An “historic” housing event spanning seven London boroughs was held on June 29 in Merton to help plan an ethnic minority strategy for South West London.

The sub-regional consultation brought together community groups, voluntary organisations, housing associations and council officers from across seven London boroughs in a bid to address the housing needs and aspirations of ethnic minority communities.

The boroughs involved were Merton, Richmond, Kingston, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon and Wandsworth. This is the first time authorities have worked across borough boundaries in a move Eric Smellie, Chair of the Age Activity Centre in Wandsworth, described as “historic”.

The seven boroughs have been working together since December 2003 to develop an ethnic minorities housing strategy for South West London. The strategy will form part of new South West London Housing Strategy, due to be completed by November 2004. The event aimed to consult with partners and stakeholders and identify priorities to be addressed by the strategy.

These included indirect discrimination, tackling deprivation, raising the quality of all housing, understanding needs and ensuring that housing staff represent and understand the community.

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PRESS CONTACT:
Matt Rickard
PR and Press Officer
London Borough of Merton
020 8545 3483