Apsattv
25-12-2007, 12:55 AM
From http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200southlondonheadlines/tm_headline=turn-on-tune-in-pay-out&method=full&objectid=20274707&siteid=50100-name_page.html
COUNCIL leaseholders could be left with a share of a £15million bill to upgrade to digital TV.
Latest estimates show it will cost Southwark council millions to upgrade the communal aerials on its 325 estates.
Most of the council's communal aerials are more than 30 years old and would leave residents without a picture when the analogue system is turned off in 2012.
Housing bosses say it is not clear whether they are able to charge the borough's 15,000 leaseholders for a part of the £15million upgrade and could test their position legally in court.
Legal experts are currently trying to clarify whether it falls under the council's remit to pay for a digital signal for leaseholders or if the tenants will have to pay.
In a council report, one of the example contract bidders to upgrade the borough's TV says it will cost £235 a property, which will include replacing the ageing aerials and installing wiring to thousands of homes.
Leaseholder Council chairman Dave Clark said: "I would have thought that the council should pay for this out of the Government grant and council tax they get given.
"Leaseholders will be furious that they're going to be hit with yet more charges from the council."
The council report also estimates that it will cost £1.3million to remove unused satellite dishes from its housing blocks.
It also advises that a lack of TV specialist contractors means work must start by early 2009 to be completed in time for the 2012 switch to digital.
Housing supremo councillor Kim Humphreys said: "I would be loathe, when there are higher priorities on the housing department's list, to spend money on aerials.
"The council's priorities are basic repairs, repairs to lifts, heating and double glazing - not entertainment.
"We will be looking at a range of options and looking to commercial partners for an agreement."
Labour housing spokesman councillor Paul Bates said: "The borough's leaseholders must not be treated as a cash cow. I hope the council can come up with some agreement that means it will be done cheaply and as quickly as possible."
COUNCIL leaseholders could be left with a share of a £15million bill to upgrade to digital TV.
Latest estimates show it will cost Southwark council millions to upgrade the communal aerials on its 325 estates.
Most of the council's communal aerials are more than 30 years old and would leave residents without a picture when the analogue system is turned off in 2012.
Housing bosses say it is not clear whether they are able to charge the borough's 15,000 leaseholders for a part of the £15million upgrade and could test their position legally in court.
Legal experts are currently trying to clarify whether it falls under the council's remit to pay for a digital signal for leaseholders or if the tenants will have to pay.
In a council report, one of the example contract bidders to upgrade the borough's TV says it will cost £235 a property, which will include replacing the ageing aerials and installing wiring to thousands of homes.
Leaseholder Council chairman Dave Clark said: "I would have thought that the council should pay for this out of the Government grant and council tax they get given.
"Leaseholders will be furious that they're going to be hit with yet more charges from the council."
The council report also estimates that it will cost £1.3million to remove unused satellite dishes from its housing blocks.
It also advises that a lack of TV specialist contractors means work must start by early 2009 to be completed in time for the 2012 switch to digital.
Housing supremo councillor Kim Humphreys said: "I would be loathe, when there are higher priorities on the housing department's list, to spend money on aerials.
"The council's priorities are basic repairs, repairs to lifts, heating and double glazing - not entertainment.
"We will be looking at a range of options and looking to commercial partners for an agreement."
Labour housing spokesman councillor Paul Bates said: "The borough's leaseholders must not be treated as a cash cow. I hope the council can come up with some agreement that means it will be done cheaply and as quickly as possible."