Date: 12 October 2006

Stirling stock transfer rejection highlights need for fourth option for council housing

UNISON, the union representing housing workers, today welcomed the clear rejection of stock transfer delivered by Stirling's council house tenants.

Lesley Russell, UNISON Stirling's Joint Branch Secretary said: "We are pleased that tenants have delivered such a decisive vote in favour of retaining democratic control over their houses. They have refused to be coerced by the threats to future investments. Now they deserve serious investments in stock improvements by the council.”

UNISON has fought against council house transfers for some time alongside tenants, other trade unions and housing campaigners. The union has called for a ‘fourth option' to ensure that investment is available for council housing in a similar way to the investment thrown at stock transfer, PFI or so-called ‘arms-length management companies.'

Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Policy said "This result and the previous decision in Edinburgh, shows that there is a pressing need for the Government to allow democratically accountable council's to have the same ability to invest in housing as that granted to other stock owners. Direct investment would be cheaper and deliver faster improvements, yet government persists in forcing tenants into unwanted stock transfer.”

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Lesley Russell - Stirling UNISON Joint Branch Secretary - 07706 241 350(m) Dave Watson - Scottish Organiser (Policy) - 07958 122 409 (m) Chris Bartter - Communications Officer - 07715 583 729 (m)

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