Auctioneer, outside Hackney town hall, 8.5.14, photo by Paul Mattsson

Auctioneer, outside Hackney town hall, 8.5.14, photo by Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Highlighting the housing crisis in Hackney

TUSC candidates and supporters in Hackney, east London, gathered outside Hackney town hall to hammer home their message of the need for decent accommodation at affordable prices.

Outside Hackney town hall, 8.5.14, photo Paul Mattsson

Outside Hackney town hall, 8.5.14, photo Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

The TUSC team took the initiative because Hackney needs action. With average house prices in the borough over £500,000 and rocketing private sector rents – at around £200 a week for a room, it was decided to put a new exciting one-room studio apartment up for sale. There was a reserve of a cool £100,000.

 photo by Paul Mattsson

photo by Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

One passer-by enquired about the possibility of renting it but this was rejected as someone had offered £105,000. The successful bidder commented that he was pleased with his bargain but alas his bus came along and so he disappeared before the paper work could be done to seal his purchase of the tent.

However, many others signed up to our housing campaign for decent homes and reasonable rents.

Hackney Socialist Party reporters