Don’t miss the housing transfer deadline

Home > News and Events > News - release archive > 2006 > October

With the end of the ballot period in sight, Renfrewshire Council is reminding tenants who have not voted yet to make sure they don’t miss the deadline.

For the first time in a Scottish housing transfer ballot, Renfrewshire Council tenants have been offered three separate methods – telephone, internet and post – to vote on whether the Council’s housing should transfer to the not-for-profit Renfrewshire Housing Association Limited (RHA).

If tenants intend to vote by post they must send off their ballot papers no later than Saturday 14 October to be sure of reaching the ballot company by the 12 noon deadline on Tuesday 17 October. However internet and telephone voting will be available right up to the deadline.

Council housing spokesperson Councillor Iain McMillan is keen to remind those who have not voted yet how important it is that they take part in the ballot.

Cllr McMillan said: “By voting in the ballot tenants have the chance to influence the future of housing in Renfrewshire. Housing transfer is not a ‘done deal’ and will only go ahead if a majority of tenants vote for it. The future of your home and thousands more across Renfrewshire is in your hands, so please use your vote, don’t waste it. Don’t let others make this crucial decision for you.”

Provost Ronnie Burns was one of the first tenants to vote and he has pointed out just how easy it is. He said: “I voted by telephone, and it is so easy to do, especially for tenants who can’t leave the house to get to the post box. All you have to do is dial the number printed on your ballot paper, enter your security code and make your decision. It took me less than a minute to vote, and it’s completely free of charge. With the internet and postal options, there is a voting method to suit everyone, and I urge all tenants to follow my lead and cast their vote.”

Transfer to RHA is Renfrewshire Council’s preferred option for its housing, but the final decision lies with tenants. Transfer is not a foregone conclusion, and will only go ahead if a majority of tenants voting in the ballot vote yes.

If transfer goes ahead, the Treasury will write off Renfrewshire Council’s £154 million housing loan debt, paving the way for a £1 billion investment in housing and services. RHA is also offering a legally-binding five-year rent guarantee. If the Council retains its housing, independent financial analysts found that rents would have to almost double within 10 years to pay for the improvements required to bring all housing up to the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

Details of all three voting methods, along with a unique security code, are printed on the individual ballot papers sent out to all Council tenants before the ballot began. The personal security code ensures that each tenant can use only one method and vote just once.

The independent ballot is being run by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) and neither the Council nor RHA will know which way individual tenants have voted. If any tenant has mislaid their ballot paper, they can contact Renfrewshire Council on 0800 032 9930, who will request a replacement from ERS.

Press Release: Thursday 12 October 2006