West London Citizens

Make a lasting difference to affordable housing in our borough!

What’s happening?

In the lead up to the local elections in May, West London Citizens will be holding a Housing Accountability Assembly on Wednesday 18 April, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm (7pm start) at Twyford High School. The assembly will bring together 600 local citizens of all ages, backgrounds and religious affiliations (or none) to engage with the two main party leaders, including Cllr Julian Bell the council leader.

Specifically, we will be asking for the following: 

• Public commitment from Ealing Council to support London Living Rent in new developments

• Public commitment from Ealing Council to tackling rogue landlords 

     ○ by running housing rights workshops 

     ○ supporting tenants who “Name and shame” rogue landlords 

• Public commitment from Ealing council for Community Land Trusts (CLT) - specifically to include Old Oak Common and Southall Gas works as potential sites for CLT.

You can make an immediate difference to the complex issue of affordable housing in our local community by joining other Barnabites at the assembly. We have pledged to bring 100 people. Put 18 April in your diary now! 

Who can I talk to for more information?

During March and early April, Paul Robinson, Dn Jane Robinson, Dn Jill Scott and Fr. Justin Dodd will be conducting 1-2-1s with members of the congregation. Speak to one of them or email JJ in the parish office on ministry.admin@barnabites.net to arrange a meeting.   

What is an Accountability Assembly?

An Accountability Assembly is a means of delivering active citizenship and public engagement with key decision makers in government.  It is attended by delegates from each member institution of a citizens alliance. Here power-holders are asked to commit to action and/or held to account for previous commitments. 

Isn’t this just another political protest?

Citizens Assemblies are not a political hustings. There is.a strict code of conduct during proceedings - for example no heckling or jeering will be tolerated. The agenda is controlled and the political leaders attending will have been briefed in advance. Overall, assemblies are run on the principles of organised engagement with decision-makers, clear asks, courtesy and broad based citizen representation. 

How does housing affordability affect St Barnabas and our local community?

A number of families in our congregation experience significant difficulties with housing. These include:

• battling to pay escalating rents despite holding down well-paid employment, 

• an inability to save for a large deposit on a home due to the high cost of living in London

• significant challenges in securing a new lease due to being reliant, in part, on housing benefit

• facing the threat of eviction due to mishaps in the payment of housing benefit