EdinburghAgainstStockTransfer VOTE NO

TO PRIVATISATION EDINBURGH COUNCIL wants to of private finance, where they are under sell off our homes for just £941 increasing pressure to expand, merge, each – it’s a scandal. They say and ‘diversify’ into building luxury GLASGOW SELL-OFF A“ FAILURE we can have millions of pounds homes for private sale. If CEHA breaks worth of improvements to our their promises we won’t have any re- Stock transfer has been tried in “We were HOMELESSNESS homes, AND have lower rents. dress: the offer document is a contract Glasgow. It has been a failure. promised the It’s a con. between the new landlord and the coun- world by GHA and IS UP They don’t tell us that stock transfer is cil – not between the new landlord and look at it now. Large-scale demolitions have privatisation and that the banks will be tenants. RENTS UP I have been waiting years for provoked protests across the The rent guarantee only making a profit out of what is now a The money is there to do up our dampness to be sorted and I city. Despite promising to build public service. Council housing may not homes, and to build the new affordable applied to existing tenants – cannot find anyone to tell me between 6,000 and 10,000 be perfect but it has served generations housing Edinburgh so badly needs. new tenants moving in after when it will be new homes, the GHA has not well. As council tenants we have a spe- There is £320 million of public money transfer have been charged at fixed.” (Glasgow built a single new house (The cial relationship with our landlord. If we available to write off the council’s his- a higher rate. Tenants have tenant)* Herald April 20 2004). With don’t like the way they manage our toric debt if we transfer; and a further been threatened with eviction “ thousands more homes due to homes, we can vote them out at £200 million in grants to build new for just one month’s rent the next election. But the homes. They try to blackmail be demolished re-housing is arrears. The 10 year so called City of Edinburgh us by saying they will only do turning into a major issue. Housing Association this if we agree to transfer. “guarantee” on rents is about TENANTS will be run by a board It doesn’t make any sense. to be ripped up. of directors who will Council housing is cheaper to DISEMPOWERED “The really sad be accountable to the build, manage and maintain Tenants Billy MacAllister and thing about the company, not to ten- than ‘social’ housing. If they PROMISES Colin Deans (both prominent whole issue is ants. provided a level playing field BROKEN ‘NO’ campaigners subsequently that we have Transfer is risky. and made the same money Glasgow Housing Association’s elected by tenants to the board) sold off for next to nothing something that is not ours

Housing associations available to the council direct, chief executive was forced to have been kicked off the board operate in the big busi- there would be more than to sell in the first place. If acknowledge to the BBC that and their replacements have ness world enough to bring our homes up been hand picked by the GHA. my parents had voted for the GHA were “not going to stock transfer in the 1960s I to the Edinburgh Standard, do Local housing boards have not

the environmental improve- meet every target” and that don’t think that there would ments on our estates, and pro- “there will be a whole lot of been given the power they were “have been a house like this “ vide new affordable people with expectations who promised. one for me to rent in the housing. we will, to some extent, let 1980s. Can we really look at

Don’t take the down for a while” (BBC PRIVATISATION our kids now and say they’ll risk – if you don’t Scotland, 21 October 2003) be okay that there will be a know, vote NO! AND HIGH COSTS council house for them in Glasgow’s housing debt was the future? This is going to come back and haunt us all, “ written off only to be replaced “We warned believe me.” people that with a new, bigger debt to (Glasgow tenant There is an despite all the finance the improvements and campaigner)* guarantees that ‘regeneration’ – borrowing from were on offer, once the the private market has meant banks and moneylenders got higher rates of interest and the involved with their housing they would eventually have a banks in control. On top of that *Quotes from alternative Marginalised Voices: price to pay” GHA’s management costs are TRANSFER IS DEEPLY unpopular In England, 93 councils have de- higher than the amount they Resisting the Privatisation (Glasgow of Council Housing in across the UK. Out of 32 councils in cided they will keep the ownership and community spend on repairs and major Scotland, only three have transferred management of their homes. The call “ Glasgow by G Mooney & activist and GMB investment combined. their homes, and two of those are already for direct investment is supported by L Poole (Local Economy, steward)* (GHA Annual report 2003/04) Feb 2005) experiencing problems. The majority of tenants, all the major trade unions, the 29 authorities who have to make a more than 250 MPs from across all par- decision have chosen retention. Dundee ties, a new organisation of authorities and Aberdeen tenants have already re- retaining council housing (ARCH), and “Tenants across the UK are