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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
 Posted - 09/10/2008 : 05:48:24
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Tenants To Have Say On Council Housing Transfer.
Source - WalesOnline
THE future of Blaenau Gwent’s council housing will be decided by the tenants themselves in a crucial ballot next year.
In what will be the largest consultation in the history of Blaenau Gwent Council, the housing team is aiming to consult every tenant in the area to provide the necessary information before asking them to make their decision.
Tenants will be voting on whether to transfer the council’s 6,300 homes to a new not-for-profit social landlord in order to unlock about £111m, which is required to bring council homes up to targets set by the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012.
In the coming months tenants will be receiving correspondence informing them of the details of the transfer and will also be able to visit roadshows and model homes showing examples of the work that would be carried out on the existing housing stock.
Coun John Mason, deputy leader and executive member for housing said he believed the initial consultations were vital in this process.
He said: “We need to make sure the tenants have all the information before the ballot.
“I am committed to ensuring every tenant has the information they need to make an informed choice.”
In spring of next year tenants will be asked to take part in a postal vote and ultimately it will be their decision whether the transfer goes ahead.
Housing business manager Hayley Selway explained that the council was hoping to allay people’s fears so that they can make their decision.
She explained that tenants would not experience a difference in rent because of the transfer and described how the new landlord would not be an existing housing company but rather an independent company set up by the council and managed by a shadow board comprised of tenants, nominated council members and independent experts.
She added: “There is nothing to be frightened of in regards to this transfer. Currently none of the council’s 6,300 homes meets the standard, it’s just about improving tenants’ homes.”
For more information about the housing stock transfer see the information box below or telephone the following free numbers.
BGCBC Your Home In Your Hands Hotline 0800 678 3616 or Independent Tenant Adviser's info line 0800 919994.
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 19/01/2009 : 21:05:53
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Blaenau Gwent Wants Tenants' Views On Housing Transfer
Source - South Wales Argus
BLAENAU Gwent council is preparing to formally consult tenants on transferring its housing stock to a new social landlord.
In the past few months tenants have received newsletters and leaflets about proposals to transfer the council’s 6,300 houses to a newly created not-for-profit social landlord called Tai Calon Community Housing.
Residents also had the opportunity to attend public meetings and council staff visited tenants at their homes.
The council is now preparing to move to formal consultation and if councillors agree at a council meeting on Thursday, tenants will soon be issued with a formal consultation document giving them information about the transfer including the future policy for rents, repairs and levels of service.
Tenants have the right to respond to the document and raise any issues about the proposals, which the council must consider.
Tenants will then get the chance to vote in a confidential ballot expected to take place in spring.
The purpose of the transfer is to bring tenants’ homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), which requires every home in Wales to be brought up to a minimum standard of repair.
The council does not have the estimated £111 million needed carry out the work and in June 2007 councillors voted unanimously to ballot tenants on transferring its houses to a new social landlord, able to carry out the repairs.
Marge York, 65, who lives with her husband Ben, 74, in Chapel Street, Abertillery, said they were in favour of the transfer and were looking forward to taking part in the vote.
Mrs York said: “I think it’s for the best because the council doesn’t seem to have the money to do the work that’s needed.
“We will be taking part in the vote and I think it’s important that other people do to.” |
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pierre
Full Member
United Kingdom
6270 Posts |
Posted - 19/01/2009 : 21:23:07
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£111 million needed carry out the work
Thats a lot of lead for the roof !
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Surely if you enjoy life and have enough to get by today while putting something aside for later, you’re as rich as you need to be? How many flat screen TVs, slightly newer with even more horsepower cars, Rolexes and Wiii-thingummyjigs does it take to make a miserable person happy? |
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seanr
Full Member
130 Posts |
Posted - 20/01/2009 : 22:35:24
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hello,
i really hope the people eligible to vote do, and with any luck vote with the option of going over to this new housing associaiton
people wil have a much better standard of accomadation than at present
regards |
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2009 : 12:38:45
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Blaenau Gwent Council Tenant To Vote On Homes Transfer To Tai Calon Community Housing
Source - WalesOnLine
TENANTS are still no closer to finding out what deal they will get if they vote to transfer their homes to Tai Calon Community Housing.
The deal was due to be considered by Blaenau Gwent Council when it met on Thursday, January 22.
However, although tenants turned up for the meeting, it was decided councillors needed more time to discuss the issue.
