Highlands rises against housing stock transfer

Council housing tenants in the Scottish Highlands have set up a campaign to resist moves by the Highland council to transfer council housing stock to the private sector.

The council, together with the Scottish Executive, has launched a glossy campaign to persuade tenants to vote yes to housing stock transfer.

But earlier this month tenants met to form Highlands Against Stock Transfer. The group is now appealling to local trade unions and housing activists for funds and for help campaigning against the council’s plans.

“The council says stock transfer will mean £50 million in new spending,” says campaigner Frank Ward. “This claim is a con – the £50 million was granted in 2004 and is not dependent on a yes vote.”