Fury at rush decision (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fury at rush decision

MOVES to sell off council houses to a not-for-profit housing association took a step forward this week but opponents have accused council leaders of rushing the deal.

Stroud District Council cabinet has recommended the council opts for stock transfer to a housing association controlled by the council, tenants and independent members of the community.

But Labour opponents have called on the Conservative council to allow more time for all tenants to become involved in the discussion and debate.

"The Tory cabinet meeting last week recommended the sell-off," said Cllr John Fowles, Labour's deputy housing spokesman. " I don't know why they are recommending this decision with such indecent haste.

"Given that they are dealing with the lives of the thousands of men, women and children who live in council houses and flats, I found it insulting that this meeting did not even have any proper debate on the subject.

"Cabinet members read out questions that had obviously been prepared beforehand and did not discuss the issue at all."

The council favoured the stock transfer option because an independent report forecasts that SDC will not be able to maintain funding for services to its tenants.

Under central Government rules, SDC must review its housing strategy for the coming years.

If full council decide to press on with the plans on July 2, residents will be consulted extensively before a secret ballot next year - if a majority vote against the council's plan, it cannot go ahead

Cllr John Stephenson-Oliver (Con), council leader explained that the stock transfer option is the only way to keep council housing standards high.

"Our over-riding aim is to ensure that our tenants receive the best possible standards of both maintenance and management of their homes," he said.

"Whichever option is chosen, neither the rights of existing tenants nor future rent levels will be affected."