demanding direct investment in council housing as an jected transfer. And if Edinburgh joins an overwhelming vote at Labour's con- alternative to privatisation. If government can write off Edinburgh’s debt on transfer to them and votes NO there will be huge ference. a private company they can write it off to enable the council to carry out the pressure on the Executive to provide We shouldn't give in to the black- improvement we need. Vote No to transfer and join with other tenants, councillors, direct investment for Scotland. mail, when the support for direct invest- trade unions and MPs to win this campaign – for us and for future generations.” In Wales only one area has ever trans- ment is stronger than ever before. Vote ferred, one has voted NO to transfer, and NO, and tell politicians we want the George McKie, President, Edinburgh Tenants Federation there is massive reluctance among the debt written off for Edinburgh – with- rest to go down the transfer route. out strings attached! Strong cross-party support for council housing: see inside >>> Campaign grows across the UK>>> “Nobody has asked for a change of “The Transfer in Glasgow has been horrendous. The GHA is investing in limited core stock, landlord. We need direct investment. leaving 30,000 tenants and families without investment of any kind, resulting with tenants EdinburghAgainstStockTransfer Public housing should remain in public living in poor conditions. In effect GHA is operating a two tier system (social apartheid) ownership: councils are accountable, 30,000 tenants get and 30,000 tenants don’t. The GHA wants to demolish 19,000 homes private Housing Associations are not!!” and they have not consulted tenants. This would result in social cleansing – kicking out low Wendy Walton, Secretary, income tenants and bringing in higher income tenants. I would urge all tenants to vote NO to Edinburgh Against Stock Transfer Housing Stock Transfer/Privatisation!" Sean Clerkin, Spokesperson, Glasgow Campaign Against Stock Transfer/ Glasgow Save our Homes Campaign The case against transfer Transfer is privatisation. Registered costs of the new company will be 20% in England, where transfer has been Social Landlords (RSLs or housing as- higher than those of the council. They around for 17 years, the problems are sociations) are private companies in plan to spend £8.1 million of our rent clear. Many transfer associations get law and they borrow on the private money just on set-up costs after trans- into financial difficulties - one fifth market. The transfer of council hous- fer - that's for things like new offices have had to be placed under supervi- THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE ing to an RSL means a less democratic and to design a new corporate image sion by the Housing Corporation, the We should defend and im- have to spend 40p in every £1 towards housing service, increased homeless- (CEHA Business Plan). Someone has equivalent of Communities Scotland prove council housing for our the repayment of historic debt. ness, and big pay rises for senior man- to pay for this. (The Guardian, 25 May 2005) children and for future gener- Why should tenants have to pay to- agers. ations – it’s their right as well wards the historic debt of building Sell-off is risky. Rent guarantees We Could End Up in a Huge Regeneration or as ours. public housing, a national asset? When and glossy promises are often broken. Business Empire Gentrification? you go into hospital you're not asked There is a high risk either that City of The bulk of the promised 'investment' If you live in one of the 'regeneration' THE MONEY’S THERE to pay towards the historic debt of Edinburgh Housing Association will will in fact be a loan of £1.3 billion areas the risks are even greater. The The money is there to do up our building the hospital! get into financial trouble and have to be from the banks. This will create enor- CEHA Business Plan has identified homes. There’s £320 million of public There’s also £200 million of Social taken over; or that it will expand and mous pressure on the City of Edin- enough money for demolition - but has money available to write off the coun- Housing Grant available towards diversify into a huge business empire. burgh Housing Association to not yet guaranteed any funding for re- cil's historic debt – but only if we trans- building new affordable housing in the And if anything goes wrong - there is concentrate on making a good return build! There are no guarantees of what fer. If there was a level playing field city. But there is no financial reason no return. for the banks. In Glasgow: the rents will be for the new homes, or and the same money was made avail- whatsoever why this investment ". . .despite the tenants having a key where they will be built. They could able to the council direct, there would should depend on transfer. Sell-off Is Expensive role in local investment . . . the GHA even be outside the city boundaries. be more than enough to bring our Effectively the Scottish Executive To improve our homes after transfer to could not back financially unrealistic Many RSLs, like Places for People, homes up to the Edinburgh Standard, and government is blackmailing us a private company has been estimated decisions." (GHA chief executive have set up