Stock Options Appraisal
The Government has recently announced that all local authorities that own and manage their own stock must look at options for the future management and ownership of their housing. At their meeting on 3 July The Council’s Policy Panel considered an initial report from consultants concerning options for Housing open to Guildford . The consultants advised that there are three possible options:
· Retaining Housing in the Council’s ownership and under the Council’s management
· Retaining ownership of Housing but transferring its management to a separate company that includes tenants and Councillors. This is known as an Arms Length Management Company.
· Transferring ownership and management of Housing to a not for profit Housing Association which would also include tenants and Councillors on it's management committee.
Each of these options present different opportunities for improvements to the Borough's Housing and housing services, tenant participation and the future provision of affordable housing in the Borough.
Tenants, leaseholders, shared owners and other stakeholders have now been consulted about these three options and the main findings are detailed in the Housing Options Appraisal Bulletin.
The Council will be considering the findings of the consultation exercise at meetings in January and February 2004 and will decide whether to retaining ownership and management of the housing stock or whether to further explore one of the other options. Tenants, leaseholders, shared owners and other stakeholders will be notified in writing of the Council’s decision as soon as possible. The decision will also be posted on this web site.
In the meantime if you have any questions you can telephone Steve Epsom on Guildford 444296 or Julie Walker on Guildford 444270.
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