As a former member of the GMB, I am saddened and disappointed by its attitude to transfer (“GMB threatens strike vote over stock transfer”, 12 November, page 8).


Although it is the union’s duty to protect the interests of its members, it should also consider the national economic case and the paramount rights of tenants and leaseholders living in council-owned stock.

It is impossible for the Treasury to fund the repairs needed after decades of Conservative neglect and the best efforts of this government to catch up. In most cases, transfer has brought quick relief to hard-pressed tenants.

At Charlton Triangle Homes, we were able to borrow £45m and refurbish nearly 1000 of our homes, demolish an ugly slab block, build 36 state-of-the-art homes and move on to complete the rest with the blessing of Greenwich council, which has the nominations.

Communal areas have been freshly landscaped in accordance with residents’ choices; the tenants’ organisation has fine new offices and offers a host of training; Sure Start and retirement activities are available.

A board containing four tenants and a leaseholder, five councillors and five independents is much more responsive than a local authority wrestling with thousands of properties. It is time the GMB returned to some form of social responsibility and served the people as well as its producer members.

Michael Ward, chair Charlton Triangle Homes, London

Source

Housing Today