The Herefordshire Tenants and Residents group

Q: Now that tenants have voted yes to transfer, how can we be sure Herefordshire Housing will keep the promises made to us?

A: You don't need to worry, Herefordshire Housing will honour the promises made to you. There are three key reasons why. Firstly the board members of Herefordshire Housing will make sure promises are kept and tenants' voices are heard. Secondly, the Housing Corporation, the Government's regulator of Registered Social Landlords, will monitor Herefordshire Housing to make sure strict performance standards are met. Thirdly, there will be a legally binding agreement between Herefordshire Housing and the Council to make sure the new organisation keeps to its word. If Herefordshire Housing broke its promises the Council could take it to court.

Q: I voted in favour of transfer because I am desperate for a new kitchen and bathroom, when will the improvement work start?

A: Herefordshire Housing will carry out a multi-million repair and improvement programme in the first five years to bring all the homes up to the modern standard tenants deserve. The work will start once transfer takes place. It will be up to the board of management to make exact decisions about the timetable but tenants can be rest assured that urgent work will take priority.

Q: Will there be any change to housing benefit?

A: No, the transfer will not effect your entitlement to claim Housing Benefit. Applications will still continue to be made to, and payments made from, the Council. Under your new tenancy agreement, Herefordshire Housing will ask for your consent for Housing Benefit to be paid direct to your rent account in the same way as it is now.

Q: So once the first five years after transfer is over, will the money dry up?

A: No, it will not. Herefordshire Housing will not only bring the homes up to decent standards but make sure they are kept that way in the future. Herefordshire Housing will have a 30 year plan to make sure that it can carry on repairing and maintaining your homes and making sure it can replace things like kitchens and bathrooms as they wear out.

Even though the ballot has taken place you can still have your transfer questions answered by writing to Steve McCann at:

Mortimer House
Holmer Road

Hereford
HR4 9TA