Boris Johnson has pledged to support Sutton Council tenants after the withdrawal of a £112m Government refurbishment programme.

The Mayor of London said he would provide funding if Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) met the required two-star Audit Commission rating.

In a letter to Housing Minister John Healy, he also claimed the diversion of funds to the Britain’s Future scheme had “short-changed” tenants.

Mr Johnson wrote: “I am particularly concerned about your decision to raid the budgets of London’s arms-length management organisations.

“This is reneging on the promises made to thousands of tenants to improve the basic condition of their home and abandoning some of London’s poorest families.”

Councillor Barry Russell, Conservative opposition housing spokesman on Sutton Council, said: “Boris Johnson has shown Sutton residents how tough he can be by takingon the Labour Housing Minister.

“Not only is he holding the minister to account for his betrayal of council tenants, he’s also opening the door to decent homes funding if SHP can make two stars.”

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