Bracknell

Bracknell Tenants’ and leaseholders’ views about the future of their homes are changing, according to the most recent survey carried out by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The change in opinion is particularly marked in those tenants who have received face-to-face information about the housing situation in Bracknell borough.

The survey results were heard by the Housing Steering Group, who met last night (Tuesday May 2) to discuss the future of housing.

Just under half of tenants (49%) now want to stay with Bracknell Council, with 29% supporting transfer to a housing association and 22% undecided.

But of tenants and leaseholders who had received a home visit from a housing officer, 42% thought that transferring to a housing association was the best option, while 38% wished to stay with the Council and 20% were undecided.

Among Bracknell tenants who attended roadshows or took part in the Housing Sounding Board there was more support for transfer than among tenants as a whole.

The survey, sent out in April, was returned by 28% of tenants and leaseholders. It also showed that in the event of a transfer going forward 74% would prefer to see a new Bracknell Forest housing association set up.

Linda Wells, Assistant Director Bracknell Sustainable Communities, said: “I’m pleased that over a quarter of tenants answered the survey and thank people for taking part in the consultation activities since January. We have been in direct contact with 25% of tenants so far and we want to continue to speak to everyone to provide as much information as possible. The more people find out the facts about transfer the less worried they seem to be.”

Cllr Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, said: “The financial position of the Council, if it continues to run housing, has become very difficult. We have to consider the future how improvements can best be made to the borough’s housing without cuts in other services being necessary, which is why we are talking with tenants and leaseholders about the option of a new locally-based not-for-profit housing association.

"We have to provide the information so that people can understand all about the decisions that lie ahead and why they must consider a local housing association as a real alternative to the Council running things.”

The Council’s Executive will meet to decide whether consultation should continue and if a ballot of tenants should be held. The decision will be based on the outcomes from detailed consultation with tenants and leaseholders and evidence heard by the Housing Steering Group.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council