profit-making subsidiaries and do the environmental improve- into privatisation! This is outrageous. to cost £3,857 per home more than if Michael Lennon: Quoted in The in order to carry out market renting or ments on our estates. We demand that the government give the council did the work itself (Housing Herald, 04/09/03) building luxury homes for sale. Their Between us tenants in Edinburgh councils a level playing field, and Stock Options Study, City of Edin- The trend is for smaller associations plans include building at least 400 pay £62 million a year in rent. We write off debt whether we transfer or burgh Council, May 2001). to become part of a group in order to homes for the private market - homes expect that that money will be spent on not. Then all our rent money can be Why is privatisation more expen- access bigger borrowing facilities. In that our children won't be able to repairing, managing and improving our used to provide decent, secure, afford- sive? Councils are able to borrow Edinburgh for example, Port of Leith is afford. homes. But instead of that the council able and accountable council housing! money at a lower rate of interest than merging with Lorne Area; while If we agree to the transfer CEHA housing associations. The 'management Dunedin has merged with Canmore. will be given all the land our estates are costs' of housing associations are also Castle Rock has merged with Edinvar built on. Edinburgh already has some higher - in other words they pay fat-cat which in turn has been swallowed up of the highest house prices in Scotland, Transfer is deeply salaries to senior executives, and spend by the English 'Places for People' and a lot of that land will be seen as a fortune on new office buildings and group. ('Places for People' is one of the prime development sites. We need glossy self-promotion. biggest English RSLs with homes in more affordable housing for our chil- unpopular In Edinburgh the stock options over 200 local authority areas.) dren, not the gentrification of our es- study estimates that the management Transfer in Scotland is still new. But tates. Transfer is very unpopular in have chosen a variety of ways to close Scotland. Of the 32 local au- the gap: thorities in Scotland, only three • Aberdeenshire council has chosen to have transferred their homes – fund investments through raising rent by Rents – read the More homelessness Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway 3% above inflation for 5 years and 2% small print The council has a statutory responsibility to provide homes for the and Scottish Borders. above for the rest. homeless. RSLs do not. A Shelter report said that where councils have The 29 remaining authorities with • South Lanarkshire, where tenants voted G CEHA offer us a rent guarantee of transferred their houses "homeless applicants spend longer in temporary council homes were required to submit a by a majority of 96% to stay with the 5 years – but if you read the small accommodation, have fewer long term housing options and in some plan to the Executive by 29th April 2005 council, is using prudential borrowing. print you'll find that the guarantee is cases are unable to access affordable housing at all." (Out of stock: Stock saying how they intend to achieve the • Fife has chosen to raise rents by 1% not written into the new tenancy transfer, Homelessness and Access to Housing; Shelter, 2001) Scottish Housing Quality Standard by above inflation and make savings in Tenants, trade unionists and councillors from across the UK will be lobbying Parliament on February 8th – join us Picture: Jess Hurd (Report Digital) agreement. The offer document is a "The latest figures show that 20.1% of allocations by large-scale 2015. Only seven of them have chosen management costs. legal agreement between CEHA and voluntary transfer housing associations are to homeless families. This ... is to pursue transfer and most of these face • East Dunbartonshire is using a mixture debt. Why is Edinburgh council pushing above inflation, Edinburgh can meet the the council, not between CEHA and less than the 34% by local authorities." (Housing Today, 29/04/05) considerable opposition. The majority of of prudential borrowing, directing all of transfer? Our elected councillors should Scottish Housing Quality Standard by tenants. So if they break the rent "An area of ongoing concern to [Glasgow] City Council is the impact that them, after consultation, have chosen to its right-to-buy receipts into investment, be representing our interests, not ram- 2015. This means that all homes would Support in the Parliaments… guarantee (or any of the other the stock transfer has had on its ability to meet its obligations under the retain their housing. In Dundee and Ab- and raising rents by 1% above inflation. ming the policies of the Scottish Execu- be weatherproof and structurally sound; There’s strong cross party support for our Early Day glossy promises) tenants will not be homelessness legislation. The use of bed and breakfast has gone up erdeen tenants have rejected large-scale A number of councils have not only tive and Westminster government down energy efficient (i.e. with effective in- “If you’ve got a ballot coming up, fight like hell able to obtain redress. markedly" (Stock Transfer in Scotland: