Stock transfer plans have been dropped in an area of south-east London after tenants opposed the process.
Tenants on the Tabard Gardens Estate in Southwark were to be balloted on the issue, but the council decided to halt the process after tentatively seeking feedback on its proposals.

The decision was taken following consultation with registered social landlord the Peabody Trust. Peabody had been chosen to take over the properties and invest an estimated £76m in the estate.

Beverley Bassom, Southwark executive member for housing, said: "The information we now have in front of us is clear – the majority of residents either do not want to transfer to housing control or are undecided. There's no point in going ahead with a ballot when the outcome is already so apparent."

The transfer process began 18 months ago, shortly after Tabard's Tenants' Management Cooperative asked the council for help in securing additional investment in the estate.

A feasibility study indicated that the best means of achieving improvement lay with transfer to a housing association, in this case the Peabody Trust.

Peabody chief executive Richard McCarthy said: "The decision to halt the process means the extra millions are no longer available."

Anti-transfer pressure group Defend Council Housing had been very active in Tabard Gardens. Mark Weeks, DCH national coordinator, said: "It's wonderful news – once again tenants show they're not interested in privatisation.

"The council has millions to use on repairs and maintenance.

"This shows that if tenants resist, the money can be found."

Source

Housing Today