"Public servant" asks whether the council tenants have been consulted about transferring their homes to another landlord and whether they are consulted about plans for repairs and renovation in their homes. The answer to both these questions is an emphatic "Yes".

In January '97, the council started investigations into the formation of a Local Housing Company. An independent advisor was selected by them to help them evaluate all the issues involved; meetings were held by the advisor on estates to explain the options. From the start tenants showed little enthusiasm for such a change. However, it was recognised that the public expenditure plans of the then Conservative Government would cause severe difficulties for the Council Housing Service.

Once Gordon Brown announced the results of Labour's Comprehensive Spending Review, the prospects for council housing were transformed. It was quite clear that tenants in Lancaster would not support a transfer and the proposal was put on ice. Tenants who were actively involved were consulted before the Housing Policy Committee took the decision - nobody objected.

On most of our estates, tenants associations and the council have Estate Partnership Agreements. These highlight areas for action and monitor progress. For the last few years tenants have been consulted at an annual meeting about the spending plans for council housing that we submit to the Government.

However, tenant involvement in Lancaster is set to progress even further. The Council Housing Service Group has approved plans for six tenant representatives to sit on the committee. There they will have every opportunity to comment on both management and repairs and renewals.

I am surprised that Public Servant, who clearly knows such details as the name of the company that supervised some recent contracts as the Council's agent should be unaware of all this. Surely a case of missing the wood for the trees?

Cllr Ian Barker

Housing Chairman

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