Housing

Lambeth

Date 14 May 2003
Ref: 1580
Press contact: Isolda McNeill
Tel: 020 7926 2841
Email: imcneill@lambeth.gov.uk

Press Release

Lambeth takes first step towards partial stock transfer

Lambeth council has taken the first step towards implementing three separate partial housing stock transfers. The borough has written to the government registering Lambeth's interest in transfers involving the Stockwell Park, Clapham Park and Kennington Park estates.

These changes would affect a total of 3397 tenants and 801 leaseholders. The proposals have attracted strong resident support and involvement on all three estates.

If the government accepts the council's request, all developments would be subject to even more intensive tenant consultation and participation.

"All moves towards partial transfers are governed by our twin priorities, " said Councillor Keith Fitchett, Lambeth council executive member for housing. "The first is to increase the quality of housing, whenever possible making more affordable homes available.

"We are also determined to strengthen the control of local communities over their homes and their environment. Our survey of our housing stock suggests that we have an investment gap of over £112 million between now and 2010 with the worst 10% of homes carrying 20% of the disrepair.

"The transfer programme could prove vital in underpinning our strategy for bringing all Lambeth homes up to the decency standard, " he declared.

If the government approves the proposals, the next step will be even wider resident consultation before residents' ballot. This process would include employing tenants' friend to provide independent advice.

A yes vote would be needed before the transfers could proceed. If the yes vote were achieved, Lambeth would then be required to work with the transfer landlord and residents to develop a transfer programme. All transfers must be completed by December 2004.

Issued by the Communication Centre
London Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Town Hall
Brixton Hill
London SW2 1RW

Telephone 020 7926 1000
Fax 020 7926 2835
www.lambeth.gov.uk

[ Previous | Next ]