If the document had been approved, every council tenant would have received a copy of the formal offer document later in the year. Tenants have played a major part in the development of the offer.
At the next meeting, councillors will be asked to approve the formal offer document, which explains in detail what transfer would mean for tenants, their homes and the future of the city’s housing service.
Tenants themselves will decide whether to agree to the transfer in a secret ballot later this year.
If they vote “yes”, Tai Calon Community Housing will be legally bound to keep the promises made in the formal offer document.
The document sets out details of the rents tenants will pay; details of how an £111m investment programme will be implemented in the first five years after transfer to bring homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard; and how estates will be improved with £14m available for external and environmental improvements – again in the first five years.
The document also highlights how tenants’ rights will be protected in the assured tenancy agreement with the new housing organisation and how their entitlement to claim housing benefit will remain unaffected.
The document also sets out what will happen if the tenants vote “no”.
If homes stay with the council, it will still need to meet the Welsh Assembly Government’s Welsh Housing Quality Standard – but will be around £83m short of the money needed to do this and so will have to increase rents, reduce costs, make staff cuts and reduce the housing service to find the money to meet the standard.
Coun John Mason, executive member for housing, said: “Transfer to Tai Calon Community Housing would safeguard the standard of affordable housing for our tenants.
“A long-term multi-million improvement programme would ensure tomorrow’s generations of tenants in Blaenau Gwent and their families have homes and estates they can be proud of.
“The council believes a ‘yes’ vote means we maintain and improve our homes – hold on to what we’ve got, if you like.
“A ‘no’ vote means we lessen the service we can offer to tenants.
“But this is not the council’s decision to make – it is for our tenants to decide in a ballot.”
For more information on Tai Calon Housing, please click here. |
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pierre
Full Member
United Kingdom
6270 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2009 : 12:48:16
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quote:
it was decided councillors needed more time to discuss the issue.
They have known about the plans for months, whats the delay ? |
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2009 : 12:58:31
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Transfer ‘On Tour’ - Council’s Multi-Million Pound Housing Proposal Hits The Road
Source - BGCBC
Tenants in Blaenau Gwent will see for themselves how a £111 million proposal could transform their homes – when the Council’s transfer roadshow hits the road this month (March 2009).
Blaenau Gwent Council is proposing to transfer its homes to a new, non-profit making housing organisation called Tai Calon. The move would unlock the £111 million that is needed to bring homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.
The Council’s specially fitted ‘transfer trailer’ will let tenants see the type of improvements they would get, if the proposal goes ahead. Examples of new kitchen worktops and units, sinks, windows, front doors will be among the items on display. The Council’s transfer team will also be on hand to answer tenants’ questions.
The roadshow will visit dozens of locations across Blaenau Gwent starting on March 9 at Brynmawr, and finishing at Tredegar on March 28.
Currently, only a handful of council homes in Blaenau Gwent meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, which the Assembly Government says all social housing must reach.
Coun John Mason, Executive member for Housing, said: “We hope all tenants will come along to their nearest roadshow, to see for themselves how their homes would be improved, if transfer went ahead.
“Transfer would result in a major modernisation programme for homes, and a much-needed boost for services and estates. The Council, on the other hand, simply cannot afford to deliver anything like this level of improvements because of strict Government rules that prevent is from borrowing the money that tenants’ homes and the housing service need.
“We’re looking forward to meeting tenants across the County during this month’s roadshow, and talking to them about these important proposals.”
A roadshow invitation, including a full list of times and dates, is being sent to all Council tenants. Tenants can also find out more about the roadshow by calling the Council’s freephone transfer information line on 0800 678 3616.
