The government has waived the rules on transfer ballots to allow Walsall's transfer to progress.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister usually insists councils complete transfers within one year of the tenants' vote. But Walsall will be allowed to continue on the basis of its successful ballot in October 2001. The council said the 23,000-home transfer is now back on track for completion by the end of March.

Also in Walsall, trade union vote for industrial action over the terms for transferring staff was called off. The council is in talks with Unison.

The hurdle of attracting lenders has also been overcome. Bank of Scotland will lend Walsall Housing Group £220m to cover improvements.

Source

Housing Today