This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Edinburgh housing stock transfer
10/10/2005
Plans to transfer around 23,000 homes in Edinburgh to community ownership, with a £2 billion programme of investment, took a major step forward today.
The transfer from City of Edinburgh Council to the City of Edinburgh Housing Association (CEHA) was given approval in principle by Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm, after assessment of the transfer proposals.
The approval follows an appraisal - by Communities Scotland and the council - of the business merits of the proposals from CEHA to manage and invest in the housing stock. The proposals include a 30-year business plan for the housing.
The Minister's announcement begins statutory consultation with tenants and puts plans in place for a secret postal ballot on the proposals.
Mr Chisholm said:
"I have no doubt that the proposals I have approved in principle today offer significant benefits to tenants, their families and their communities in Edinburgh. The Executive is committed to improving the quality of housing in Scotland to ensure decent homes for everyone. We are also committed to involving tenants locally in managing their homes and letting landlords know what they want.
"We are committed to cancelling Edinburgh's housing debt of around £320 million and making funding available to support the £2 billion package of investment in existing homes as well as 10,000 new affordable homes in the city. These proposals also include investment of over £160 million to bring homes up to the 'Edinburgh Standard' for house improvements and plans to restrict rent rises."
"Officials of the council and CEHA have worked hard on the proposals and will now fully consult with and provide advice to tenants. Then it is up to tenants themselves."
Among the highlights in the proposals for people in Edinburgh are:
- An additional 10,000 affordable homes for the city.
- Quicker delivery of housing standard improvements with an investment of over £160 million.
- Keeping rents affordable.
- Transfer council housing staff on the same terms and conditions to CEHA.
- Regeneration plans for Pennywell, Royston, Gracemount, Wardieburn, Leith Fort and North Sighthill involving 3,000 homes - predominantly with demolition and replacement with new homes.