The roadshow will be calling at the following locations in March:
* Monday 9th - Brynmawr (near no. 47 Windsor Road, Twyncynghordy) 9am – 11:30am
* Monday 9th - Brynmawr (near no. 79 Brynawel) 12noon – 2.30pm
* Monday 9th - Brynmawr (front of no. 12 Heol Onen, Bryn Farm) 3pm – 5.30pm
* Tuesday 10th - Ebbw Vale (behind Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale) 9am – 11am
* Tuesday 10th - Ebbw Vale (next to no. 109 Bryn Coch, Beaufort) 11.30am – 1.30pm
* Tuesday 10th - Ebbw Vale (near Garnlydan Club) 2pm – 6.30pm
* Wednesday 11th - Ebbw Vale (near no. 1 Waunfawr, Rassau) 9am – 1.30pm
* Wednesday 11th - Ebbw Vale (near Community Centre, Summerfield Road, Rassau) 2pm-6.30pm
* Thursday 12th - Ebbw Vale (near 3 Penydre, Glyncoed) 9am – 12.30pm
* Thursday 12th - Ebbw Vale (81 Pentwyn, Hilltop) 1pm – 3.30pm
* Thursday 12th - Ebbw Vale (near numbers 43 – 63 St David’s Close,Hilltop) 4pm – 6.30pm
* Friday 13th - Ebbw Vale (near no. 4 Bethesda Place, Briery Hill) 9am – 10.30am
* Friday 13th - Ebbw Vale market, 11am – 5pm
* Saturday 14th - Brynmawr market, 10am – 3pm
* Monday 16th - Ebbw Vale (near no. 6 Trenewydd, Newtown) 9am – 12.30pm
* Monday 16th - Ebbw Vale (car park near no. 1 Curre Street, Cwm) 1pm – 3.30pm
* Monday 16th - Ebbw Vale (car park near Cwm Craig Bungalows,Cwm) 4pm – 6.30pm
* Tuesday 17th - Tredegar (near no. 49 Ysguborwen, Sirhowy) 9am – 1.30pm
* Tuesday 17th - Tredegar (near no. 150 Ystrad Deri, Sirhowy) 2am – 6.30pm
* Wednesday 18th - Tredegar (rear of 81 Waundeg, Nantybwch) 9am – 1.30pm
* Wednesday 18th - Tredegar (near no. 4 Griffiths Square, Ashvale) 2pm – 4pm
* Wednesday 18th - Tredegar (near no. 21 Cefn Glas) 4.30pm – 6.30pm |
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forgetmenot
Full Member
United Kingdom
23 Posts |
Posted - 15/05/2009 : 16:27:59
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i personally am a tenant in a local council house i do not want the house associasion to take over my tennancy.
it is much harder to physically buy a council house from the authorities than it is from Blaenau Gwent and this is what i eventually wish to do,
so i will not personally be voting |
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 25/05/2009 : 22:47:01
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Countdown To Blaenau Gwent Housing Vote
Source - South Wales Argus
COUNCIL tenants in Blaenau Gwent will soon find out what improvements they can expect if they vote to transfer the council's homes to new social landlord - Tai Calon.
Tenants will receive a document this week giving details on what Tai Calon would deliver for tenants’ homes in the first five years.
It includes details about the money Tai Calon would put into improving housing estates and the areas around them, information on rents and charges and tenants’ rights, such as the right to buy and the right to pass on their home.
There will also be a guide which compares what transfer would mean for tenants and what staying with the council would mean.
Tenants can respond to the document and raise any concerns, which the council must consider.
Transfer to Tai Calon can only go ahead if the majority of tenants vote in favour of the proposal in a secret ballot later this year (no date yet).
Councillor John Mason, Blaenau Gwent council’s executive member for housing, said: "I would urge every tenant to take time to go through their document to find out what would be on offer with the new landlord, if there is a “yes” vote to transfer, and compare that to what would be possible with the council, if there is a “no” vote."
The purpose of the proposed transfer is to bring tenants' homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), which requires every home in Wales to be brought up to a minimum standard of repair.
The council does not have the estimated £111 million needed carry out the work to its 6,300 homes.
In June 2007 councillors voted unanimously to ask tenants to vote on transferring its houses to a new social landlord, able to carry out the repairs.
For more information about the proposals contact the council’s freephone information line on 0800 678 3616 or the Independent Advisor, TACT@DOME, on freephone 0800 919 994. |
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2009 : 09:29:22
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Tenants Hold Key To Council Housing Fate
Source - WalesOnLine
THE CRUCIAL ballot to decide the future of Blaenau Gwent’s council housing has moved a step closer.
Following a formal consultation, which allowed every tenant the chance to signal their preference in the proposed housing stock transfer, the council has voted to push forward with the final ballot.
Tenants will be voting on whether to transfer the council’s 6,300 homes to a new not-for-profit social landlord in order to unlock the £111m required to bring council homes up to targets set by the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2012.
In order to fully inform tenants about how the transfer would work, and how it would affect them, Blaenau Gwent council embarked on the biggest consultation in their history.
The results have now come in and it appears that Blaenau Gwent is in favour of the transfer.
Out of the 228 people who responded, 192 were in favour, 26 were against and 10 were unsure.
