Controversial Transfer Made Official

The controversial transfer of homes from Wycombe District Council to a new housing association has taken place after Defend Council Housing (DCH) failed in its attempt to mount a legal challenge. The transfer of the 6,700 homes to Red Kite Community Housing followed a major consultation undertaken by the council which resulted in tenants narrowly backing the plans in a ballot by 2,661 votes to 2,027. Opponents of the plans, led by DCH with support from Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors, claimed that the transfer receipts would be used for 'non-housing purposes' and there was a lack of provision for new affordable housing. Read more on the Wycombe District Council website.

Transfer Approval Raises Threat of Legal Action

Wycombe District Council has approved the transfer of its homes to a community housing association, raising the prospect of legal challenge to the move. Campaigners had threatened to seek a judicial review blocking the transfer if the council gave it the go ahead. Councillors have now approved the transfer of more than 6,000 homes to Red Kite Community Housing, with 32 votes for, and 10 against. Housing minister Grant Shapps will now consider the proposal, which is scheduled to go ahead on 12 December. Tenants were balloted on the transfer in April this year, with 2,661 votes for, and 2,027 against, and turnout at 65 per cent. Campaign group Defend Council Housing claims tenants were given misleading information ahead of the ballot, and has said it will use legal means to block the move. Read more on Inside Housing.

Campaigners Threaten Legal Action to Block Transfer

Campaigners are threatening to use legal action to block the transfer of 6,500 local authority homes despite the move being approved by tenants. Defend Council Housing has said it will go to judicial review if housing minister Grant Shapps signs off the transfer of 6,500 Wycombe District Council homes to newly formed not-for-profit body Red Kite Community Housing. Tenants approved the transfer by 2,661 votes to 2,027 in a ballot in April this year, with turnout at 65 per cent. The campaigners argue that misleading information was given to tenants about the transfer consultation, and have also accused the council of failing to carry out a full ‘options appraisal’ looking at alternatives to transfer. The council said it has worked with tenants at every stage of the transfer process, and pointed out that Red Kite will be headed by a local tenant. Read more on Inside Housing.