Why transfer?

The Government believes that all council and housing association tenants have the right to live in a home that meets a basic standard. This is called the decent homes standard. It means that properties should be dry and warm and have kitchens and bathrooms that are not too old. All council and housing association homes are expected to reach this standard by 2010.

In Plymouth, 56 per cent of council homes currently fall below the standard. Due to the way councils are regulated and funded, Plymouth City Council does not have enough money to reach the Decent Homes Standard by 2010 unless there is a major investment in council homes. Because the Council cannot raise the extra money it needs, it is estimated that 90% of council homes will not reach the Decent Homes Standard by 2010.

After looking at all the options for the future of its homes, the Council has decided that transfer would be the best option to bring homes up to the Decent Homes Standard. This is because Housing Associations can attract more money than councils to spend on housing.

The Council believes that transfer would attract millions of pounds of extra investment to repair and improve homes above and beyond the Decent Homes Standard.

Transfer can only happen if a majority of tenants vote yes in a planned ballot to be held next year. The Council will make sure tenants have all the information about housing transfer to help them decide how to vote.