Liberal Democrats Listen to Tenants - the Gardening Service Continues

7.58.00pm GMT Sun 10th Feb 2008

Following a review and extensive consultation on the free gardening service provided to older tenants, Councillor Irene Henderson, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for housing, has just announced that the service will continue for its customers.

Irene said: "Older and disabled tenants who use the service are not charged - instead the cost is "pooled" and the cost shared across all the tenants.

"Earlier this year, following government guidelines which clearly state that we should charge for such services, the Liberal Democrat-run Council conducted a review to find out if tenants would be prepared to pay for the service. We also looked for affordable alternatives. However, when we shared the results from this exercise with tenants, they told us that, while they value the service, they could not afford to pay for it .

Although it is important to be mindful of Government guidelines, it is even more important to listen to our tenants. We have listened - and the gardening service will continue."