The transfer of 6500 homes in the Scottish Borders was expected to receive the endorsement of councillors this week, despite continued opposition from tenants' leaders.
As Housing Today went to press, councillors were preparing to decide whether to recommend the stock transfer to Scottish social justice minister, Margaret Curran.

Barring a shock result, the proposals are expected to come before the minister early next year.

Full transfer could take place by February.

Scottish Borders Housing Association, the prospective landlord, has promised rent stability, new investment to modernise homes and significant tenant involvement.

However, members of the Scottish Borders Joint Tenants' Panel have called for the deal to be blocked, saying the proposals fall short of those originally voted for by tenants.

They say the level of services included in the proposals has been trimmed to make the transfer financially viable.

Stuart Anderson, chair of the tenants' panel, said that the council should consider the proposals were carefully, adding that the minister has to be satisfied tenants support stock transfer proposal before they proceed.

After months of wrangling over the correct valuation for the stock, future landlord Scottish Borders Housing Association and Scottish Borders council settled on a figure of £24.6m.

Lloyds TSB has been appointed lead funder, and SBHA has claimed that the transfer valuation meets the value-for-money criteria laid down by the transfer legislation.