the new Momentum-backed representatives on the NEC are, at last, reflecting the concerns and views of many Labour members - and indeed much of the general population.
There are several areas in London (and no doubt other parts of the country) where Labour councils are paying scant attention to the views of people on average incomes who are being squeezed out of areas because of private/public partnerships which impact upon reasonably priced housing and reasonaby priced business premises. There are concerns being expressed about the re-development of Brixton and Haringey, and the NEC has requested that in Haringey there be proper consultation with local people and their views taken into consideration.
In my own area, a Labour council is proposing re-development of the town centre, using attractive grassy open space and a children's playground (which is to be re-sited next to the bus station) to build three blocks of flats/shops/offices - one of which block is proposed to be 29 storeys. There is strong local opposition in terms of environmental impact and a lack of genuine affordability. It is, in my view, right that local people's views be taken heed of rather than very intrusive, expensive and inappropriate developments be bamboozled through. This has no direct impact on me or any members of my family since we all have homes some way away from the town centre. However, we feel that such an intrusive and ugly developments would never be considered in the more leafy, middle class areas of London.