Tenants in limbo (From Stroud News and Journal)

Tenants in limbo

HOUSING cabinet member Cllr John Jeffreys is calling on Westminster to give tenants more time to decide on the future of district council houses.

Government guidelines say Stroud District Council must decide the fate of its 5,300 homes by the end of July.

Tenants must vote on whether their council-owned homes should be transferred to a housing association or stay within the ownership of Ebley Mill.

But Cllr Jeffreys (Con, Nailsworth) is adamant he needs more time. "What we do not want to be is rushed," he told the SNJ.

"We are talking about people's homes here. It can be a frightening process, hence the need for more time.

"I have set out to Government an improved timetable that will provide time for proper processes to be followed."

When the matter was last put before tenants in December 2003, 57 per cent voted against transferring to a housing association.

The options must be looked at again of the council is to meet the government's Decent Homes Standard by 2010. They are:

- The council keeps the housing stock - Responsibility is passed to a semi-independent Arms Length Management Organisation - Total or partial transfer to a housing association - Private Finance Initiative - A combination of these options

Since November 2004 tenant representatives have been working with independent advisors to take another look at the proposed options. Councillors and tenants met last month as part of a new Housing Options Steering Group set up to oversee the process.

Labour councillors at SDC, at first opposed to transferring homes to the control of a housing association, have now pledged to support the tenants whatever their decision.

"As always, the bottom line for the Labour group is that we will support the tenants in whatever they feel to be their best interest," said Cllr Mattie Ross (Lab, Stonehouse), deputy group leader.

"The important thing is that all tenants are properly informed and involved in the process." However, Labour councillors have expressed their enthusiasm for the further option of a 'Community Gateway' model, effectively a housing association where tenants have a greater say.

All Tenants and Councillors are welcome to attend future meetings of the options appraisal steering group, which will take place on the evenings of Wednesday, March 16, Wednesday, April 6 and Wednesday, April 27.

Details of times and venues are available from the Tenant Services team at Ebley Mill on 01453 754164.