The issues
The selling off of large amounts of council housing stock adversely affects not just tenants but local authority workers too.
Large Scale Voluntary Transfers (LSVT)
LSVT occurs when a council sells more than 500 homes to a single body, usually a housing association or a private housing company. This often leads to higher rents and higher housing benefit bills as the new housing associations have to recoup their investment. Public investment would be cheaper and more efficient.
Workers' rights
Usually the local authority's housing staff will move to the new organisation but building workers and support staff may face redundancy. Depending on how much the council receives from the sale of the housing stock, there may be redundancies in the rest of the authority too.
The twin track approach
UNISON branches are adopting a twin track approach in their opposition to LSVTs, both campaigning against any proposed transfers and preparing a strong bargaining position if the transfers should go ahead.
Right To Buy
The RTB scheme should not be confused with LSVTs. Right To Buy gives an individual council tenant the opportunity to purchase the freehold or lease to their council home.
UNISON's view
UNISON is opposed to the wholesale selling off of large chunks of the country's council housing stock. UNISON's support for council housing is not just a question of ideological ownership - it makes sound economic sense too. Council housing has a £40 billion asset base and adds to the national wealth.
Large Scale Voluntary Transfers are damaging to tenants, local authorities, services and trade union organisation. UNISON fully supports options that enable investment to take place without homes being sold.

   Return