Tenants vote 'yes' to transfer (From Warrington Guardian)

Tenants vote 'yes' to transfer

A NEW landlord has been chosen by Halton Council's tenants.

In a secret ballot, 78.1 per cent voted in favour of transferring the ownership and management of their 6,426 homes to Halton Housing Trust (HHT).

"We are delighted that tenants voted in favour of the transfer," said Rev David Felix, chair of the new organisation. "Tenants should be congratulated for taking such a momentous decision. Now it is up to HHT to deliver the brighter future tenants have voted for."

Halton Council proposed the change because it can no longer afford the estimated £129m in repairs and improvements over the next 10 years.

Strict Government rules prohibit local authorities borrowing money to maintain housing stock. HHT, a not-for-profit local housing organisation, will be governed by different legislation.

It will be run by a voluntary, unpaid board, of five tenants, five council nominees and five independent people chosen for their skills and experience.

Tenants' rights will be protected and they will have a bigger say in how their homes are run.

Any surplus cash will be ploughed back in to improving homes and services.

As a registered social landlord, HHT will be able to invest £129m plus a further £329m over the next 30 years.

Cllr Marie Wright, board member for housing, said: "The council has worked hard to give tenants decent homes, but with the vote to transfer, the money will be available for the repairs and improvements homes need to bring them up to the standards tenants deserve. The council will continue to work hard to ensure a smooth transfer."