Housing Transfer Moves a Stage Closer (04/05/06)

Housing transfer in the Highlands moved a stage closer today (Thursday) when The Highland Council agreed to submit its business case to Communities Scotland, the body which regulates social housing.

The second stage in a four stage process, the business case outlines why the Council is pursuing transfer and gives details of what is included in the transfer and arrangements for staff moving to Highland Housing Association. It also includes an up-date on the valuation of the Council’s housing stock and the results to the first phase of consultation carried out with tenants. Based on information on what tenants across the Highlands can afford, the Council’s business case assumes that rents will be ‘pegged’ to inflation-only increases for five years.

Councillor Sheena Slimon, the Council’s housing spokesperson, said: "We know that people are concerned to keep rents affordable and the business case will allow Highland Housing Association to offer rent guarantees which the Council would not be in a position to make."

The consultation programme with tenants also highlighted the key improvements that tenants would like to see in their homes.

Councillor Slimon added: "We know from consulting tenants that improved heating and energy efficiency is a key priority along with new kitchens and bathrooms.We will be working with the new Highland Housing Association over the coming months to ensure that their proposals address these priorities."

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Note for Editors

Further detailed work on the valuation of the Council’s housing is still to be concluded and the final business case submission will be agreed by the Housing and Social Work Committee.

The Council’s housing will only transfer to Highland Housing Association if the majority of tenants voting in a ballot, due to be held later this year, support the move.