Housing transfer ‘vital’
Reporter: Council Cabinet reports
Date published: 03 June 2010
A VOTE to determine the fate of the council’s housing stock saw the vast majority of tenants favour a transfer to First Choice Homes Oldham.
A total of 87 per cent of voters said they would approve of the property portfolio being transferred out of the council’s control and managed by FCHO.
Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: “This is some of the best news possible for the people of Oldham.
“The transfer will lead to £148 million worth of funding over the first five years and much more over the next 30 years.
“This will bring lots of money and work into the borough. My only wish now is for MP Michael Meacher to drop his opposition to the transfer and see the benefits.
“If it doesn’t go ahead, the people of Oldham will suffer. It is a vital move.”
Looking to the future
AN action plan designed to guide Oldham town centre to future success will boost businesses and encourage more visitors to the borough.
The ambitious plan aims to capitalise on the arrival of Metrolink, improve the appearance and safety of the centre and develop the quality and variety of the shops and services on offer.
