We’re accountable

CHRIS Graham bases his complaint against Homes for Islington (“Homes contrast”, Viewpoints, Gazette, February 1) on the idea that we are a private company “placed” between tenants and the council.

The creation of HfI ensured residents have a say in the running of the organisation with seven tenants and leaseholders on the board of HfI.  Our resident directors are also service users and they are making a significant contribution to improving housing in Islington.  These improvements have been consistently proven through external assessments and customer surveys.

What Mr Graham also ignores is that HfI is owned entirely by Islington Council, that we have councillors on our board from both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party and of course, that unlike a private housing landlord HfI is a not-for-profit organisation.  We remain accountable to and funded by the council.

Ann Lucas, chairwoman, Board of Directors, Homes for Islington. Highbury Crescent, N5.