Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Leisure concerning the outcome of the tenant ballot on the housing transfer.

44.1      The Council considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Leisure concerning the outcome of the tenant ballot on the housing stock transfer.

44.2      Councillor Organ (Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Leisure) moved the recommendation set out in the report and reported that 89.1% of the tenants who voted in the ballot voted in favour of transferring the Council’s housing stock to Gloucester City Homes. He stated that the outcome represented a clear mandate to proceed with the transfer, which would enable Gloucester City Homes (GCH) to access funding to invest in homes and safeguard the City’s housing stock for many years to come. He explained that it was anticipated that the deal would be finalised in the Spring of 2015. He extended his gratitude to all of those involved, including Councillors from all parties, the Housing Futures Tenants Group, the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS), the Electoral Reform Society, officers from the Council and GCH, external consultants, and housing tenants and leaseholders.

44.3      Councillor James seconded the motion.

44.4      Councillor Hilton (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) welcomed the clear and decisive outcome of the ballot. He emphasised the importance of involving Members in mapping the land to be transferred and requested that maps be provided as soon as possible.

44.5      Councillor Haigh (Leader of the Labour Group) welcomed the result and echoed the thanks to all involved, especially the Housing Futures Tenants Group. She stated that she was confident that the Council’s relationship with GCH would continue after the transfer for the benefit of tenants and the City.

44.6      Councillor Smith stated that she was proud of the level of knowledge and participation shown by the Council’s tenants and noted that without their dedication the outcome may not have been as decisive.

44.7      Councillor James endorsed the thanks given to all involved and added his thanks to Councillor Organ and Councillor Gravells as the current and former Cabinet Members responsible for housing, and to the City’s MP, Richard Graham, for securing the debt write-off. He welcomed the cross-party consensus achieved throughout the process and looked forward to moving to the next stage.

44.8      Councillor Organ advised that the Land Sub Group were working on the fine details of the land transfer and that all land would be mapped and shared with Members prior to transfer.

44.9      RESOLVED –

(1)          That the positive result of the tenants’ ballot in respect of the proposed transfer to Gloucester City Homes be noted and a Stage 3 statutory notice be served on tenants informing them of the result and explaining their right to make representations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

(2)          That negotiation on the detailed terms of the proposed transfer to Gloucester City Homes should proceed. The Council's final approval of the terms of the transfer will be sought before the transfer takes place.

(3)          That an application be made to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for all necessary statutory consents in respect of the proposed transfer at the appropriate time. Completion of the transfer will be subject to the required consents being received.

(4)          That officers be authorised to take any steps necessary on behalf of the Council to enable Gloucester City Homes to be converted as soon as possible to a Community Benefit Society (previously known as an Industrial & Provident Society) and support its registration as a registered provider of social housing with charitable objects.

(5)          That authority be given to the Council’s Head of Paid Service in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Housing, Health & Leisure to consider and resolve all matters on behalf of the Council in relation to the proposed transfer to Gloucester City Homes subject to the Council’s final approval of the terms of the transfer.