Author: admin

Housing Advice in the Pandemic

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The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed thousands of people to financial hardship and the risk of eviction. It is estimated that approximately 800,000 renters are behind on their rent and a flood of evictions may occur once the current temporary ban on evictions ends on 31 May 2021.

South West London Law Centres is hosting an online event to help local residents/organisations understand the help on offer from our legal aid housing team for those experiencing housing issues such as homelessness and eviction, repairs not being carried out or deposits not being returned, and find out how to access the service.

The event will be held on Thursday 25 March at 11am and will consist of a presentation on housing issues during the pandemic followed by a Q&A with housing solicitor Jeinsen Lam.

To register for the event, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/housing-advice-in-the-pandemic-tickets-143989088239

DEMOC Campaign Update – October Referendum

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In September 2020, the Campaign for a Democratically Elected Mayor of Croydon (DEMOC) formally handed in its petition that required Croydon Council to hold a referendum giving the people of Croydon the choice to change from the current failed council system to a new mayor, chosen directly by every voter in Croydon.

The Council at first refused to accept the petition was valid. After being threatened with court action, Croydon Council agreed to hold a referendum on 7th October 2021.

DEMOC are a group of Croydon Residents’ Associations supported by 17,000 residents seeking to change the way Croydon Council is run and make it better for all residents.

With the higher profile and status the position of Mayor brings, and with a mandate from the people, the Mayor will be well placed to bring the town together behind the steps that are now essential to put the town’s finances back on a sound footing including negotiation with Central Government. A Mayor can also create and develop a new vision for the town’s future in the post Covid-19, post-Brexit era, including a plan for the town centre.

For more information and details of how to help the campaign, visit the DEMOC website at: www.democ.org.uk.

Planning Report – March 2021

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To find out the latest news on what is being planned in your local area, check out our latest Planning Report with up-to-date information on Planning Applications including developments in:

  • The Glade
  • Orchard Avenue
  • Orchard Way
  • Sandrock Pub
  • Wickham Road and Woodmere Avenue.

With additional updates on our Planning Complaints  and a letter to our MP Sarah Jones regarding holding Local Planning Authorities to account.

Also, take a look at the MORA Planning App, which gives you an easy way to track all the current and recent planning applications within the MORA area. It’s simple to use and free for you to access.

Changes to Lockdown Measures (Step One)

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As Covid-19 infection rates are beginning to slow, the government is now taking steps to ease lockdown rules.

The first stage of easing will be split into two parts:

From 8 March:

  • All schools and colleges in England will reopen, while all childcare can resume. Secondary school pupils will have to wear facemasks initially while staff in all schools are advised to wear masks. All secondary and college pupils will be tested twice a week, at school for the first two weeks then at home.
  • All households with school children, members of their support and childcare bubbles, and those in related occupations will be encouraged to be tested regularly.
  • One person will be able to meet one other person from another household outside for recreation, not just exercise. This includes meeting in private gardens and will mean two people can meet for a picnic or sit on a bench with a coffee but they cannot play tennis or golf.
  • Care home residents in England will be allowed one regular visitor. They will be able to meet indoors and hold hands – but visitors must wear PPE and be tested beforehand.

From 29 March:

  • Up to six people from different households or a larger group from two households can meet outside, including in private gardens.
  • Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts will reopen and organised adult and children’s sport, such as grassroots football, will also return.
  • From this point, the government will drop the “Stay at Home” message and will instead encourage people to stay local wherever they can.
  • People will still have to work from home where possible and no overseas travel, apart from necessary work, will be allowed.

There will be four steps for easing restrictions. But before proceeding to each next step, the government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous changes.

The four conditions that must be met at each phase of lockdown easing are:

  1. The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
  2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
  3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
  4. New variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

Downing Street said the four tests are currently being met so the first step of lockdown easing in England will proceed as planned on 8 March.