Western Isles tenants say ‘YES’ to housing transfer unlocking £100million investment |
28 October 2005 |
Tenants of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have voted in favour of transferring the ownership and running of their 1850 homes to the not-for-profit social landlord, Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP), the Comhairle announced today (Friday 28 October). Of the 1365 tenants returning valid voting slips in the secret postal ballot, which closed at noon today, 69% voted ‘yes’ with 31% voting ‘no’. The official turnout¹ in the ballot, run independently by Electoral Reform Ballot Services, was 1365, or 66% of the 2075 tenants² who were eligible to vote. Subject to consent by the Scottish Executive, the result paves the way for the transfer of the Comhairle’s housing stock to HHP by next summer (2006). The positive outcome means that the Scottish Executive will now write-off the Comhairle’s existing housing loan debts of approximately £38million, allowing the vast majority of tenants’ rents to be spent on improving housing and housing services. Combined with additional funding, HHP will now have over £100million to spend on improving social housing in the Western Isles. Speaking on behalf of the Comhairle, Councillor Norman MacLeod, Chair of Housing said, “This is a fantastic result for tenants, for future tenants, for local businesses and for the whole of the Western Isles. Tenants will reap the benefits of much more of their rent being directed into real and lasting improvements for their homes, while the huge amount of work involved will have a positive impact on the whole area. “Not only will transfer deliver much needed home improvements for tenants whilst protecting their rights, it will also allow HHP to begin tackling the ever increasing shortage of affordable homes on the Islands, a problem which the Comhairle, due to financial restrictions, has been unable to address. More than just meeting the needs of tenants, we are hopeful that transfer will help the Comhairle deliver its strategic goal of reversing the trend of migration away from the Islands and rejuvenate our communities.“ HHP Chairman George Lonie commented, “We are delighted with the decision by tenants to back our plans. This result is the culmination of many months hard work by everyone on the HHP team, but it is only the start of the hard work. Our attention will now turn to delivering on our promises, working with tenants to modernise existing homes, deliver improved housing services and perhaps most importantly build much-needed new social housing to benefit communities throughout the Western Isles.” Following the transfer, the Comhairle, while no longer owner, will remain the lead agency for the area’s housing. As the strategic housing authority for the Western Isles, it will take over as fund holder for community regeneration. This role will include allocation of funding for building new homes as well as working with local partners, including HHP, to regenerate communities. Ends Issued on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and HHP by TNC. For further media information, please contact Dan Hughes or Ken Newton on 01698 420420. Note to Editor 1 The total turnout, as certified by Electoral Reform Services, was 1365. There were 1365 valid votes. 2 There were more potential voters than households because some households have joint tenants and each joint tenant was eligible to vote. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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