QUOTE (On the edge @ Jun 16 2017, 10:36 AM)
London's situation is certainly excaserbated by overtly rich bankers and foreign expats. Though the rest of the Country isn't any shining example. For instance, there are some pretty squalid examples round here. Our provincial issue is just as difficult, particularly as George Orwell once observed, rouge landlords are often old widows who try and supplement their small incomes with the rent from a house or two, so no money to spare even for essential repairs. The modern day equivalent is perhaps illustrated as the middle aged couple who have inherited Mum's old council house to let it out to provide them a pension of sorts. A situation lauded and glorified in TV programmes like 'Homes under the Hammer' - following the stories of someone with a few quid, who fancies themselves as a property developer, buying a rundown property at auction, slapping a new B&Q kitchen in a quick paint and carpet job, then flogging or renting on. Apparently anyone with a few readies can be a property developer; even your local hairdresser! Building regs? Stroll on!
Maybe people need to supplement their pension after LABOUR raided their pension pots?