Impact and Implications, APSE, Motions calling for a level playing field for council G transfer, and at least 13 Scottish coun- chosen retention but are calling for a our throat. sulation and central heating); provided housing. The current one, EDM 48, has 120 to persuade people to vote no. The more people New tenants have no guarantees Sep 05). cils have found ways to retain all their level playing field to help investment in Our homes aren’t going to fall apart with kitchen and bathroom fittings in a signatures including the following Scottish MPs: at all - this could lead to different homes. Scottish council housing. Some coun- if we reject transfer. In terms of ongoing good and safe condition; and safe and who reject it the better chance we have of rents being charged for properties in Councils in Scotland have a lot of cils, such as Fife, Aberdeenshire, revenue, the long-term picture is a secure. turning over this stupid policy.” the same block or street. flexibility when it comes to deciding Dundee and Shetland gave evidence to healthy one, as the council's Stock Op- So if we vote NO, we keep council G Housing association rents in how to fund investment in council hous- the House of Commons Council Hous- tions Study shows. In other words there housing safe in public ownership for Frank Dobson MP (Labour) Scotland are higher than council ing. So while councils like East and ing Group to express their support for is sufficient rental income to pay for on- generations to come, we can have all the rents - 11% on average across the INDEPENDENT REPORT BLOWS West Lothian can afford the standard out direct investment in council housing, going management and maintenance; most urgent work done now, and be part “I hope that the Government country and sometimes as high as HOLES IN COUNCIL’S PLANS of their current level of resources, others and calling for a level playing field on and with a modest rental increase of 3% of the campaign to get the rest. will heed the report of the Order your copy of the new MPs 43%. (Statistics from Communities report from Austin Mitchell MP, Scotland: RSL rents at March 2004 The report by the Tenants Information TIS this is "unlikely without rent Alex Salmond, ODPM Committee, the Public Chair of the House of Commons compared to local authority rents for Service (TIS) is essential reading for increases beyond the guarantee Gavin Strang, MP Leader, Scottish Accounts Committee, the Council Housing Group: 2004/05). anyone who wants to know what is period." Campaign grows across the UK for Edinburgh East Nationalist Party Audit Commission and the Tel: 0207 219 4559 G The Scottish Tenants Information behind the glossy headlines of the coun- • Income has been over-estimated. Defend Council Housing group Service believe that CEHA are likely cil's stock transfer proposals. The report Unrealistic occupancy levels and There is massive support for There is now a group of MPs in the “We urge changed and I promised to do that report, and rethink their to increase rents after the five focuses on the Business Plan of the pro- failing to take into account increased council housing across all commons who support council and look at an inquiry into it”. years. posed new landlord City of Edinburgh building costs mean that there are tenants, who policies.“ Paul Holmes MP political parties, right across housing, including ex-Ministers • Delegates at the Labour Party (Chair, Liberal Democrat G In England transfer RSLs used to Housing Association (CEHA). TIS are more risks. the UK. such as Frank Dobson, Nick Brown, have been conference in Brighton last month Parliamentary Group) offer 5-year rent guarantees. The an independent Scottish wide tenants • The business plan claims an Many of the biggest trade unions Clare Short, Michael Meacher, Kate bombarded by voted almost unanimously for a National Audit Office found that organisation, they have no axe to grind. estimated £90 million 'headroom'. TIS are supporting the campaign Hoey and the late Robin Cook who propaganda motion that "calls on government to “Attempts to coerce tenants 17% of transfer RSLs broke them. Key points are: say that this "has not been (UNISON, GMB, Amicus, UCATT, joined the group just before his and implied provide the 'fourth option' of direct Menzies Campbell, into stock transfer because Research done for the MPs Group • The new landlord does not have the demonstrated and is exceedingly TGWU, RMT, CWU) on behalf of tragic death. investment to council housing as a Deputy Leader, of the need for substantial showed that 15 of the 20 fastest- "promised" money for the major insecure." their members in housing and all A big campaign of tenants, threats for matter of urgency". Anne Moffat MP Liberal Democrats repairs to housing is increasing RSL rents between 1997 demolitions and improvements to the • CEHA would have to restructure those who are council tenants or councillors, unions and MPs has weeks, not to The money’s there to do all the completely unacceptable. and 2004 were in districts which Fort, Pennywell and North Sighthill rents. This could be bad for some need more council housing. left the government’s position be frightened and not to be repairs and improvements tenants We will back tenants who had undergone transfer. (only for Gracemount