 Housing tenants will be asked to vote on the transfer |
Stirling Council house tenants have been sent a document on a proposal to transfer their homes to a not-for-profit housing organisation. The council said the transfer would result in a major investment package to improve and modernise homes.
The transfer of all 5,600 homes will only go ahead if the majority of tenants vote "yes" in a ballot.
The Scottish Tenants Organisation urged tenants to vote against the transfer.
The Tenant Offer Document is the first phase in tenant consultation prior to the ballot, and a "yes" vote would see existing council houses and flats transfer to Housing Stirling in 2007.
The council said immediately after transfer, tenants would start to benefit from the package of investment, which would include new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems for all homes that needed them.
Under the plans, Housing Stirling said it would also offer tenants a five-year guarantee on rents, an improved repairs service and tenant-led decisions.
The not-for-profit group also plans to build more than 400 new homes between 2007 and 2012 mainly in Cornton and Cultenhove.
Councillor John Hendry said the housing transfer offered significant benefits to tenants.
He added: "The document explains what tenants can expect if they vote 'yes' in favour of transfer or what would happen if they vote 'no'.
"At the end of the day we want tenants to be able to make an informed decision when the tenant ballot takes place later this year."
Independent advice
Stirling Tenants Assembly member, Hugh McClung, urged tenants to read the document and to use their right to vote.
He said: "It's important that we read through the facts in this proposal and make up our own minds.
"You can also get completely independent and free advice from the tenants' advisor TPAS."
Iain MacInnes, from the Scottish Tenants Organisation, said if the ballot was typical of those carried out in other areas it would be undemocratic.
He said: "It's blackmail - tenants can either vote for nothing or the only deal on offer.
"Despite the ballot being undemocratic we would still urge tenants to vote 'no'."
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It's important that we read through the facts in this proposal and make up our own minds
