"PAEDOPHILES PRIORITY FOR BRUM HOUSING" SAY LABOUR

03-10-2008

Paedophiles released from Winson Green Prison will get housing priority in Birmingham ahead of troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq according to the city’s Labour Group. They describe the idea as “criminal”.

The Shadow Cabinet Member For Housing Mike Leddy says that under new proposals outlined by Cllr John Lines this week, inmates will be given 140 housing “points” when they return to the community.

That would put them ahead of soldier’s families and even victims of domestic violence in the queue.

Leddy said: “Under the current system a married soldier and his wife returning after serving eight years qualifies for just 75 points, whereas a convicted paedophile leaving Winson Green prison after serving eight years of a sentence will get 140 points.

"Even a woman with a baby escaping a domestic violence situation only qualifies for 110 points.  The system is just criminal."

Earlier this year, Cabinet Member Lines said he was “disgusted” at a system that left ex-servicemen homeless – but Leddy says the latest suggestions will entrench the current situation.

Cllr Lines has been contacted and we'll carry his response as soon as possible.

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