We have to do something about the state of our council housing stock. Overall, this cannot be tackled, over a realistic time scale, from public funding sources alone. The solutions will vary according to local circumstances. To maximise investment opportunities, private finance options should be seen as a strategic option for all, or at least a substantial part, of an authority's housing stock, not simply a means of dealing with the problems of individual estates. The support of tenants to any transfer will be essential.
Stock transfer can only proceed on a voluntary basis.
The Assembly cannot make anyone adopt Community Ownership, and I would not wish to do so. There are safeguards all the way through. The Housing Strategy and Operational Plan should set out clearly what steps your authority is taking to investigate all options for addressing the condition of its stock. Such a strategy would incorporate priorities for repairs, long-term planned maintenance and improvements, particularly in areas such as energy efficiency. The surveys could be expanded to gather information on issues such as disabled accessibility and facilities to provide a database of properties for applicants with special needs.