Tenants to decide the future of their homes

25 May 2011

South Lakeland District Council has started its biggest ever consultation exercise with its tenants on the future of their homes and housing service.

The council has unveiled a proposal which would mean tenants’ homes would benefit from a multi-million pound repair and improvement programme, if tenants give their backing.

The council is proposing to transfer the ownership of its 3,200 plus homes to a new-style South Lakes Housing, in order to bring in the extra investment needed for major improvements to tenants’ homes and estates. South Lakes Housing has managed the homes on behalf of the council since 2004.

If transfer does not go-ahead, the investment in homes and estates would be limited and tenants would have to wait significantly longer for improvements. South Lakes Housing would be able to bring homes up to standard within five years, whereas if things stay as they are tenants will be waiting over 15 years for major improvement programmes.

Tenants will decide if transfer goes ahead in a ballot due to take place later this year.

They have just received the first in a series of informative newsletters from the council, explaining what transfer would mean for them, their homes and the housing service. Over the coming months they will receive a variety of information to help them make an informed choice in the vote.

Councillor Peter Thornton, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Development, said: “Over coming months, we will be giving tenants all the facts about the transfer proposal so they can make an informed choice in the ballot.

We believe transfer is the best way forward for their homes and housing service - but it will be tenants who decide the future. 

If transfer goes ahead, the new-style South Lakes Housing would be free from the financial controls that the Council faces, so it would have access to the funds needed to give all tenants the kind of modern homes and estates they have a right to expect and have been telling us they want to see.

Tenants can rest assured that if transfer goes ahead, their rents would remain affordable and their rights and entitlements would be protected.

I would urge all tenants to read the information sent to them by the council, so they can make an informed choice when they come to vote.”

A special freephone has been set up for tenants to ask questions about the transfer proposal – the number is 0800 014 7518.  An Independent Tenants’ Advisor, Open Communities, is also available to give tenants free impartial advice on 0800 073 1051.