Housing stock transfer
Last year the council carried out a housing options appraisal to review how it managed and funded its housing stock. The outcome of the appraisal recommended that the ownership of the housing stock should be transferred to Golden Gates Housing who would be transformed into a Housing Association, subject to a tenants' ballot and government approval.
The full council meeting held in December 2008 voted unanimously to support the views of tenants and to take the necessary steps towards the transfer of the ownership of the council's 8,800 properties to Golden Gates Housing (GGH). GGH has managed the properties on behalf of the council since February 2004, as an Arms Length Management Organisation.
Golden Gates Housing would become a stand alone not for profit Housing Association and would be able to borrow the money needed to improve and maintain standards in tenants’ homes. The association would be called Golden Gates Housing Trust and would have charitable status.
Every tenant will receive an 'offer document' which outlines the promises made to tenants if they vote in favour of stock transfer. The council has worked closely with the tenants' consultative panel to develop the offer document and to make sure it covers the things that matter to tenants.
Every tenant will be contacted by Golden Gates Housing staff to explain the stock transfer and what it means. They will also be able to help answer any queries tenants may have.
Stock transfer cannot go ahead unless a majority of tenants vote in favour and there will be a ballot which will give all secure and introductory tenants the opportunity to vote on whether they are in favour of stock transfer or not.
We are currently waiting for the government to approve our application to transfer and the draft offer document. This approval is needed before the offer document can be delivered to tenants and leaseholders and before the ballot can take place.
For more information see the pocket guide which is is also available in Polish and the council's newsletters
Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions.
For further information or advice please see the links below or telephone the housing stock transfer team on freephone 0800 952 9942 or email at housingtransfer@warrington.gov.uk
Independent tenants advisor
Open Communities Ltd have been appointed by the tenants' consultative panel to help them work on the offer document and to act as an impartial advisor to all Warrington tenants. They can be contacted at any time on 0800 073 1051. How to contact the independent tenants advisor.
Last updated 26/01/2010 10:14:49
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