Keep Security of Tenure
Implementing Social Housing Reform - Government Summary of Responses (pdf) published in November 2011.
South Yorkshire Tenants and Residents Network responses to this consultation were compiled following a special workshop attended by 36 tenants and residents on Tuesday 30th August 2011 at Barnsley Tenants Resource Centre. A wide variety of views and opinions were shared amongst everyone present at this meeting around tenure, powers of scrutiny, tenant panels and 'affordable rents' and these views are compiled below.
The Network understands that this is the biggest shake up in social housing in 50 years and it aims to create a fairer system that devolves power from the state to the tenants and residents. Network members firmly believe that by South Yorkshire tenants working together it provides a good opportunity to get our opinions across and to influence what happens in the future. As a network, we are in favour of the devolution of power as long as it is managed correctly in line with strict guidelines. A fairer system is always welcomed but we have concerns around the implementation of it and the effect it may have on certain sectors of our communities.
In particular, South Yorkshire Tenants and Residents Network supports the continuation of lifetime tenancies. Security of tenure ensures a council house is not just a house but a home. We believe that allowing tenants to have a secure ‘lifetime’ tenancy without stipulations on tenancy period will ensure that communities will be sustainable and will work towards the ‘Big Society’ ethos and the principles of the Localism Bill.
South Yorkshire Network of Tenants and Residents are an informal alliance of Barnsley Federation, RotherFed, Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents and tenants and residents from Sheffield.The final document was signed by Joan Whittaker Chair of Barnsley Fed, Andy Kerr Chair of Doncaster Federation and Peter Collins Chair of RotherFed
South Yorkshire Network Report to CLG (pdf )
These are not just houses but our homes - the government proposals for five year fixed terms for new council tenancies is just the beginning of a process to end lifetime tenancy. Steve Ruffle, Development Manager of the Rotherham Federation of Tenants and Residents (RotherFed) commented “security of tenure is one of the most important rights won by council tenants. It ensures a council house is not just a house but a home. Stable local communities in South Yorkshire are sustained by secure tenancies by people who live, care and look after their local areas. This is what creates stable and successful estates, not forcing people out of their homes.It is true, there is a long waiting list for social homes but this can only be resolved by building new homes for people. ”