LET me give you some true facts; not lies or bull. Housing in 1997 – 23 per cent of dwellings were council or housing associations. Government subsidies have almost 'vanished,' the result is that the council rents have risen substantially in real terms. Private ownership has been encouraged, eg through the sale of council houses.
Between 1979 and 1997, 2.1 million council homes have been sold and since 1997 far more have been sold. Governments want to encourage housing associations and also private sector concerns to take over responsibility for local authority housing, although in many instances public sector tenants have been unwilling to risk a change of landlord, even if dissatisfied with the standard of service provided by local authorities.
Expenditure on public housing (net of sales) amounted to less than one per cent of public expenditure in 1998. The future for the renting of new dwellings, of course, lies with housing associations etc. But the present council stock that remains, including all sheltered housing complexes, should be maintained by local authorities. The past and present tenants have paid for many dwellings since 1937 to date – the older dwellings should still be maintained and modernised by the local authorities. If the private sector concerns do take over, the council tenants will forever be paying more, more and even more, for years to come.
What has the local council done with all the money received on the council house sales and, of course, the rents they have collected?
A letter dated Friday, July 13, 2001, from the Forest of Dean District Council contacted all council tenants about a probable transfer of 'landlord' – will it turn out to be a very lucky day?
The standard of service by the council for repairs and maintenance by its sub-contractors is fairly reasonable. But, if private landlords 'take over' lock-stock and barrel, the cost of repairs etc, will be at the expense of the tenants – most housing associations and 'private' landlords are nationally controlled by huge companies who, together with their shareholders, reap a huge benefit from the tenants in actual cash terms.
Your rents will rise sharply and repairs and maintenance will be very sparse, and at your expense.
You have now made your choice – 'yes' or 'no' to the vote – now we are all awaiting the result. I wonder what it will be? Do you? – J. McCluskey (sheltered housing complex resident).