multis tenants and good for others, but it is Two committees of senior back- completely isolated and untenable. need. If Edinburgh tenants vote No G Service charges are higher too. demolitions). Instead all this work is never mentioned in any of the leaflets. bench MPs have condemned their • Deputy Prime Minister John fooled. Vote NO to selling off we’ll send a huge message to the want to see their homes Since GHA took over in Glasgow, dependent on future funding bids. • CEHA expects to reduce staffing plans: the Public Accounts Prescott, said in October 2004 Council houses.” Scottish Executive and the remain under council they have added VAT to service • CEHA has a £70 million hole in costs (i.e. cut jobs) in caretaking, Committee and the select “Public financing of housing doesn't Bill Speirs, General Westminster government: we want ownership all the way.” charges and started charging up to their finances. CEHA say they can concierge staff and anti-social committee which oversees the treat local authorities on a level Secretary, Scottish TUC direct investment – with no Colin Fox MSP, (Scottish £40 a year for communal lighting. borrow more money but according to behaviour staff. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. playing field and I want to see that strings! Frank Doran MP Jim McGovern MP Socialist Party) “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts – nothing is for nothing. EdinburghAgainstStockTransfer If you have any doubts about stock transfer vote no, you cannot be forced to say yes. Let the council invest in some long overdue upgrading.” Evelyn Preston, C.R.A.G. Promises, Tenants will have less Promises IF YOU READ the offer document carefully you'll see that there are lots of holes in it. One moment they promise everyone will have a power after sell-off new kitchen and bathroom, and the next they say there is money for 14,000 new kitchens and THE COUNCIL claims that having 'Area Boards' is another way of sucking tenants on the board" when really "the “Any proposition put in front of the bathrooms – when there are tenants on the board of City of tenant reps into the organisation so that directors responsibility takes su- tenants was put in front of the money- 24,000 homes! Edinburgh Housing Association they have to represent the company, not premacy". (Improving Services Through men first… tenant participation is little Promises are glossy but will give tenants more power. the tenants. Resident Involvement, June 2004). more than window dressing.” (Glasgow deliberately vague. But unless the This is a con! Tenants who sit on the boards of Look at what happened in Glasgow: UNISON activist, BBC Scotland, 2003) offer document makes a promise At the moment individual tenants Housing Associations find they are “those who bought the dream of com- And a recent study by a researcher that you personally, at a particular and tenants associations can lobby their gagged. They are constantly told the in- munity ownership have become increas- from Oxford Brookes University con- address, will get a new kitchen local ward councillors and, if we don't formation they receive is 'in confidence' ingly disillusioned by the lack of cluded that tenants on boards are "mar- and bathroom, there is nothing like the way they run our homes, vote and they can't publicise it. Many who progress; justifiably so. Those running ginalised" and "powerless", and that which is legally enforceable. And them out. This direct democratic rela- have spoken out for the interests of ten- GHA make frequent use of terms such boards are manipulated and controlled in any case the offer document is tionship will be lost after transfer. Ward ants have been kicked off the board, as as “tenant participation” and “commu- by senior managers. (Changing Boards, a contract between the CEHA and Councillors will have the perfect excuse happened in Glasgow. nity empowerment” but many tenants Emerging Tensions, Spring 2004). the council, not between CEHA to blame the company - and say there is The Audit Commission has criticised claim that the change of landlord from This isn't tenants power. A strong, in- and tenants. nothing they can do. councils for "mis-selling" the role of the city council to GHA has given them dependent tenants movement, with ten- Tenants on the CEHA board will be board members: "tenants are often led to no more say in local housing manage- ants associations in every estate and in a minority and their hands will be tied believe they will have an explicit role in ment…” (The Herald, October 28th street, is a much more effective defence Since the transfer in by company law. Putting tenants onto representing the interest of their fellow 2005). of tenants' interests. Scottish Borders, the new RSL has been in a row with the council over the Union leaders back fight for council housing valuation of the homes – which will affect the Against all the Ministers are Now that We are UCATT I grew up in evidence that facing growing tenants in his determined backed this a council promises to tenants. direct investment opposition from own to act as a campaign house. (Inside Housing 09/09/05) would be cheaper council tenants, constituency champion from the Many CWU and deliver faster local authorities, of Sedgefield of both start. Now postal