Hackney Town Hall

Following the news that Westbrook Partners has sold Hoxton's New Era estate to affordable housing provider, Dolphin Square Foundation, Cabinet Member for Housing Philip Glanville and Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe have paid tribute to the tenants' campaign and pledged to continue their campaign for greater protection for those living in the private rented sector.

Mayor of Hackney Jules Pipe said: “We’re pleased that Westbrook has listened to what we, the residents and their many thousands of supporters have been calling on them to do. This looks to be a really positive step, which we hope will protect tenancies and ensure affordable rents into the future.

“We have today written to the new owners, Dolphin Square Foundation, asking them to quickly start a meaningful dialogue with residents - who have been left in the dark during much of this process - about their future plans for the estate. Their commitment to existing rents and tenancies until 2016 is welcome, and we will continue to seek assurances from them about the management of the estate, tenancies and rent levels after 2016.”

Philip Glanville, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I want to pay tribute to the tenants and their campaign, and hope that this change in ownership will ensure a real and sustainable future for them and the New Era Estate. Westbrook’s original plans would have torn the heart out of this community and, while this news will be welcomed by the residents of New Era, sadly it does nothing to protect other Londoners living in private rented accommodation.

“We need longer tenancies, index linked rent rises, the end of tenant fees and unscrupulous evictions. I hope the strength of feeling and support demonstrated over the last few weeks will continue and that we can put pressure on the Government and the Mayor of London to introduce legislation for a fairer private rented sector.”