News

Will Ford speaks at Camden Federation of Private Tenants panel debate

Will Ford, Asociate Solictor in the Social Welfare department at Osbornes took part in a panel discussion at the Camden Federation of Private Tenants (CFPT) on Tuesday 12th July 2011.

The title of the debate was "In a time of increased resources and increasing numbers of tenant: How can we make sure standards are improved in the private rented sector?"

Will was joined on the panel by councillors:

• Thomas Neumark (Labour)
• Chris Naylor (Liberal Democrat)
• Jonny Bucknell (Conservative)
• Maya de Souza (Green Party)

Head of the Social Welfare department, Shilpa Mathuradas who was also present commented:

"Will's presence on the panel provided the practical advice those in attendance required, that being of how to use legislation to protect their rights and make sure that landlords conduct and actions do not contravene such laws"

Also present at the debate, held at the CFPT offices in Camden were over 35 local private residents who had all attended to hear the thoughts and ideas of the councillors on how to make sure standards are either improved or remain constant.

Will Ford said of the meeting:

"As a housing and social welfare solicitor I hear many horror stories of how tenants have been treated by their landlords. Present at the panel debate organised by the CFPT were individuals who told of their own situations. Although there was a real sense of these individuals requiring more help, it was also clear that communities are rallying together to support one another - which was great to see."

Robert Taylor, from the CFPT opened the debate with the recent news that as from January 2012 the CFPT would no longer be receiving money from the government to fund its activities. This decision, the likes of which are being made across the whole country and the proposed changes to access to legal aid is a real worry for people in communities across London and the whole of the UK and is a situation we at Osbornes are monitoring closely and will respond to.

Osbornes offers legal aid and conditional fee agreements (also known as "no win, no fee") for housing disrepair. Legal aid also covers a wide range of housing problems and if you are experiencing problems with your landlord we may be able to help.

Please e-mail Will Ford or call us on 020 7485 8811. You can also fill in our online enquiry form.

To find out what services we offer please view our social welfare pages now.