Thank you Fiona and thank you Slough

On Sunday 7 November, Fiona responded to an invitation to visit the home of Sharon O'Reilly in Gosling Road, Slough.  Ms O'Reilly, a Council tenant, feels that Council tenants are unfairly stigmatised and she is worried about government proposals for insecure tenancies in future. She wanted to give Fiona a bunch of flowers to thank her for helping to get roof repairs underway and to show Fiona how well she cares for the Council house she lives in with her daughter.  

Ms O'Reilly has lived at her present home since 2003, and many of her possessions were destroyed when she suffered from a serious flood at the beginning of this year, but despite the difficulties she faced she still feels passionate about her home and Slough. 

She said: "I am fed up with Slough and Council tenants getting such a bad press at the moment and I wanted Fiona to see a Council tenant who cares a great deal about her home, even if I will never have the money to buy it'.

There are a few things I can say about Slough.  You're never far from a good neighbour, a good friend, a good builder (I've had fantastic help here) and we've got the best MP as well.'

Fiona said: "Mrs O'Reilly has had a tough time, but she works hard and although her work as a cleaner is never going to earn her enough to be a homeowner she has looked after her home as if it was a palace. 

She is anxious about government plans for council tenants, which include an end to secure tenancies and huge hikes in rent.  I was able to reassure her that current tenancies will remain secure.  But the government are not treating Council tenants fairly.  When I warned of their plans before the election, my opponent said I was telling lies.  Well recent announcements show my warnings that secure tenancies would end and rents would rise were well founded. Sharon O'Reilly is typical of Council tenants who give a lot to the community they live in and I  think she speaks for many people in Slough when she says that although there are often difficulties, Slough is a good place to live."