Hackney’s ‘out of control’ house prices focus of Chats Palace debate

A behind-the-banner look at a previous housing demonstration at Hackney Town Hall

Local campaigners, politicians and residents will gather under one roof this weekend for a public debate on one of Hackney’s hottest topics- the borough’s “out of control” house prices.

The debate ‘Double, double toil and trouble, what’s the cause of the housing bubble?’ has been organised by the Hackney branch of Positive Money.

Positive Money is a campaign and research organisation, which argues that reform of the financial system is the key to stabilising house prices.

Diane Abbott MP will be speaking at the event, along with representatives from local housing campaign organisations.

Other speakers include Heather Kennedy from Digs, a campaign group that supports private sector renters and David King from the affordable house prices campaigners Priced Out.

Ben Dyson, co-author of Modernising Money and co-founder of Positive Money, will also be speaking.

There will be an open discussion followed by a Q&A session with the panel.

John Campbell from Positive Money said he hoped the debate would “inform, empower and energise” the general public.

Mr Campbell said: “Hackney housing costs are out of control. The debate asks why this is the case and what can be done about it.

“We want people to feel that taking back control of house prices and housing stock is a possibility.

“The aim of the debate is to inform, empower and energise. We want to get people excited and feel there is something we can do about it. It’s also a chance to impress on a local MP how serious the housing crisis is.”

The debate will take place at Chats Palace Arts Centre in Homerton on Sunday October 19 at 6pm and is free to attend.

Tickets can be reserved here.