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Rochford success
 

An overwhelming majority of council tenants have voted for a bright new future. The bid by Rochford District Council in Essex to transfer its homes to a not-for-profit housing association was backed by more than 80% of tenants in a secret ballot.

Now Rochford Housing Association, a subsidiary of Hereward Housing based in Ely, Cambs, will take over the homes and bring a cash injection of £40 million to the area over the next five years.

The new Rochford Housing Association and Hereward are members of Sanctuary Housing Group, one of the leading housing associations in the country.

Hereward Chief Executive Nick Abbey said: “This was a resounding vote of confidence in the promise to modernise all homes within the next five years.”

He added: “The vote was also a tribute to all the hard work by Rochford councillors and staff to show their tenants the many benefits of transferring to a housing association.”

£40 million cash injection over the next 5 years for Ely

Councillor Terry Cutmore, leader of the Council, said: “This result is stunning and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the tenants for the thought and consideration they have given this proposal.”

Graham Woolhouse, Rochford DC’s Corporate Director, External Services, said: “The ballot clearly demonstrates that the Council’s proposal has the support of tenants.

“This is good news for existing and future tenants and for the wider community. It will mean service and home improvements which will benefit the whole community.”

A total of 1,920 tenants were eligible to vote in the postal ballot which was conducted by the Electoral Reform Ballot Services organisation.

The result revealed that 1,234 tenants (82.8%) voted in favour of the proposal and only 257 tenants (17.2%) were against. The turnout was an impressive 78%.

The Council will now seek permission of the Secretary of State to transfer. If this is given, it is expected that the transfer will take place next summer and works will then begin immediately.

Rochford HA, chaired by former Councillor Maureen Vince will have a Board made up of tenants, Councillors and local people, and many of its staff will move across from the Council.

20 December 2006
 
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Sanctuary Housing Association is a registered social landlord (Housing Corporation No. L0247), and is an exempt charity under the Charities Act 1993 (Industrial & Provident Society No. 19059R).