Tenants say NO to housing sell-off

Congratulations to the council house tenants in Kingston Upon Thames who are the latest group to have voted to remain with the local authority and resist the threats/bribes to transfer their council houses to a so-called social housing company. Well done to the local Branch of UNISON which campaigned with tenants against the privatisation plans. In Walsall in the West Midlands the Council succeeded in 'persuading' tenants to vote for stock transfer of the Council's homes. 'Jobs are Safe' boasted the Council's Tory Leader when he was desperate for a 'yes' vote, regrettably backed by the New Labour housing spokesperson. Within weeks of the ballot result this was revealed as a cruel hoax and the newly formed Housing Association said it was aiming to cut up to 50% of the 1,000 housing staff who transferred from the Council.