IN the next few days, all Waverley tenants will receive their ballot papers for the vote on whether or not the council can seek government permission to transfer its housing to the newly created, not for profit organisation, Weyfold Community Homes. In addition to the vote, tenants and leaseholders have 28 days to make written comments or objections to the Deputy Prime Minister. While Waverley believes that transfer to Weyfold Community Homes represents the only viable way of meeting the government's Decent Homes target, it is currently considering what will happen if the vote is "unsuccessful". Paul Wenham, director of finance, said: "We are urging all tenants to use their vote to determine the future of their homes. Without a positive vote for transfer, Waverley will have to take some difficult decisions as to where the £600,000 of service cuts will fall next year." He explained: "If tenants do not vote in favour of transfer, the budget shortfall is likely to affect day-to-day services. In addition, spending on the major repairs to tenants' homes would have to be reduced by more than £2 million from this year's current level." The council gave a reminder that Waverley Tenants' Panel has employed an independent tenants' adviser (ITA), TACT@DOME, which can be contacted on Freephone 0800 919994 if tenants have any worries or want more information about the stock transfer proposal. The ballot will be carried out independently by the Electoral Reform Services and the result should be known by mid-December.
