Transfer notes

we could do with some red cards in the stock transfer game, on which I will be writing a fortnightly column. I haven't used this sporting metaphor merely to grab attention amid the World Cup frenzy. It's meant to get us all to focus on playing by the rules.

Opponents of stock transfer make much of the council PR machine – the glossy literature and seductive videos – but omit to acknowledge that all the material is approved by a host of regulators and professionals, including lawyers like me.

Cynics may doubt my credibility (trust me, I'm a lawyer), but should remember that independent tenants' advisers often report to their tenant/clients that they are satisfied with the accuracy of the consultation material.

Real cynicism should be reserved for the material produced by Defend Council Housing. Where's the verification process for their thoughts?

No one would suggest that angry, anxious or ideologically driven union officials, tenants or politicians shouldn't be able to get their message across as vigorously as our democracy allows. But there should be a limit on scare stories.

There can be no excuse for "Your rents will go through the roof", "You will be forced out of your home" and other such malevolent slogans. It's about time they were outlawed.

I don't mean just franking council material "approved". The remedy must matter. Those who play dirty must be shown the red card. This means having another look at the ballot process. In my next column, I'll offer some thoughts on that.