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AWICS’ was appointed as Independent Tenants’ Advisor at Fenland District Council for their housing stock options appraisal in May 2004. The tenant-led working group that carried out the appraisal concluded that stock transfer would be the best way for Fenland tenants to secure the improvements in homes, neighbourhoods and services that tenants sought. In May 2005, a consultation with tenants, managed by ‘AWICS’, showed that 51% of tenants who responded agreed with this view.

The Council therefore decided to embark on a stock transfer and ‘AWICS’ was re-appointed as Independent Tenants’ Advisor. In this capacity we worked with tenants to ensure that the best possible ‘offer’ was made and that all tenants had access to impartial and accurate information. The ballot of tenants was held during November and December 2006. It was undertaken by the Electoral Reform Services and had a turnout of 71.6%. 53.9% (1,747) tenants voted ‘Yes’ to transfer while 46.1% (1,497) tenants voted ‘No’.

Roddons Housing Association is the proposed new Housing Association that will be part of the Circle Anglia Group. Tenants of Fenland District Council have voted to transfer their homes to Roddons Housing Association. The vote means that Roddons will be able to deliver its promises to tenants that include 500 new affordable homes in the first five years, plus handyman, decorating and gardening services for elderly and disabled tenants and a dedicated warden in each sheltered scheme.

Speaking after the results were delivered, Ron Butcher, a Wisbech tenant and Chairman of Roddons Housing Association Shadow Board that will manage the housing stock when it transfers said:

“We worked hard to get an offer that would give the best deal to tenants. I am really pleased that tenants have voted for the transfer to go ahead – it will mean a better future for tenants because Roddons can deliver more improvements to homes and better services. It’s now up to us to deliver the promises – to introduce the new services, build more, affordable homes and modernise housing in Fenland.”

Mike Ward of Circle Anglia, the parent group who will support Roddons feels tenants have made the right decision:

“Now that the ballot has been decided we can get on with transferring the housing so that Roddons can start delivering the services and improvements that tenants want. The future of Fenland’s housing is in safe hands.”

Cllr. Kit Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing at the Council, said:

“The Council wants the best for its tenants which is why we recommended the transfer to Roddons, who will be able to offer more improvements to homes, increased services and build more affordable homes.”

Tim Mills, Director of Housing and Development at the Council said that the vote was ‘clear cut’ and that tenants had made their choice from the correct information. He added:

“You cannot underestimate the involvement of tenants… (They are) running the show.”

We believe that as Independent Tenants Advisor we have empowered the tenants to take this leading role. The handover from the council to Roddons Housing Association is planned to take place in autumn 2007.