The next step for Blaenau Gwent council is to commission a formal ballot of tenants in respect of a proposed transfer.
In a report put before the full council on Wednesday, June 24, corporate director for the environment John Parsons said: “The council can be confident that every reasonable opportunity has been given to tenants and leaseholders to express their views and fully understand the basis of the proposed transfer.
“While indicative figures need to be viewed with caution it would appear that there is significant support from tenants for transfer.
“Members will see that from our results there is a majority of tenants in favour of the proposed transfer.”
For more information about the housing stock transfer call the following free numbers: Your Home In Your Hands Hotline 0800 678 3616 or Independent Tenant Adviser’s info line 0800 919994. |
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 23/07/2009 : 18:06:06
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At 5pm today a meeting was held to vote on the Housing Stock Transfer.
At this stage we don't know how many attended, but of those that did, 72% voted in favour of the transfer.
More news as we receive it.
Thanks.
- Webteam |
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 25/07/2009 : 02:42:57
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Valleys Tenants Vote To Transfer Homes
Source - WalesOnLine
BLAENAU Gwent has become the latest council to transfer its homes to a social landlord.
Following one of the council's biggest public consultations and a confidential ballot for tenants, 72.9 per cent of 4,200 voters were in favour of transferring their homes to Tai Calon.
A total of 7,351 people in the area were eligible to vote.
The transfer means tenants can now look forward to a future programme of repairs and improvements on their homes that will total £111 million in the first five years and £543 million over 30 years.
This is in order to bring the 6,300 council properties up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard set by the Assembly which requires every home in Wales to be brought up to a minimum standard of repair.
The council did not have the funds needed to carry out this work and in June 2007 councillors voted unanimously to ballot tenants on transferring its houses to Tai Calon who are able to carry out the repairs.
Chairman of the board of Tai Calon, Philip Crozier said: “Tenants can rest assured that the board is committed to delivering all the promises made to them during consultation.”
Project leader Hayley Selway said the work will start straight away.
She said: “I am extremely happy with the result. This means a positive future for the tenants of Blaenau Gwent.”
Leader of the council, Cllr Des Hillman added: “Tai Calon will be able to deliver the repairs and improvements that are needed and we are confident they will deliver all the promises to tenants.”
Local resident Jean Gould of Peacehaven said: “This is great news for the residents. We look forward to a positive future for our homes.” |
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Cloud-Collector
Full Member
49 Posts |
Posted - 25/07/2009 : 10:35:11
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Several phrases spring to mind here...........
You don't get something for nothing!
and............
The proof of the pudding is in the eating!
and...........
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.......!
It seems from this article, that over 3000 residents didn't actually cast their vote, was that total apathy to the whole thing? So perhaps.........don't care was made to care.............should be added to the list as well.
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Whitehouse
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
251 Posts |
Posted - 25/07/2009 : 12:10:12
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Why would the Welsh Office want to give the money to Private Company to bring the houses up to standard and not Blaenau Gwent?
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aussiewelshman
Web-Team Member
New SOUTH WALES
23652 Posts |
Posted - 25/07/2009 : 13:30:36
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Tenants View New Landlord With Mixed Feelings
Source - South Wales Argus
COUNCIL tenants in Blaenau Gwent are looking to the future with a mix of hope and resignation after it was decided they would get a new social landlord.
As reported in the Argus yesterday, 72.9 percent of the 4,200 council tenants who voted in the confidential ballot were in favour of the switch to social landlord Tai Calon.
A total of 7,351 people in the area were eligible to vote.
The move means tenants will see £111 million spent on improving and repairing their homes in the first five years, with £543 million being spent over the next 30 years.
The work is being done in order to bring the 6,300 council properties up to the Assembly's Welsh Housing Quality Standard, which demands every home in Wales to be brought up to a minimum standard of repair.
The council does not have the cash to pay for the work, so in June 2007, councillors voted unanimously to ballot tenants on the switch to a social landlord who could pay for repairs.
When the switch is made, rent for existing tenants will remain the same.
Philip Bennett, 55, of Waundeg, Tredegar voted for the move, he said: "I voted yes because these houses are in such a state, they need the work doing on them. We needed this move so the work would be done. Now we can look forward to getting the work done."
Tony Gregory, 55, of Attlee Close, Tredegar, was one of those who didn't want the change. He said: "What they're saying is either vote yes to have your house updated or vote no and get nothing.”
