Tenants say yes
Three Rivers District Council tenants have voted in favour of transferring the ownership of council housing to Thrive Homes - a new Council backed housing association.
Three Rivers District Council tenants have voted in favour of transferring the ownership of council housing to Thrive Homes - a new Council backed housing association.
In the ballot, organised independently by Electoral Reform Services, 80.6% of tenants voted Yes, and 19.4% of tenants voted No, in a turnout of 62.5% (2,916 votes). The transfer is likely to take place in the spring of 2008.
Council tenant and Chair of the Management Board of Thrive Homes, Kerry Harding, said:
"This is a great result for Three Rivers tenants. Thrive has promised a £41m improvement programme that will bring all council homes up to scratch in five years. We can't wait to start delivering on our promises."
Councillor Matthew Bedford, Three Rivers' Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"This vote means Three Rivers tenants will get a fair deal. Thrive Homes will be able to keep the £5.6m that the Government takes from tenants' rents each year. Local money will stay in this community.
"Thrive will be able to do so much more. Tenants will be in the driving seat with elected tenants on the board and a commitment by Thrive to involve tenants in the improvement of their homes and estates."
Three Rivers District Council is meeting shortly to approve the ballot result and formally ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for permission to transfer.