A stable, secure, and affordable roof over your head is a basic necessity in life. It supports you in getting work, in studying, and is vital for good health. And yet so many in Hackney live in severely overcrowded conditions with little hope of securing a house they need at an affordable price. We need more social housing. I raised this with the Treasury this week (see here) and pressed the Minister on this. I was surprised by the response as the Minister hinted that further support may be announced at the next Budget in March. I’ll keep fighting for more properly affordable social homes.
 
The Public Accounts Committee quizzed officials from the UK Passport Office about the issues over the summer. After COVID-related travel restrictions were lifted there was a predictable surge in applications for passports. The Passport Office failed to get a grip and there were severe delays in issuing passports, with some residents missing important life events (like funerals and weddings). Look out for our report on this in the new year.
 
And it was good to be out in King’s Park last weekend on a roving surgery with Councillors Troughton, Sadek and Patrick. Lots of issues to pick up but it’s always good to meet people in their homes.
 
As we’re in Hanukkah and Christmas is fast approaching – have a happy festive period. My office will be shut over the festive period from today and will re-open on Tuesday 3 January. During that time, emails and phones will not be monitored daily. For urgent assistance, see here for a list of services that should be able to offer assistance.