30th April 2010

After two years of laying empty (itself a scandalpreviously reported by local Greens - given the desperate housing needin East Oxford), the 23 designated 'affordable' flats that form part ofthe privately financed Manzil Way Health Centre are being advertisedfor private rent [1].

Although the permission to build thecentre was not made by local Councillors, the local Green Councillorsdid successfully lobby for a condition to be imposed that if the centrewas to contain accommodation the flats must be affordable and for keyworkers [2].

Says Green Councillor Craig Simmons who was one ofthose who lobbied to make the homes affordable: "This is an absolutescandal and a indication of what can happen when you let privatecompanies get involved in delivering public services. They are notinterested in the public good only maximising profit. The localCouncillors have reported this matter to the City's planningenforcement office - we are pushing for the homes to remain affordable."

FMI: Cllr Craig Simmons 0773 980 3047

Note
[1] The flats are being advertised here: http://premieroxford.co.uk/product_details.php?&product_id=913

[2] They are meant to be key worker - see planning permission condition here:
http://planning.oxford.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Decision-580829.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=580829&appid=911&location=VOLUME1&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=7