HOUSING NEWS for BROOMWOOD WA15

This page is dedicated to dealing with topical news items of interest to all Residents, Householders and Tenants in Timperley, Broomwood, Cheshire WA15


CONTOUR HOUSING Limited

HOUSING CORPORATION

IRWELL VALLEY H. A.

MANCHESTER METHODIST HOUSING GROUP  (KENTMERE PLACE Photos)

MARITIME + REGENDA

NORTHERN HOUSING CONSORTIUM

PLUMLIFE

TRAFFORD HOUSING TRUST

THT Minor Works Programme for BROOMWOOD 2005/06

LATEST LOCAL NEWS FROM HOUSING SECTOR

The organisation of the new surgery contract is now at a very advanced stage with the final details of the lease between ourselves and the Doctors being discussed. We do hope to be on site within the next 3 months.    At the same time as the surgery contract is on site we hope to alter the existing ramp to the shops to make it less steep.    In the same contract as the above we are going to create 2 disabled parking spaces adjacent to the shops at the end of Merefield Road.     In addition, and adjacent to the new surgery parking, which will be off Mainwood Road, we are creating more public parking for the shops.
                    16th August 2004


Millom Court

THT MILLOM COURT - New Gardens June 2005

Broomwood was honoured by a visit from the Mayor of Trafford, Pauleen Lane who came to view and officially open the new residents' garden at Millom Court.

The garden was funded by a grant from T.H.T. Minor Works budget, following a minibus tour by residents of Trafford (some of whom were your BCA representatives) who decided that it was a priority.

The Residents of Millom Court are thrilled by the new garden and said that they are looking forward to many long lazy summer days sat enjoying the new surroundings.

G-Force members also got involved by planting some bedding plants in the garden.

Well done to everyone concerned.


TRAFFORD HOUSING TRUST - SEEKING CHARITABLE STATUS

I am writing to let you know that Trafford Housing Trust is considering applying to become a charity and would welcome your views on this before making our decision as to whether to go ahead with an application to the Charity Commission. A pre paid envelope is enclosed, if you wish to send us any written comments on the contents of this letter.

Why does Trafford Housing Trust want to become a charity? 

Registered Social Landlords such as Trafford Housing Trust (the "Trust") taking on a council's housing stock have, until quite recently, been allowed to use their local council's favourable VAT status to reclaim VAT payments on the value of works being carried out in their improvement programmes. The improvement programmes cover the modernisation works on tenants' homes - for example, new bathrooms, kitchens, double glazed windows and central heating systems. This has saved stock transfer housing landlords many millions of pounds over recent years which they have then been able to use on wider community projects or in improving services.

However, the Inland Revenue has recently made a ruling, which will mean that where such a VAT arrangement applies in the future, a Registered Social Landlord will be required to pay additional Corporation Tax at 30%.

Trafford Council and the Trust want to make sure that the investment from the Trust can be maximised for the benefit of residents across Trafford's housing estates and this is why the Trust's Board is currently considering applying for charitable status. As a charitable organisation, the Trust would be exempt from paying Corporation Tax. Many Registered Social Landlords similar to the Trust are able to register as charities because they carry out activities for the good of the community such as providing affordable homes to rent and sheltered housing. 

The Board of the Trust is currently considering whether, if it proves possible, registering as a charity is the right thing to do before the Trust receives the transfer of homes from the Council. However, before taking this decision both the Board and the Council want to consult with tenants and leaseholders to get their views.

 

The Offer Document - promises made to tenants

If the Trust becomes a charity, all the promises made to tenants during the transfer consultation process, in agreement with the Council, will remain in place. Becoming a charity will not affect the offer made to tenants. So for example, your security of tenure will stay the same, the Preserved Right to Buy and the Right to Acquire would continue and the improvement programme would be delivered as set out in the Offer Document.

What would change?

If the Trust became a registered charitable organisation then it would be limited in the activities that it would be allowed to carry out.   

It would not be able to:

•        carry out extensive commercial activities

•        provide services to other outside organisations which are not charities

•        provide commercial rented accommodation

If the Trust did want to carry out these activities it would have to consider setting up another non-charitable company.

Would there be any specific issues for leaseholders to consider?

There would only be one change for leaseholders. Leaseholders would lose their statutory right to collectively buy the freehold of the building where leaseholders own the majority of the flats in the block.

If this right is important to you please let us know. This will be taken into account by the Trust's Board before they make a decision on applying for charitable status.

If the Trust became a charity and did not have to pay Corporation Tax what would it use the VAT savings on?

The Trust would agree with the Council as to how it would use these funds. It is likely that the Trust and the Council would want to see some wider benefits.' Examples could include:

•   Providing training and employment schemes for local people

•   Providing more environmental and security improvements

•   Providing  more  resources to tackle  anti-social  behaviour in  our communities

•   Improving on the modernisation programme works

•   Improving services to tenants

Conclusion

The Board of Trafford Housing Trust and the Council are currently considering whether the Trust becoming a charity would be beneficial for tenants and the wider community. If you have any comments or issues you would like to discuss further, there are several ways in which you can get in touch:

•   Return comments to us in writing in the pre-paid envelope provided

• Contact us on 0800 328 4358 

•   Visit us at any area roadshow that is best for you

    (see below for dates, times and locations):

Mon 20th Sept - Lettings Room, Stretford Public Hall, 3 - 4:30pm

Tues 21st Sept - Shrewsbury St, Old Trafford, 5 - 6:30pm

Weds 22nd Sept - Altrincham Library,   3 - 4:30pm

Weds 22nd Sept - Sale Masonic Hall, 5 - 6:30pm

Thurs 23rd Sept - Conservatory, G. H. Carnell Leisure Centre, Urmston, 5-6:30pm

All comments received by 29th September will be reported to the Trust's Board before they make a decision on whether to go ahead.

Matthew Gardiner    Chief Executive

CONTACTS:        Ed Barber       Email ed.barber@trafford.gov.uk

Telephone 0161 912 4603   FAX 0161 912 4639

WEB SITE www.trafford.gov.uk

 

 

 

 

22nd October 2005