Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Walthamstow Toy Library Eviction: NHS Role

16 December 2020 · 0 other contributors · 5,039 words

Opened by Stella Creasy Labour (Co-op) Walthamstow

Responding minister: Edward Argar

Mental HealthChildren & FamiliesNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Stella Creasy raised concerns about walthamstow toy library eviction: nhs role in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the eviction of Walthamstow toy library from NHS-owned premises due to high rent demands.
  • The library provides support for mothers with post-natal depression, children with special educational needs, mental health support, and encourages healthy living.
  • The Minister committed to addressing the issues raised and acknowledged past negotiations involving lease extension and subsidy arrangements.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Minister to intervene and support the Walthamstow toy library, ensuring it can continue its vital work in the community. I seek clarity on the internal rate of return for the property and whether CHP's actions align with statutory duties under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Stella Creasy Labour (Co-op) Walthamstow

I am concerned about the fate of Walthamstow toy library, which has been serving local children and families for over 40 years. The library provides essential support to mothers with post-natal depression, helps children with special educational needs, offers mental health support, and encourages healthy living activities. However, under pressure from NHS property management, the library faces eviction due to high rent demands. Local estate agents estimate that a similar building should cost around £30,000 per year, while the toy library is facing bills for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Government Response

Edward Argar

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. The hon. Lady has raised important issues about the Walthamstow toy library's eviction from NHS-owned premises. The building is managed by CHP, which sublets space to GPs and other providers of NHS services. In 2015, extensive negotiations took place between CHP, the toy library, the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and Waltham Forest children's services regarding lease extension and subsidy arrangement until March 2021. The CCG agreed to subsidise the rent for three years beginning April 2018 at £50,000 per annum with contributions from LIFT company and CHP for balance of cost. In 2018, another three-year extension was agreed on similar terms but by March 2021 full occupancy costs are expected. A further three-month extension till June 30, 2021 has been offered. The subsidy paid to the toy library is unique within Walthamstow borough and reflects its value. Social prescribing highlights the importance of such facilities in community health. CHP asserts a substantial debt for service charges and utility bills accrued by the toy library over years which it must settle as per original lease agreement. Solutions explored include moving towards a sustainable business model, becoming social enterprise or having council commission services. Feasibility study commissioned by CCG prioritises building use for healthcare purposes but no signed agreements yet. The NHS entities reserve their right to reconfigure the space based on best value assessments beyond financial measures. Further engagement is needed between all parties and I have asked CCG, CHP, and LIFT company to report back with progress update by February end. Happy to meet hon. Lady well before then for constructive discussion.

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