Bracknell

Tenants have voted in favour of the Council’s proposal to transfer the borough’s housing stock to a new local landlord called Bracknell Forest Homes.

The four week postal ballot closed today (April 10) with 76% voting in favour of the transfer to the new landlord. Just over 70% of tenants voted.

Bracknell Forest Homes is the new, local housing association set up with the help of the Council. It plans to make £61 million worth of improvements to homes in the first five years and be able to meet the Bracknell Forest Standard tenants have said they want.

Cllr Dale Birch, Bracknell Deputy Leader and Executive Member responsible for housing, said: “The ‘Yes’ vote means tenants have recognised the significant benefits that can be had with Bracknell Forest Homes as their landlord. They have secured their own future, the future of many jobs in the borough, and many community improvements.

“Over the past nine months we have worked in partnership with tenants, staff and union representatives to deliver the best possible offer which will see the borough’s housing improved and maintained in the long term.”

Cllr Mrs Anne Shillcock, Leader of the opposition group, said: “We have worked in partnership with tenants to develop the best possible offer, which can now be delivered. The transfer means current tenants will have their homes and the housing service improved but it will also help future tenants because more affordable housing can now be built.”

Timothy Wheadon, Bracknell Council’s Chief Executive, said: “This proposal has had support because people understand that Bracknell Forest Homes will have much more money to spend on homes and services than the Council would. Now significant improvements can be made to tenants’ homes and the housing service in the borough. I believe this is a very positive step.

“On behalf of the Council I would like to thank all the tenants who voted in the ballot. I would also like to thank the staff and tenant representatives who worked so hard to ensure that tenants knew the facts and understood the choice before them.”

Bracknell Forest Homes will be run by a management board of 12, including four tenant representatives, four council nominees and four independent people.

Chair of Bracknell Forest Homes’ Board, Dermot McRoberts, said: “On behalf of all of my colleagues on the Shadow Board, I would like to thank the tenants for the confidence they have put in the new housing association. I can assure each tenant that we are determined to deliver the best possible housing service for Bracknell Forest. We now have a real opportunity to work together with tenants and the Council to create a better future."

At the same time as the tenant ballot, a consultative leaseholder ballot was also run. Over 37% of leaseholders voted and 66% supported the move.

It is expected the Council will confirm that it will seek approval from the Secretary of State at the Communities and Local Government to proceed with the transfer.

Once is has the go-ahead from Government, the transfer is expected to take between nine and 12 months.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council