Mr Gregory voted against the transfer because he doesn't think the new landlord will deliver the improvements and money promised and said he is concerned about rent increases.
Tai Calon will spend an average of £17,000 per house bringing them up to standard by 2015 and a further £37,000 per house keeping them at there over the next 30 years.
Some of the work needed including 2,700 homes needing new roofs at a cost of £13.5 million, rewiring in 3,750 homes costing £9.9 million and £20 million spent on new kitchens for 5,000 homes.
Nobody from Tai Calon was available to discuss the timescale or spending plans as the Argus went to press last night. |
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Cloud-Collector
Full Member
49 Posts |
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webteam
Web-Team Member
23294 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2010 : 19:50:02
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Date set for Blaenau Gwent housing transfer
Source: SouthWalesArgus
COUNCIL houses in Blaenau Gwent will be transferred to a new social landlord in June.
The council has now set June 21 as the date when the switch of its 6,300 homes to Tai Calon Community Housing and the news got a good reception from tenants yesterday.
Tenant Tony Gregory, 55, who lives with his wife Cheryl, 52, in Attlee Close, Tredegar, said: "It's good they've set a date because it will stop all the speculation. I hope we can move forward and the get work we need. As long as it's done fairly and they carry out their promises."
Jackie Mills, 59, lives in Cripps Avenue, Tredegar, with her husband Terry, 60.
She said: "The only way is forward and now people are looking forward to getting the work done. I hope Tai Calon work as closely with the tenants and residents as the council did - it will be good news when the work can get started."
A ballot of tenants' views on the transfer took place last June and July and 3,061, 72.9 percent, of 4,200 voters were in favour of the move.
Repairs and improvements to tenants’ homes will total £111 million in the first five years and £543 million over 30 years.
The council did not have the money to carry out the work in order to bring all of its homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), which requires every home in Wales to be brought up to a minimum standard of repair.
When the switch comes, Blaenau Gwent joins Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Newport as councils which have transferred housing stock to a non-profit landlord.
Torfaen transferred its 8,040 rented and 920 leased homes, to Bron Afon Community Housing in March 2008, Monmouthshire transferred its 3,600 homes and 290 leased properties to Monmouthshire Housing Association in January 2008 and Newport council’s 9,130 homes and 642 leased properties were transferred to Newport City Homes last March.
Caerphilly council is considering asking tenants to vote on transferring its 11,000 homes, which could mean the end for council-owned houses in Gwent.
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News & Infornmation on Tredegar since 1991 |
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WelshGrid
Full Member
80 Posts |
Posted - 16/03/2010 : 15:23:45
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Well i think the people who voted for this have shot themself in the foot. Its not about who will do the repairs and how good its about what rights you have and now you have very little rights to the place you live in.
Should have looked on the net at other places that have done this and the mess they are in. |
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gatekeeper
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
207 Posts |
Posted - 16/03/2010 : 18:27:50
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| i got family that lived in tredegar that now live in newport and are happy with what they have done after the change |
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WelshGrid
Full Member
80 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2010 : 12:35:13
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WE are talking about Gwent council and not newport 2 very different councils for idea's and leadership. Expect everything to be done on the cheap.
Also most tenents will be on 6 month contracts with no option to stay in the building even if they dont have anywhere to go after. They can even inspect your home at any time and if it does not meet to there standards of up keeping then you can get turfed out. Like i said look at the rules cuz the people who are just living there have none and the housing association has you all by the balls. |
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gatekeeper
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
207 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2010 : 13:27:02
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quote:
Originally posted by WelshGrid
Also most tenents will be on 6 month contracts with no option to stay in the building even if they dont have anywhere to go after. They can even inspect your home at any time and if it does not meet to there standards of up keeping then you can get turfed out.
short hold tenancy thats the law of the land. also the landlord can expect his propert and why not. i would want to see my house now and again if it was rented out. are you saying thats not good ? |
Edited by - gatekeeper on 20/03/2010 13:27:45 |
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WelshGrid
Full Member
80 Posts |
Posted - 21/03/2010 : 15:47:01
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Its not when you think most people work silly hours and you would have to take time off work which will p*** your employer off. Also lets say the persons name on the rent card dies unlike when you was with the council they can leave everyone else in the house on compassionate grounds. Now with this they will most likely throw you out of the house.
Really you have not read the rules have you as there is a lot more to this than what people have read. Like if you have pets they can dictate if you have them or not. |
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Tenants Say On Council Housing
