Merton Council announced that its 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 affordable housing provider Circle Anglia.
In a postal ballot, 53.2% of tenants voted in favour of transfer with 46.8% voting against. Overall there was a 60.5% 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. It will now apply to the Secretary of State for consent to transfer.
Promised benefits of transfer include:
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."
