Tenants in line for home improvements after giving thumbs up to homes transfer

Council tenants in Fallowfield, Hulme, Moss Side, and Whalley Range, will share a £92 million home-improvement package.

Council tenants have given a 68.5% YES vote to the council's proposal to transfer ownership of council homes in the area to a new, not-for-profit 'social landlord' - - City South Manchester Housing Trust.

The result was announced on Wednesday August 8th following a four week balloting period involving tenants from Fallowfield, Hulme, Moss Side, and Whalley Range.

Councillor Eddy Newman, the council's executive member for neighbourhood services, congratulated local tenant and resident group leaders who have created City South Manchester Housing Trust in partnership with local councillors. "Local tenants have voted convincingly in favour of this transfer," said Councillor Newman.

"With their support, City South Manchester can now get to work bringing every home up to the decent standard that tenants expect and deserve. With this vote they have ensured a future for good quality affordable rented housing for the area."

Following the successful ballot, the new housing trust will take ownership of the area's council homes in Spring 2008 and improvement work is expected to start immediately after that. Improvements will include:

• new uPVC double-glazed windows,
• external front and back doors if needed
• fitted kitchens - if its over five years old q new bathroom suites, including a shower over the bath
• rewiring where required
• security lighting
• upgraded heating systems where necessary

In addition to many of the above improvements multi-storey blocks will be transformed into modern looking apartments with external refurbishments. Attractive cladding will insulate them to make them weather tight, cutting heat loss and fuel bills.

Media contact

Dave Toomer / Juliet Appleby, tel 0161 2343237