TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington are being urged to think again before pressing ahead with a ballot of tenants on the future of council housing in the borough.
The borough council’s executive board is believed to be poised to approve the ballot – and tenants’ leaders support the idea of the existing Golden Gates being converted into a registered social landlord (RSL).
At present, it is an arms length management organisation (ALMO) – in other words a company owned by the council but with its own management team.
It is expected the council executive will decide at its meeting on August 17 to authorise the holding of the ballot.
In the meantime, however, the Government has produced a Green Paper involving a major, nationwide consultation on reform of council housing finances.
Local campaigner John Mulhall – himself a Golden Gates tenant – believes the proposed reform could offer new options for Warrington which might be preferable to the proposal currently recommended.
He has written to the council asking that the ballot be delayed until the consultation has taken place.
Mr Mulhall said: “In view of the Government’s green paper on council housing stock, this crucial vote should be delayed until any new options have been investigated.
“I am not saying the new option will be better, but on the other hand, we don’t know.
“I believe tenants have a right to also know about this option before they are asked to vote.
“I understand the council will have three months to respond to the Green Paper – and another three months won’t make any difference to tenants.”
Golden Gates manages some 8,800 houses and flats across Warrington.
Details of the government’s reform proposals can be found at www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/councilhousingconsultation
