This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Glasgow housing stock transfer finalised
07/03/2003
The transfer of Glasgow's 81,000 council homes to the
not-for-profit Glasgow Housing Association was formally
completed today.
Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran was with tenants
from Royston Corridor Homes in Springburn as the handover
was finalised.
The MInister said:
"This transfer - likely the largest public sector
modernisation project in Europe - will unlock massive
investment for Glasgow's most deprived communities. This is
social justice in action.
"Tenants now have stronger rights and responsibilities
and through the network of local housing organisations they
will be able to influence the management and development of
their own homes. This is community ownership on an
unprecedented scale.
"Not only will this transfer bring warm, dry, affordable
homes to thousands of Glaswegians and their families, it
will lead to the creation of thousands of new
apprenticeships and jobs. This is indeed about closing the
opportunity gap.
"While I am proud to have played a part in delivering
this transfer, it would not have happened without the sheer
drive, determination and vision of the many tenants who
worked long and hard to make it a reality. They can now
look forward to better homes, stable rents, quicker repairs
and safe neighbourhoods in which to raise their
families".
Elaine Rush, a Royston tenant, said the transfer was
warmly welcomed by the overwhelming majority of
tenants.
"The transfer will give tenants much more of a say in
how our houses are run. We will be able to decide our
priorities for the investment programme, and this is bound
to lead to improvements in our environment, as well as our
homes."
Over the next 30 years, the GHA intends to invest £4
billion in the improvement of Glasgow's former council
housing stock.
The transfer is backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland and
the Bank of Scotland, supported by the Abbey National and
Nationwide Building Society, and the European Investment
Bank.
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.
The transfer means that Glasgow City Council will have
its £900 million historical housing debt lifted by the UK
Treasury.
Scottish Borders Council transferred its housing stock
earlier this week. Other Scottish councils are currently
considering transfer.
The GHA is registered with and regulated by
Communities Scotland (previously Scottish Homes) which
is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers. The GHA will
be obliged to comply with Communities Scotland performance
standards and this includes the requirement to keep rents
affordable.
Royston Corridor Homes Local Housing Organisation will
manage around 2000 homes within the Royston, Germiston and
Blackhill/Provanmill area.