Tenants to have their say as housing transfer consultation kicks off

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Renfrewshire Council tenants are getting the chance to have their say on plans to transfer all of the Council’s housing stock to Renfrewshire Housing Association Limited (RHA).

Monday 7 August sees the start of the first 28-day formal consultation period on plans to transfer all of the Council’s housing stock and related services to RHA - the new, not-for-profit social landlord - a move that would pave the way for investment of £1 billion over the next 30 years.

At the beginning of Stage One consultation, as it is officially known, every tenant will receive a copy of ‘Your Home, Your Choice, Your Vote’ an easy-to-read information pack outlining the reasons behind the transfer proposals and detailing RHA’s investment and modernisation plans. The booklet also explains how tenants’ rights would be protected, and compares the services, investment figures and rent levels offered by RHA with those currently offered by the Council.

Tenants are being encouraged to give their comments on the proposals during the consultation period by returning a Freepost reply card. Council staff will also be visiting tenants to provide assistance and answer any questions that tenants may have.

The transfer will only go ahead if a majority of tenants vote ‘yes’ in an independent ballot, planned for autumn this year. The Council’s most recent wave of research showed growing support for the proposals. Telephone interviews with 1500 tenants revealed that 59% of those interviewed would definitely or probably vote yes, while just 9% would vote no.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Renfrewshire Council’s Housing Spokesperson, said: “The start of Stage One is an important step in enabling tenants to have their say on the proposed transfer of the Council’s housing stock to RHA. A transfer of the housing stock is the only option to remove the Council’s £154 million housing debt, delivering improved homes and services and keeping rents affordable.

“We are keen to secure the best possible housing service for our tenants, and we urge them to share their views with us during the consultation period - after all, it will be up to them to decide if transfer goes ahead.”

RHA Chairman, Gordon Mackie, commented: “We are delighted that formal consultation on our transfer plans is now beginning. We’ve been speaking to tenants a great deal over the past year or so and are confident that our plans meet the needs of tenants, their communities and the wider need for housing across Renfrewshire.”

‘Your Home, Your Choice, Your Vote’ gives details of RHA’s plans to bring all homes up to the Renfrewshire Standard, and introduce improved housing services, including reduced target times for repairs. The booklet also explains how RHA will carry out the proposed improvements, while giving tenants a guarantee that rents will not rise by more than the rate of inflation for each of the first five years after transfer.

The next stage in the transfer process will be a second period of formal consultation, when tenants will receive feedback from the Stage One consultation. During this period tenants will be asked to vote in an independent postal ballot, subject to final approval by the Council.

Tenants can comment on the transfer proposals by using the Freepost card included with their Stage One information pack. Tenants can also contact the Council free on 0800 032 9930. RHA can be contacted free on 0800 731 7168, and Independent Tenant Advisers MRT Housing Plus, can be contacted free on 0800 917 2913 or 0808 100 1354.


Press Release: Wednesday 2 August 2006