This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
D&G council tenants vote yes to transfer
09/07/2002
Dumfries and Galloway council tenants today voted yes to the transfer of their homes to the not-for-profit D & G Housing Partnership.
The result, announced by Electoral Reform Ballot Services, the independent organisation commissioned to undertake the ballot, stated that 71.9per cent of tenants voted. 65.8per cent voted yes and 34.2per cent voted no.
Welcoming the result, Minister for Social Justice Margaret Curran said that rent guarantees and modern homes, fit for the 21st century will become a reality for Dumfries and Galloway's council tenants.
Ms Curran said:
"I am delighted that tenants have now had their say and voted for the proposal to transfer the council's housing stock to the not for profit Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP).
"Transfer to DGHP will bring tenants a greater say in how their homes are managed and developed. DGHP has guaranteed that annual rents will not increase more than inflation plus 1 per cent in each of the first five years after transfer and is committed to keeping rents affordable thereafter. In addition, tenants can look forward to modernisation programmes that include new external doors, kitchens, bathroom and heating.
"And this should bring a boost to local businesses who will be encouraged to tender for much of the building and modernisation work.
"Today we have heard the voice of tenants. Now there is a great deal of work to be done, both in the run up to transfer and in getting the investment programme underway. DGHP and the council will take forward this work to deliver the best possible deal for tenants in Dumfries and Galloway".
DGHP will be registered with and regulated by Communities Scotland (previously Scottish Homes) which is directly accountable to Scottish Executive ministers. The DGHP will be obliged to comply with Communities Scotland performance standards and this includes the requirement to keep rents affordable.
Scottish Borders tenants voted for transfer in December 2001 and Glasgow's tenants voted for transfer in April 2002. Whole stock transfer is being considered by a number of councils across Scotland.