Brooks calls for council housing clarity

Brooks Newmark today called on the Government to issue clear advice to local Councils on how they are expected to meet the Decent Homes Standard, which will require significant extra investment in council housing.Brooks Newmark today called on the Government to issue clear advice to local Councils on how they are expected to meet the Decent Homes Standard, which will require significant extra investment in council housing.

Under current proposals Councils are expected meet the standard by 2010 and advice from the Government has suggested that housing stock transfer is the only available option for raising money.

However, reports yesterday suggested that the Deputy Prime Minister is reviewing the Government's policy in order to allow other options to be considered.

Brooks has recently met with representatives of the Braintree branch of the 'Defend Council Housing' regarding this important issue. The members made a number of forceful points about the District Council's proposals for housing stock transfer.

One of their main criticisms was the lack of accurate information which is being given to tenants about the decision to transfer council housing to Housing Associations.

Brooks said, "I am concerned that, having forced local Councils into balloting their tenants on a housing stock transfer, the Government is now considering a u-turn by conducting a review of other options. This is what many local people have wanted all along.

Groups like 'Defend Council Housing' have criticised the Council for not offering tenants a real choice, but it is the Government that has failed to give local Councils a choice about how to invest in their housing stock."

Brooks has asked the Deputy Prime Minister two Parliamentary questions which call for clear advice to Councils from the Government.

Brooks added, "It is important that central government should give clear guidance to local Councils about their choices for strategic investment in housing. It is equally important that Braintree District Council should give clear and impartial information to tenants about their choices over the future control of their homes."

Photo:Brooks Newmark and Members of the Braintree Branch of 'Defend Council Housing'