On estates facing demolition in 2018 GMB Congress debated and welcomed the introduction of ballots by the Mayor of London, but called for a number of loopholes to be closed and for fair rules to stop ballot sponsors from exploiting these loopholes and the lack of clear rules. Congress then called for fair rules to be laid down clearly in writing, agreed upon and adopted by all stakeholders and also made mandatory.

At Brighton this week, GMB Congress was told of recent demolition ballots where fair rules have been lacking, and second ballots have been used to overturn overwhelming votes by residents to reject demolition.

GMB Congress was told of unfairness by way of exclusion of some residents, of a lack of concise information from promoters of estate demolitions plus incentives for residents which may have helped to encourage a yes vote. Sadly in one case in Camden Civica was involved.

GMB Congress called for this practice to stop and in addition called on the Electoral Reform Society and its balloting arm Civica to be part of the solution to get fair and independent ballots.

Peter Roberts, GMB London Region political officer, said: “On Tuesday 6th June, Congress called on the Electoral Reform Society’s Civica to use its vast expertise and reputation to ensure that all stakeholders must agree on a fair ballot process, with mutually agreed and adopted rules, without prejudice or misinformation, enabling a ballot to conclude with a majority decision that must be final whatever the outcome.

“Congress called for Civica to boycott ballots where ballot promoters do not follow the rules. They must also refuse to get involved in second ballots to overturn the first ballot outcome against demolition. They should have done so in the Autumn 2022 when an estate in Camden was threatened with demolition for a second time after an overwhelming first vote against.

“Congress called on ERS and Civica to recognise that their good reputation for expertise and professionalism is being jeopardised due to problems with the estate demolition ballot process. Instead they should seek to be part of the solution.

“Congress called for councils, housing associations and Civica to recognise that these are people’s homes, not investment opportunities that deny local and longstanding residents affordable and secure accommodation in London. Residents’ wishes must be respected whichever way the ballot goes.”