"But he must accept that his party is just as much to blame for this decision as the Conservatives. Unless he is claiming that this Government is not a party of equals and the Liberal Democrat Ministers were not consulted over this critical decision.
“If he could clarify which of these positions he believes in, I would be extremely grateful.”
The leaflet in which Cllr Vincson makes these remarks can be viewed on the right.
*Update*- 18th February 2011
Alan has now received the following email from Cllr Vinson:
Dear Alan,
As of course you know, the Coalition Government has a substantially larger Conservative than Liberal Democrat presence. Though I would suggest the adoption of over two thirds of the Liberal Democrat manifesto by the Coalition is a remarkable achievement, we have not of course won every issue and in the case of Houses in Multiple Occupation the relevant Minister is a Conservative who made regrettable commitments on this subject during the election campaign.
While the ‘compromise’ outcome does at least offer a route (albeit time-consuming and costly) to improved regulation without fear of compensation claims in the future, I readily admit I would have much preferred – and continue to lobby for – the retention of the immediate and unqualified powers belatedly introduced by the outgoing Labour Administration.
My first and paramount loyalty is to the people I represent in Portswood Ward and across Southampton, not as an apologist for the national Government when I believe they have got it wrong.
I am glad you accept that I am ‘absolutely right to point out the huge harm that will be done to communities’.
I would be grateful if you would post this response to your request for clarification on your website with a link to your article.
Yours,
Adrian
Cllr Adrian Vinson
Leader, Southampton City Council Liberal Democrats
Portswood Ward Councillor
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