Excellent Point   The Conservative leaning  N.P.A. Party in Power on the Park Board 
 and the City Council and for so many years acted in the same manner.

 Conservative party controlled  Kensington and Chelsea Council outsourced the maintenance and management  of their  social housing . I know from past history
whilst serving as councilor in London borough that this job was done "in house" as were other public  services of the council.  
 
 Losing direct control of the Council's  responsibility for  its tenants , ratepayers safety and   welfare  is what happens when they  abrogate their responsibilities by outsourcing services. 
It is sad to read the lack of compassion by some  posters  for the working poor.
The Book "London in the Twentieth Century" by Terry White a Social History London would enlighten them.
 Born in London and knowing the North Kensington area, it grieves me to see the devastation and loss of lives  of those poor souls and their families.  Heartbreaking..