Door to Door Consultation Draws to an End

Highland Council’s door to door consultation about the forthcoming ballot on transferring council houses to the not-for-profit organisation, Highland Housing Association (HHA) draws to a close this week.

The end of the latest stage in the Council’s information campaign comes as the Minister for Communities Malcolm Chisholm visits the area to see how tenants could benefit if they vote to transfer their home to HHA later this year.

The Minister’s tour of the region includes visits to several affordable housing projects in the Highlands which are being funded through the Community Ownership Programme (COP). 

Mr Chisholm said: “Community ownership offers a real opportunity for people and communities  in the Highlands.

“The additional £50 million the Executive is providing for the Highland for new affordable housing through the Community Ownership Programme is already delivering significant benefits to the area and is expected to deliver around 1,000 new affordable homes over the next few years– including 100 new affordable houses for rent and low cost ownership in Aviemore.

“By voting to transfer the housing stock, tenants will see even more benefits including significantly improved housing standards, affordable rents, and greater control over their homes.”

Since the end of May 14,500 visits to homes have been made by Highland Council staff.  This follows on from the Council hosting 47 road shows across the Highlands in March. Information and ideas gathered from both the door knocking consultation and the road shows is being used to finalise the HHA’s business plan.  A summary version of the Business Plan will be distributed to all tenants in the next few weeks.

The Highland Council’s Community Ownership Programme Manager, Tracey Urry said: “The door knocking exercise, which has been funded by a Scottish Executive grant, has been a significant undertaking and staff have been busy answering questions, explaining the ballot proposals and stressing the importance of voting in October. 

"We have found that the vast majority of tenants have welcomed and appreciated the opportunity to speak to a member of staff personally about the transfer proposals on their door-steps.  Staff are also encouraging tenants to contact the Independent Tenant Adviser, TPAS, should they have any further questions or concerns about the transfer.”

TPAS can be contacted on their Freephone number 0800 269 645.