This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Glasgow housing stock transfer
05/03/2003
The transfer of Glasgow City Council's 81,000 homes to
the not for profit Glasgow Housing Association Ltd (GHA)
was signed off today by the First Minister.
Jack McConnell said:
"I am delighted to approve the transfer of Glasgow's
council housing stock to the GHA - a move which paves the
way for the handover later this week.
"This is one of the largest public sector modernisation
projects in Europe. The transfer will unlock massive
investment in some of the city's most deprived communities.
It will lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and
apprenticeships - and tenants can look forward to getting
the warm, dry, affordable homes they deserve.
"This transfer will also see the largest block of
council housing in Britain passing into tenant control. It
will give Glasgwegians direct responsibility for their
homes and local environment. With rights and
responsibilities, this will build strong, sustainable
neighbourhoods."
Sam Harper, Chair of the GHA's management committee,
said:
"This is great news for tenants, giving us real hope for
the future. Not only for ourselves but for many generations
to come. As well as improved houses and rent guarantees,
this brings tenants much more say about the management and
development of their homes."
Councillor Charles Gordon, Leader of Glasgow City
Council, said:
"Tenants voted for the transfer last April and I can
assure tenants that the promises made at the ballot remain
a key part of the transfer. The city council and the
Executive are backing the transfer. It will bring much
needed investment in the city's housing, offer new
opportunities to tenants and generate jobs through the
modernisation programme.
"All in all this is the biggest single project which
will regenerate and improve the face of our city for
everyone. The city council has been campaigning for years
to have the historic housing debt written off. This
transfer achieves this and ensures that all of the tenants'
rent money will now go towards housing services, repairs
and the investment programme."
In April 2002, 50,082 tenants voted in the postal ballot
run by the Electoral Reform Ballot Services and 58 per cent
of tenants voted in favour of transfer.