About Us

Why do we exist? The Barnsbury Estate Leaseholders Group was formed in late 2020 to represent leaseholders before, during and beyond the ballot on the redevelopment of Barnsbury Estate, which is owned by Newlon Housing Association.

Who are we? We are an informal group, self-organised to represent the interests of all leaseholders on the Barnsbury Estate – New Barnsbury, Old Barnsbury, Resident, and Non-Resident.

Do we want a “yes” vote or a “no” vote in the ballot? This group is made up of people in different situations, so we respect the individual interests and opinions within the group. The ballot is a free vote. The group does not endorse any particular outcome of the ballot. 

What does the Leaseholders Group do? 

1. We aim to get the best outcome for all leaseholders whatever the result of the ballot
2. We aim to share accurate information so that leaseholders can make informed decisions
3. We aim to represent the interests of leaseholders in decision making on the future of the estate
4. We aim to campaign on areas where leaseholders should be treated better

Is the leaseholders group working for Newlon or Islington Council? No, we have no relationship with Newlon or Islington as a group. We are just leaseholders on the estate, working together to advocate for ourselves, and support each other.

Is Newlon included in the group? No.

Is Source Partnership included in the group? Yes. Unless there is a good reason not to do this, Source (Carol, Rob) will continue to be copied on our all leaseholders group emails, as we want to operate as transparently as possible and benefit from their advice. 

Can you give me advice on my individual situation? No. We are not experts, and accuracy can’t be guaranteed, so important information should be verified by individual leaseholders. We will try and help you reach the people you need to contact to find answers about your individual situation.

Can you give me advice about my lease? No. There are different lease arrangements in place across the estate which may have different implications, so each leaseholder must take personal responsibility for seeking professional advice about their own particular lease.

Who is co-ordinating our work? A small group of Leaseholder Representatives (Reps) have emerged from the leaseholders email group. These Reps are organising the group to try and make sure leaseholders’ interests are properly represented in the transformation process from now on. 

Who are the Leaseholder Reps? As of Feb 2021, there are 5 Leaseholder Reps who are volunteering their time and skills. All leaseholder categories are represented – both New and Old Barnsbury, resident and non-resident. This means that we can organise communication and actions in a focussed way, for the four categories of leaseholder, as well as across the whole group when information is relevant to all. 

How can I contact my Rep? Send an email to barnsburyleaseholders@gmail.com with your name, block, and whether you are resident or non-resident. If you are not already a member of the Leaseholders Group, submit the joining form below.

When will my Rep get back to me? Response times can’t be guaranteed. The Reps are volunteers so fitting this around other commitments, but will try their best to keep group communication flowing steadily.

How do I communicate with other leaseholders? 

• Email – You must first join the group email list. Sign up at the bottom of this page. This will give you opportunities to communicate with other leaseholders. Once you’ve joined, if you have a question, concern, or useful info, please contact your Rep by emailing barnsburyleaseholders@gmail.com  If the information is useful to other Leaseholders, your Rep will make sure the information is given to them too. We want to make sure important information doesn’t get lost in long email chains, so please avoid “Reply All”

• WhatsApp – A WhatsApp group has been set up with some members, but email seems to be preferred by the majority. Please send an email to barnsburyleaseholders@gmail.com with your number if you wish to be added to the Whatsapp group.

How can other leaseholders be added to the group? If you know any other Barnsbury Estate Leaseholders who wish to join the group, please direct them to this website where they can fill in the joining form. Alternatively, ask them to send us an email to barnsburyleaseholders@gmail.com or fill in the form below. Note: All leaseholders will be validated by Source before they are added to the group.