EALING Council leader Julian Bell and opposition leader Gregory Stafford this week committed to creating the borough’s first Community Land Trust.

They attended a packed housing assembly organised by West London Citizens, a non-political alliance of schools and faith institutions at Twyford C of E High School in Acton.

The group got resounding commitments from both election candidates to:

  • Create  Ealing’s first community land trust, including 50 new homes which remain tied to the average income in the area even after they have been sold for the first time.
  • Creation of a Renter’s Rights Charter and workshops on housing rights to tackle problems in the rental sector
  • Transparency about the extent of affordable housing being delivered.

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Powerful stories were heard from individuals who are directly affected by a shortage of housing in the area or whose accommodation is not considered fit for purpose.  

A group of students also built a symbolic house during the evening, with the names of all those attending. It was completed by the councillors as a sign of their commitment to work together.

Jackie Ashmenall, of Christ the Saviour  church, said: “We know too many people who are experiencing real challenges with accommodation in Ealing, from rat infestations to overcrowding, threatening behaviour and extortionate rent, so it is a joy to hear candidates commit to work with West London Citizens today to help change this.”