We have written to the London & Cambridge Partnerships group Managing Director to raise serious concerns about the management of Royton Precinct and the impact of service charges being levied on tenants.
These are not new issues. We have raised them previously by reaching out to LCP, through the meeting we held with tenants of Royton Precinct & LCP at the precinct in May, and through tenants liaising with my constituency casework team.
Royton is a proud town, full of heritage, and with a bright future ahead. Its precinct plays an important role in shaping & preserving the identity of our area, and those who operate on it are often local people, rooted in the community who want to provide for friends and neighbours. Therefore, we have a duty to deliver a stable environment for them and protect their long-term future. What LCP is doing in this dispute as the landlord is not good enough – tenants & local people deserve better.
That’s why we are calling for:
a full and transparent breakdown of how these service charges have been calculated
an explanation for the use of bailiff threats against tenants when the legitimacy of the charges is itself disputed
a clear statement of how they intend to fulfil their responsibilities as a steward and custodian of both Royton and Chadderton precincts
Labour in government at a national, regional & local level are committed to driving footfall for our high streets & supporting small businesses to thrive. Supporting Royton Precinct in this way is building on the work has done to:
deliver a 40% permanent business rate relief for retail, leisure & hospitality properties
introduce a standalone offence for violence against shopworkers
revitalise Royton Town Hall & Library
improve local transport connectivity through the creation of the Bee Network
It is quite clear LCP’s approach to replacing the canopies is not fair and shows there is a lack of a proper plan for the precinct’s long-term future.
Royton deserves better.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 