Friday, 18 December 2009

Transfer Of Council Owned Housing Stock

John Healey MP has given a ministerial statement on the Housing Stock Transfer programme and the consequences of future council self-financing proposals on stock transfer options. Key points;
*Those local authorities that had existing places on the Housing Stock Transfer programme at 30 June should continue with their transfer proposals and they should ensure that their housing transfer is completed within the requisite two-year period. The Government confirmed that the HCA have been instructed to offer the option of a place on the Housing Stock Transfer programme to these authorities.
*The Government are carefully considering all the detailed responses received to the council finance consultation but there was overwhelming support for the principle of self-financing.
*Local authorities will retain all their rental income, all their capital receipts, and have a sustainable level of debt based on a significant increase in the scope to spend on housing services and standards.
*Self-financing will increase local responsibility for delivering Decent Homes
*Self-financing will offer an affordable retention option for all local authorities.

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