Merton Council tenants vote for transfer

Merton Council has announced that Merton's tenants have voted to transfer the ownership and management of their homes to a new, local, not-for-profit housing association, Merton Priory Homes, which will be part of leading affordable housing provider Circle Anglia.

In a confidential postal ballot carried out by the independent organisation Electoral Reform Services, 53.2 per cent of tenants voted in favour of transfer with 46.8 per cent voting against. Overall there was a 60.5 per cent turnout.

The council intends to transfer the ownership and management of the homes, as well as existing housing staff, to Merton Priory Homes at the end of March 2010. Until then, Merton Council will remain the landlord.

The council will now apply to the Secretary of State for consent to transfer. If approval is given, work can begin to create an effective, tenant-focused housing provider that will hit the ground running at the end of March next year.

Highlights of the improvements promised by the new housing association include:

*Merton Priory Homes will invest £129 million plus on homes and estates over the first 10 years, and at least £383 million over 30 years. This includes £1.25 million on estates in the first two years of transfer

*Residents will decide how new Neighbourhood Improvement Budgets worth a total of £325,000 per year will be spent.

*A £1 million community fund will be available to invest in projects and initiatives across the borough.

Councillor Linda Scott, cabinet member for Housing and Community Services, said:

"The yes vote shows that tenants have listened to the proposals and made an informed decision to transfer. We are delighted with the result, which means the money will be available to improve homes, estates and services up to the standard we know residents want to see - the "Merton Standard'.'

Mark Rogers, chief executive of Circle Anglia, said: "I'm delighted that Merton's tenants have voted for this investment in their homes and communities. We're committed to enhancing life chances by providing better homes, delivering great customer service and investing in the wider community and this is a wonderful opportunity to help more people.'