This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Glasgow housing stock transfer
30/01/2006
A new group is to be set up to track progress in delivering the second phase of transferring Glasgow's housing stock.
Chaired by Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont, it will comprise leaders of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), Glasgow City Council and local housing organisations including substantial tenants' representation.
Ms Lamont said:
"We made a commitment to tenants in Glasgow at the time of the transfer vote to devolve ownership of housing to local communities as quickly as possible.
"Both GHA and the City Council share this commitment. Since the vote, GHA has made huge improvements to the quality of people's homes.
"It has also now completed a huge consultation exercise with local housing associations on moving to second stage transfer. I have now seen the results which show a great appetite by tenants to go ahead.
"There are complex issues to be resolved. Now is the time to bring together top leadership from all the organisations involved. That is what this group will do.
"It will support GHA in delivering second stage transfer, provide a forum for discussion of any problems that may emerge and make sure we get everything right. That we way we can deliver what we all want - community ownership as quickly as possible."
Sandra Forsythe, chair of Glasgow Housing Association, said:
"The issues around Community Ownership are vitally important and affect everyone in the city. The creation of this progress group should give all key partners the opportunity to understand the issues involved and work with GHA to deliver Community Ownership for all the tenants in Glasgow."
Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said:
"There was clear commitment made to tenants to allow them greater control of their own housing. This pledge must be delivered as soon as possible and this group should help ensure this happens."
Glasgow City Council tenants voted to transfer to a new body, Glasgow Housing Association in 2002, with a commitment to go to second stage transfer to full community ownership later on.
The full membership of the new group will be announced in due course. It is expected to have its first meeting in February.