7 November 2005
Tenant survey reveals strong support for transfer
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8 out of 10 tenants intend to vote ‘Yes’
As the tenant ballot approaches, supporters of Argyll and Bute Council’s plans to transfer its housing to Argyll Community Housing Association Limited (ACHA) have been given a boost with a new, independent survey revealing that the majority of tenants back the plans.
An overwhelming 80% of tenants interviewed said that they plan to vote ‘Yes’ to transfer, with just 5% indicating that they would vote ‘no’. 92% said that they would definitely or probably vote when the postal ballot begins later this month. Slightly more than 10% of Council tenants were interviewed in the independent survey which took place in October.
Councillor George Freeman, Housing Spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council, said, “I’m pleased to see that the consultation work carried out so far has been so well received by tenants. The Council is fully committed to ensuring that tenants, both present and future, receive the high quality of social housing that they deserve. We believe that transfer to ACHA is the best way of delivering this. Ultimately, the decision is with our tenants and I would urge every one of them to use their vote in the forthcoming ballot.”
If tenants vote in favour of transfer in the ballot, ACHA will invest in a range of improvements to bring homes up to the new Argyll Housing Quality Standard. Improvements would include the installation of modern kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and double-glazing, coupled with an improved repairs service. ACHA also plans to embark on a programme of new house building to combat the increasing shortage of homes in the area.
Norman Beaton, ACHA Chairman said, “We are delighted by these results that reflect the hard work put into developing the transfer proposals and then communicating them to tenants. It is very encouraging to see that tenants have picked up on the main benefits of transfer, namely major investment in homes and services and a new build programme that will help to rejuvenate Argyll and Bute.”
ACHA’s home improvement programme was identified as the most positive aspect of transfer by almost half (46.5%) of those surveyed, with an improved repairs service identified as a priority by more than one in three tenants (35%) questioned.
Tenants have also backed ACHA’s planned development programme aimed at tackling the housing shortage in Argyll and Bute. ACHA plans to build more than 150 new homes per year within two years of transfer. 92% of those surveyed agree that the new build programme is important for Argyll and Bute.
“The survey results are a boost for ACHA as we approach the ballot period, but we would never assume that transfer is a foregone conclusion,” continued Norman. “Only if tenants vote for transfer will it happen, and I would urge every tenant to make sure they return their ballot paper to ensure their voice is heard.”
Encouragingly for ACHA, 72% of those surveyed said that they had no concerns about transfer to the new housing association. Of the concerns that were raised, the most commonly expressed was uncertainty over rent levels following transfer. ACHA has recently confirmed that it will offer a guarantee to hold rent and service charge increases to no more than the rate of inflation plus 1% for the first five years after transfer and has pledged to keep rents affordable thereafter.
Other key findings from the survey were:
Awareness – Almost all of the tenants surveyed (94%) were aware of the Council’s proposals to transfer ownership of housing to ACHA.
Top spending priorities - Modern kitchens, bathrooms and double glazing were the most important home improvements that tenants would like ACHA to invest in if transfer goes ahead.
Reassured on rights - 79% of those questioned were aware that all their existing rights, including right to buy, would be protected following transfer.
Tenant involvement - A massive 84% believe that tenants’ views will be heard because tenants will be represented on ACHA’s Management Committee and four Area Committees.
Ends
Issued on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council and Argyll Community Housing Association Limited (ACHA) by TNC. For further media information, please contact Dan Hughes (dan@tnc.uk.com), Consultant, on 01698 420420, mobile 07957 467953.
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