The process

Transfer of the housing stock cannot go ahead unless a majority of tenants who take park in a secret ballot, vote to transfer to a new housing organisation. The ballot is due to take place in Autumn 2008.

Before the ballot can take place, the Council will make sure that all tenants are fully informed of the proposals so that they can make an informed decision.

The Council will work with tenants and the Shadow Board of the new housing association to draw up an offer document. The offer document describes in full what improvements transfer would deliver. The promises made in it would be the subject of a legally binding contract if the transfer goes ahead.

All tenants will receive a copy of the offer document. A formal consultation will then take place to give tenants the opportunity to comment. The Council will carefully consider all the feedback received from tenants and may amend the offer to take account of what has been said. Tenants will be told if any changes are made to the offer.

It is intended that after this stage secure and introductory tenants will be asked to vote. If tenants vote in favour of transfer, the new housing association will get ready to receive the transferred stock.

If tenants vote not to transfer, the Council will continue to run the housing service.

Leaseholders will also be consulted and their views carefully considered. However, the law states that only secure and introductory tenants must be formally consulted and so only these tenants would take part in the formal vote.