Controversial transfer of Wycombe council housing stock to Red Kite made official

The controversial transfer of homes from Wycombe District Council to a new housing association officially took place on Monday after Defend Council Housing (DCH) failed in its attempt to mount a legal challenge.

The transfer of the 6,700 homes to Red Kits Community Housing followed a major consultation undertaken by the council which resulted in tenants narrowly backing the plans in a ballot by 2,661 votes to 2,027.

Opponents of the plans, led by DCH with support from Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors, claimed that the transfer receipts would be used for 'non-housing purposes' and there was a lack of provision for new affordable housing.

Celebrating the transfer to Red Kite, Wycombe's Cabinet Member for Homes and Housing, Councillor David Carroll, said: "This is a landmark day - sad in some ways as it is the end of an era in the district but a huge triumph in other ways for the council's vision for the future.

"We are looking forward to building a long term, successful partnership with Red Kite and wish their Board, staff and tenants and leaseholders every success for the future."

Jennie Ferrigno, Chair of the Board of Red Kite, said: "The hard work starts now. Tenants and leaseholders have placed a great deal of trust in us and we will keep every promise that has been made.

"Work has already started on the planning of the multi-million programme to repair and improve homes and we are underway in terms of delivering our housing service. These are exciting times for all concerned. As promised, tenants and leaseholders have been at the heart of our development so far and will continue to be so."

DCH spokesman Paul Burnham said the campaign group would continue to fight against "rotten policies" such as Affordable Rent.

"Thanks are due to all those who have challenged and opposed the transfer plan, and to all those who helped to put forward alternatives to the housing sell-off.

"We have worked hard in the past few weeks to put up a legal challenge to the transfer, but in the end were not able to do so.

"People still need housing that is decent, secure, affordable and democratically accountable. Supporters of Defend Council Housing will therefore continue to oppose rotten policies such as Affordable Rent, which brings near-market rents and time-limited tenancies, promising only a future of insecurity and social exclusion."