The Council and democracy Deputy Leader of the Council

 Mark Krantz, who lives and works in Manchester, asked the following Question:

Will you follow the example of Brighton & Hove City Council who have declared that none of its social tenants will be evicted if they cannot afford to pay the government's forthcoming bedroom tax.

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader, replied:

Thank you for your question.

I am afraid I am unable to provide you with an answer to the question you have raised.  As I understand it, there is no example to follow.  The matter is only under consideration and no decision has yet been made.  It is far from clear that the declaration you suggest will be made.

3 April 2013 

I would like to know more about the Manchester Mortgage Guarantee Scheme.

How can I go about applying for this and when would it be available?  

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader, replied: 

Thank you for your enquiry about the Manchester Mortgage Guarantee Scheme.  We expect this scheme to be launched within the next few weeks; we are currently finalising the legal and financial details with the Mortgage Lenders who will be providing the loans.   

Under the scheme the Mortgage Lender will be able to offer a 95% mortgage to first time buyers at rates similar to those that would normally be available to buyers putting down a 25% deposit.  The Lenders will apply the same strict criteria they usually apply to prospective purchasers; the difference will be that only a 5% deposit will be required.  The City Council will indemnify the Mortgage Lender for 5 years for the additional 20% of the finance.

This is part of a national scheme which has been launched in several local authorities across the country by Sector Treasury Services.   

The maximum loan size will be £142,000, (95% of the maximum purchase price of £150,000).  This will be available for first time buyers on properties within the City of Manchester boundaries only, subject of course to the property being found suitable by the Mortgage Lender. 

The initial launch of the scheme will be with Manchester Building Society and a later phase will be launched, subject to agreement, with the Co-operative Bank.   

Contact details will be available on our website when the scheme is formally launched.  I will ask our Strategic Housing service to contact you when there is a definite launch date.  The contact in that service is Pam Zuntz, 0161 234 1221.   

There is more information in the Report that was submitted to our Executive to approve the scheme.  You can find this at:

 http://www.manchester.gov.uk/egov_downloads/MortgageGuarantee.pdf

20 February 2013

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader replied:
The City Council is equally concerned about the condition of the building.  We have endeavoured to work with the Lessee's to secure the long term sustainable re-use of this heritage asset and ensure that any further proposals are appropriate both to the building and its setting in order that it can continue to play an important role in the community.

This has, however, been challenging given the current market conditions; although we would wish to assure you that there have and continue to be concerted efforts to secure a viable new use, despite the significant external factors that impact on this.  It is understood work is in hand to progress with a planning application which would involve restoring the building.

In the meantime, the City Council will continue to try and find a solution to the current situation, which despite the current Lessee incurring significant costs (which includes ongoing 24 hour security) has not prevented further vandalism.

23 May 2012.