Tenants at Tadworth Estate have overwhelmingly voted in favour of the proposal to transfer to Raven Housing Trust, a local social landlord.

More than 74% of tenants who took part voted ‘yes’ for the transfer of their homes to Raven Housing Trust. Overall an impressive 76% of tenants and 64% of leaseholders voted in the postal ballot. The transfer will go ahead subject to receiving approval from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the council. It is proposed that the transfer of the council’s 222 homes will take place by December 2007.

The result was announced on 15 May and the ballot was carried out by Electoral Reform Services, an independent organisation.

The transfer will see Raven Housing Trust invest over £2.4 million over the first three years in an extensive programme of repairs and improvements that will include new kitchens, bathrooms and external decorations, as well as significant environmental improvements.

Jo Williams, Head of Housing at Merton Council said:

‘Transferring the housing stock at Tadworth to Raven provides tenants with a much greater level of investment in their homes than the council can provide whilst protecting their tenancy rights and Right to Buy. Merton’s aspiration is to not only ensure tenants benefit from homes that meet the Decent Homes Standard, but ones that are fully modernised and meet their expectations.

Councillor Diane Neil Mills, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration said:

“I am delighted that so many tenants participated in the decision making process and am grateful to the housing officers at Merton Council for effectively communicating the proposed programme to the residents. The planned investment will significantly improve the quality of housing at Tadworth to a level that tenants deserve.”