Tenants hoping for a better deal

It could be all-change for Oldham’s biggest rented sector when council tenants start to vote on transferring their 12,500 homes to a new company.

But tenants will still be dealing with First Choice Homes, Oldham – it will change from a management company to become their new landlord and transform into a housing association.

Voting papers will go out soon after consultation documents about the change went to every council house. Tenants are being assisted by an Independent Tenants’ Adviser, PS Consultants.

PS also had face-to-face interviews, and organised tenants’ meetings, and supported the setting-up of Oldham Tenants’ Forum.

Major issues raised included concerns over promises for repairs, assurances about future rent increases, the right to buy, enforcing tenancy agreements, environmental issues such as fencing and parking, and calls for enforcement action against anti-social behaviour.

Currently, the homes are managed by First Choice Homes, Oldham, an arm's-length company.

Under the stock transfer plans, FCHO would become the new registered social landlord.

But it would have extra powers to raise money for house improvements and landscaping.

And FCHO would continue to be the arm's-length management company for at least another year – or until the date of the stock transfer – if it is supported by a majority of tenants.

Oldham Council has sent copies of the proposals, called the Offer Document, to every council householder, including a plain English guide summarising the document and a 12-minute DVD including key features of the transfer plans and the background to the scheme.

Councillors will make the formal decision to go ahead with the ballot at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.