10,500 council houses may be handed to housing association

9:10am Wednesday 17th December 2008

By Ben Perrin

And if all goes to plan millions of pounds of improvements could be carried out to council houses across the borough.

Swindon Council is consulting tenants and leaseholders about the transfer of housing stock to a not-for-profit organisation – which would be an entirely separate body from the council.

“This is a complex and serious process,” said David Renard, (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care.

“It’s the tenants that will make the final decision they are happy with. The majority of tenants would have to be in favour in a secret ballot that could take place at the end of next year.”

Swindon Council has 10,500 properties. Earlier this year the council asked an independent expert to draw up plans for the future of its housing stock, and how to deliver millions of pounds worth of improvements.

The experts concluded that the only way repairs and improvements could be delivered was to transfer all 10,500 council homes to a not-for-profit body.

That organisation could keep all rent money paid by tenants and plough it back into improvements.

If the council kept ownership it would have to continue sending that money back to central Government.

Mum-of-five Sarah Lavagna, 44, of Latton Close, Penhill, said: “There would be advantages and some degree of disadvantages.

“The quality of the housing could be improved, but I hope the rent doesn’t go up as a result.

“I know my kitchen has been falling to bits in the 16 years I’ve lived here, so it would be interesting to see if it would make a difference. I think this transfer has been in the pipeline for a long time and isn’t unexpected.”

Under the proposals rent payment would not be affected by the transfer – rent would only rise in line with Government formulas, says the council. The council has stressed the move is not linked to the credit crunch.

Keith Badenski, the chairman of Swindon Tenants Voice (STV), said: “I would urge all tenants and leaseholders to become involved in the Housing Options Appraisal process and give their opinions and thoughts on it.”

Nat Lannin, chairman of Tenants Association for Sheltered Housing (TASH), said: “I have have two important messages for our tenants and leaseholders.

“Firstly, your homes and tenancies are safe. Secondly, no decisions have been made. So please take the opportunities to get involved.”

A public open day will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 11am to 3pm, at the Steam Museum in Kemble Drive.

For more information ring the council helpline between 8.30am and 5.30pm on weekdays, on 01793 445503.