'152 million reasons to give homes transfer the go-ahead'
Neath Port Talbot Council cabinet member Peter Rees said the Defend Council Housing campaign constantly opposed the switch but did not tell tenants how the funding would be found if it didn't go ahead.
The Neath South councillor insists the money would not be available should tenants vote against the transfer. He said the council and the campaign group were in agreement in that they both wanted investment in housing.
"The difference is the council has worked closely with tenants, looking at the options to identify the best way forward for their homes and services," said Councillor Rees.
"That is why we are consulting tenants on transfer, which would unlock £152 million investment in their homes and the housing service.
"Those opposed to transfer just keep on being opposed. They do not tell our tenants where the investment that is so desperately needed would come from if homes stay with the council.
"I would like to know where they think we are going to get the £152 million needed in the next six years, never mind the £694 million needed over the next 30 years."
Neath Port Talbot is proposing to hand over all 9,335 of its houses and flats to a new social landlord, NPT Homes.
Its argument is that it does not have the £152 million needed to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS). The council says NPT Homes would be able to access funds not available to the authority.
But the proposed transfer, which will be decided by a ballot of tenants early next year, has attracted the wrath of opponents.
They have attacked the proposed hand-over as privatisation, and say there would be less democratic control over housing stock.
Instead, they argue, money should be made available to the council to make improvements.
But Councillor Rees said that was not an option.
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"The fact is that if the transfer does not happen, we will be £112 million short of the money needed bringing the homes up to standard in the first six years alone," he said.
"We are being open and straight with tenants about this, and giving them the chance to decide on the future of their homes.
"Transfer would bring with it a range of benefits, including wider regeneration and job creation. It would achieve this while keeping rents affordable and protecting tenants' rights.
"That is why we are proposing transfer as the best option for our housing. We want more investment in our homes too."
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