News from Siân Berry: Calls for unfair Carpenters Estate ballot to be voided

Sian has written to Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley to raise these issues surrounding the recent Carpenters Estate Ballot process.

She has requested action, calling for the Carpenters Estate ballot result to be voided, and for the ballot to be rerun only if rules are changed so that residents have equal access to independent campaigning resources. Sian has also called for new guidance so these votes are conducted in ways that mirror democratic elections.

Green Party London Assembly Member Sian Berry said:

Throughout the ballot process at the Carpenters Estate, resident groups have voiced concerns about excessive spending on a ‘yes’ campaign, biased information from those running the election, and paid canvassing.

Normal democratic principles should be applied to these votes for them to hold weight in decision making. This includes the principle that each option on the ballot is equally valid as a choice. If a level playing field is not ensured through the ballot process, then estate ballots cannot be considered to represent residents having a democratic choice in the future of their homes, or to fulfil the Mayor’s 2016 manifesto promise to: “require that estate regeneration only takes place where there is resident support.[1]”

Last week, I wrote to the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development to raise these issues and request action. I am calling for the Carpenters Estate ballot result to be voided, and for the ballot to be rerun only if rules are changed so that residents have equal access to independent campaigning resources.

It is vital that the Mayor takes action to introduce additional guidance on the conduct of ballots, so that estate residents have a truly fair vote on development schemes.