The announcement that Merthyr Tydfil CBC tenants have voted yes to transfer their homes to ‘Merthyr Valleys Homes’, a new not-for-profit organisation, has been welcomed by Community Housing Cymru, the membership body for housing associations and community mutuals in Wales.
By voting yes, Merthyr tenants join Conwy, Newport , Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Bridgend Local Authorities to transfer their housing stock to a new housing organisation - almost a third of local authorities in Wales.
The result was 1,199 in favour - 1,185 against, a margin of just 14 votes. Turnout was 57% with 2,390 votes cast by post, phone, text and on the internet. The new organisation estimates that in the first five years after transfer, it will be able to spend about £69.5 million to bring homes up the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, set by the Welsh Assembly Government, which needs to be achieved by 2012.
The transfer is expected to take place early next year.
Meanwhile Torfaen County Borough Council, will today transfer its housing stock to Bron Afon Community Housing following a yes vote in February 2007.
Once all the local authorities who have voted yes,transfer, housing associations and community mutuals will be providing 111,000 homes and related housing services across Wales, employing over 4,000 people and spending well over £300 million in the Welsh economy each year.
Nick Bennett, Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru commented "By voting for positive change tenants are unlocking the door to better housing conditions, essential regeneration opportunities and new forms of local leadership"
Ian Williams, Chair of Community Housing Cymru added: "We welcome the recent transfer votes and the substantial investment this process will provide for the local communities, not only improved housing but investment in neighbourhoods and communities as a whole."
For further information please contact Sioned Hughes or Steve Cranston on 029 2055 7403, or email sioned-hughes@chcymru.org.uk or steve-cranston@chcymru.org.uk or log onto our website: www.chcymru.org.uk/stock-transfer/index.html href="http://www.chcymru.org.uk/stock-transfer/index.html">http://www.chcymru.org.uk/stock-transfer/index.html