Tenants reject housing transfer

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Renfrewshire Council tenants have narrowly voted against transferring the ownership of their homes to the not-for-profit social landlord, Renfrewshire Housing Association (RHA) Limited.

1. 49.8% (4,214) of tenants vote ‘yes’
2. 50.2% (4,250) of tenants vote ‘no’
3. 54.8% (8,464) valid turnout

The news, that of the 8,464 returning valid votes 50.2% voted ‘no’ and 49.8% ‘yes’, was announced at a press conference in Paisley today (Wednesday 18 October). The ballot, which was run independently by Electoral Reform Services finished at noon on Tuesday 17 October.

The result means that the Council will continue to own and manage its housing stock of 14,300 homes and that the Council’s existing housing loan debts of approximately £154 million will remain the responsibility of the Council.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Renfrewshire Council’s Housing Spokesperson, said, “Both the result of the ballot and the relatively low turnout is very disappointing. We would not have put forward transfer as our preferred option if we had any doubts that it offered the best opportunity for the Council’s housing in Renfrewshire. Transfer offered a rare opportunity for investment in our housing, making available greater resources than ever before. “

All social housing in Scotland is required to meet the SHQS by 2015. An independent stock condition survey of Renfrewshire Council’s 14,300 homes revealed that an investment of around £300 million would be required to achieve this.

“We will need to consider our position before deciding on any possible course of action to raise the funds necessary to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard”, added Councillor McMillan. “While I can’t say in detail what the future holds until that process has taken place, what I can say is that we will continue to work with our tenants and now call upon the Scottish Executive to urgently advise the Council what financial assistance will be given to the Council so that it can plan to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.”

Responding to the ballot result, RHA Chairman Gordon Mackie commented, “As chairman of RHA and a Renfrewshire Council tenant, I am very disappointed by the ballot result. I have been involved in the housing transfer process for the past two years and had very much hoped that a majority of my fellow tenants would be as passionate about the plans to transform our housing as I am.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RHA and Council staff and my fellow board members who worked so hard on the housing transfer process. I feel that tenants have missed out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. I now wish Renfrewshire Council the best of luck in their discussions with Scottish Ministers to find a way of meeting the Scottish Housing Quality Standard while operating within their current financial constraints.”

Press Release: Wednesday 18 October 2006