and improvements, councillors, trade have joined Council that the telecomms tenants, councils unions and MPs. the growing tenants and whole trade members and housing workers are The Labour party conference band of no-voters, our members... John union movement is are council tenants Separate marched down the route of voted overwhelmingly to perhaps the Prime [Prescott], I know you involved we need to push and have children who stock transfer, ALMOs or PFI oppose the privatisation of Minister will finally listen. know the current forward support for the will need council company against their wishes. council housing. This sends Especially as the turn-out policy is unfair. I know ‘Fourth Option’ for council housing when they That so many councils a clear message that the in the ballot topped voter you want a review to housing and expose the grow up. The CWU is makes no have held out against government needs to turn-out in Sedgefield in put that wrong right. obscene waste of public totally opposed to the transfer or privatisation is rethink its position. Amicus this year’s general That review could money utilised in council privatisation of council testament to the strength of will continue to campaign election. then lead to a propaganda. I urge housing and fully sense feeling amongst tenants and hard. We believe tenants The case for the fourth genuine level playing Parliamentarians, supports the Hiving off housing into a separate councillors. deserve real choice – one option is unanswerable. field, including Councillors, Tenants and campaign to win the company will make co-operation UNISON has campaigned that includes quality, We look forward to councils being able to Workers to come ‘fourth option’. It’s across council departments more hard for direct investment affordable homes that are continuing to work with make greater use of together and get the time the government difficult. and will continue to support managed and owned by DCH nationally and locally prudential powers to change in government saw sense and gave A new report into stock transfer tenants and local their locally accountable to win this campaign once borrow.” policy that council tenants the choice in Scotland highlights the potential authorities. council. and for all. Jack Dromey, tenants deserve”. they want.” problems – if councils lose their Dave Prentis, general Derek Simpson, general Paul Kenny, Acting Deputy General Alan Ritchie, General Billy Hayes, General housing department it is likely to secretary UNISON secretary Amicus General Secretary, GMB Secretary TGWU Secretary UCATT Secretary CWU mean redundancies due to loss of scale; there will be less co- operation in a wider regeneration agenda, and most importantly, councils will find it harder to meet Demand direct investment in council their obligations to house the homeless. (Stock Transfer in Scotland: Impact and Implications, housing – with no strings attached APSE, Oct 2005) We can stop Edinburgh tenants them – use your don’t want transfer This campaign needs your help! vote Edinburgh council has previously tried It’s wrong that the council are spending you reach an informed decision about with the council so all tenants can hear The council would like tenants to to sell off our homes in bite-sized our rent money on their propaganda the future of your home: both sides of the argument; believe that the outcome of this pieces but has had little success. Only and trying to make out there is no
Distribute this broadsheet to every
Raise money to pay for the ballot is inevitable – but it isn’t. 200 homes have ever been transferred alternative to stock transfer. Edinburgh council home in your area; campaign; any donation will be An effective campaign can win that way. Partial transfer on the Against Stock Transfer can’t use
Put up posters on your estate and in appreciated, no matter how small. the argument. NO Votes in Dumbiedykes estate failed four years public funds and relies on donations. your window;
Most important... talk to your family, Birmingham, Wrexham and many ago when the bidder withdrew. But the We now have a big print bill to pay for
Organise a meeting and invite a friends and neighbours and get them to other places have shocked tenants didn’t want it anyway. One of this newspaper. Please help us to help speaker from the campaign to debate VOTE NO. Ministers and policy makers and them told Inside Housing magazine in made MPs sit up and take notice. February: “Better the devil you know PLEASE CONTACT US If tenants in Edinburgh vote NO than the devil you don’t know was the Write: Edinburgh Against Stock Transfer, c/o LTUCR, Basement 26/28 Albany Street, too then it adds to the real view of most of the tenants here. We Edinburgh EH1 3QH Tel: 0131 555 6357 Email: [email protected] pressure on politicians to give us didn’t want stock transfer in the first direct investment – with no strings place. If they ask us, we will reject Website: www.stocktransfer.info You can also find more information from: attached. stock transfer again.” Mary Whitfield, www.defendcouncilhousing.org.uk www.tis.org.uk www.support4councilhousing.org.uk Dumbiedykes estate This paper was written by council tenants and published by Edinburgh Against Stock Transfer

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