Wandle takes over Solon as accusations fly

The Housing Corporation this week selected Wandle Housing Association, which has over 4000 homes, for the future ownership and management of Solon’s property, worth around £3bn. The transfer comes after a statutory inquiry into Solon in January this year.

But Solon’s tenants are concerned that the move, which they claim comes after a prolonged campaign by the corporation to undermine and wipe out their co-operative, could lead to rent increases and prime real estate being sold off.

Geoff Martin, TUC organiser for Battersea and Wandsworth, said: “It’s well known to the people in the housing game that the plan was to destabilise Solon and to shift its lucrative asset base over to a favoured housing association that fits the corporation’s idea of a social housing provider.”

The corporation said the final decision on whether to transfer to Wandle, and on what terms, will be made by its board following a consultation with Solon, its tenants, creditors and other stakeholders.

Debra Lawson, chief executive of Wandle, said they were delighted to be selected, but refused to make any further comments until after the consultation.