Get the facts about council housing transfer

Release date: 02.10.07
Ref: BBC/PR/ENV/32/07

Council tenants in the Borough today received a clear message from the three party leaders on Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council – get the facts about transfer.

The Council has issued a Formal Consultation Document to its 2,000 plus tenants, setting out what’s on offer with Berwick Borough Housing.

Tenants will be asked to vote on transfer later this year based on the contents of the document, which includes key promises on issues such as rents, rights, repairs and major investment in tenants’ homes.

The Council believes transfer, which would unlock £27 million for repairs and improvements in the first five years alone, is the best way forward for the future of its homes.

Tenants are being urged to study their Formal Consultation Document, or offer document as it is sometimes called, very carefully as it sets out what the future would look like if there is a yes vote or a no vote.

Councillor Isabel Hunter, Leader of the Council said:
“Throughout the transfer process the Council has been open and frank with tenants about the future of their homes and housing service. As a Council we are simply not able to access the sort of money to give tenants the standard of home they deserve. Berwick Borough Housing would not be subject to the same financial rules that we face as a Council, meaning they could spend around £15 million more in the first five years alone.

“All parties on the Council have approved this offer to tenants, as have the Tenant Customer Panel, and we are now encouraging all tenants to look at this consultation document and get the facts about transfer.

“The Council firmly believes transfer is the best way forward but it will be for tenants to decide,” she said.

Councillor David Stewart, Chair of Berwick Borough Housing’s Shadow Board, added:
“The formal consultation document sets out what the new not-for-profit landlord would deliver for tenants, their homes, their neighbourhoods and their housing services.

“We want tenants to place their trust in us. Tenants can rest assured Berwick Borough Housing would deliver on its word,” he said.

If transfer goes ahead the promises made in the formal consultation document would be legally binding through a contract between the Council and Berwick Borough Housing.

As part of the consultation process tenants will be visited at their home by a member of the Council’s housing staff who will be able to answer any questions tenants may have about the transfer proposal.

Tenants are also being urged to watch the short DVD the Council has sent out. The DVD helps explain the transfer proposal setting out what transfer to Berwick Borough Housing and staying with the Council would mean.

If tenants have any questions about the transfer proposal they can ring the Council’s freephone information line on 0800 298 8869 or the Independent Tenants’ Advisor, TPAS, on 0800 731 1315.