News

PM’s constituency rejects housing transfer

(26/07) Tenants in the prime minister’s constituency of Sedgefield have voted against plans to transfer ownership of their homes to a private contractor.

The result follows a report by a group of MPs calling for the government to allow the "fourth option" which would enable councils to bring homes up to the "decent homes standard" without having to privatise their stock. The Audit Commission has also criticised the current arrangements for funding council housing.

Meanwhile locally, the council is pressing ahead with its plan to transfer its stock, despite opposition calls for the process to be put on hold.

UNISON reaffirmed its opposition to privatisation of council housing at last month's conference and welcomes the result of the ballot in Sedgefield.

A motion passed at the conference said "..Conference calls on the National Executive Council, Labour Link, regions and branches to continue working with and campaigning with Defend Council Housing for a level playing field for council housing... Conference urges all branches facing the prospect of privatisation or part privatisation to liaise with tenants and tenants' groups and assist with broad based campaigns wherever possible..." Full text of motion

North Lincolnshire Council has voted to establish a Housing Association to transfer its housing to. An amendment to put the process on hold was backed by 15 members of the opposition Labour Group but was defeated.

A ballot of tenants is now being expected some time next year. UNISON will work to ensure that, should tenants vote to transfer, members working in Housing and support services will have their jobs and conditions protected.

The local Defend Council Housing Campaign can be contacted via Derrick Davey on 01724 339377.

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