Union bid to repossess Prescott s flat

John Prescott faces court action on Wednesday by the country's biggest rail union, which wants to repossess a flat it has let to the Deputy Prime Minister for over 30 years.

The Rail Maritime and Transport Union is aiming to redevelop a site at Clapham in south London, which includes a first floor flat rented by Mr Prescott at a reduced rate.

The union, which wants to build social housing, has offered the Deputy Prime Minister an alternative flat and believes it has respected his legal rights as a tenant.

Mr Prescott pays £220 a month for the flat, a fraction of commercial rates for similar properties in the area, which estate agents estimate are £1,600 a month.

The union has obtained planning permission for its development project and is seeking possession of the flat so it can start the work.

The case is expected to be heard at Wandsworth County Court on Wednesday.

Mr Prescott has not commented publicly on the issue and the union would only say that it was a private matter.

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