| New Era For Island Housing | 13 September 2006 |
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A multi-million pound deal between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Hebridean Housing Partnership has been signed, paving the way for improved housing for social tenants in the Western Isles. The move follows last October’s ballot of Council tenants which resulted in a two to one majority in favour of stock transfer. Hebridean Housing Partnership will take over ownership of 1853 of the Comhairle’s houses and the management of a further 300 homes owned by the local housing associations. The Scottish Executive will now write-off the Comhairle’s existing housing loan debts of approximately £38million, allowing the vast majority of tenants’ rents to be spent on improving housing and housing services. Combined with additional funding, HHP will now have over £100million to spend on improving social housing in the Western Isles. £12.5m will be allocated to new build housing, providing a major boost to the local economy and creating new job opportunities in the local construction industry. CNES Chairman of Housing, Cllr Norman Macleod, said: “I am delighted that we have now secured final agreement on the stock transfer and the legal agreements have been signed off. This will bring major benefits to tenants in the Western Isles, allowing the Housing debt to be written off and money instead invested in improvements for tenants of Hebridean Housing Partnership. In addition, this agreement will lead to much needed new social housing in the Western Isles. The Comhairle looks forward to working with HHP and to a bright future for Western Isles tenants”. Hebridean Housing Chairman George Lonie, said: ““This is a new start for housing in the Western Isles and represents the biggest ever investment in social housing in the Islands. I am looking forward to exciting times ahead but there is a lot of hard work to be undertaken. We will now turn our attention to delivering on our commitments to work with tenants to modernise existing homes and deliver improved housing services. Improvements will not just be to the fabric of tenants' homes but we shall also build on the Comhairle's excellent work in involving tenants in key decisions. HHP will work in particular with tenant representatives to ensure services meet tenant priorities. HHP also plan to build 40 - 50 new houses for rent every year for the next five years to help meet the shortage of affordable houses in the islands.This will also provide much needed employment in the construction sector of the local economy.” The Comhairle, while no longer owner, will remain the lead agency for the area’s housing. As the strategic housing authority for the Western Isles, it will take over as fund holder for community regeneration. This role will include allocation of funding for building new homes as well as working with local partners, including HHP, to regenerate communities. Further information from Angus Lamont - 707153 Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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