Labour councillors in Caerphilly County Borough have been accused of trying to frustrate plans to give tenants a vote on whether to transfer their homes out of local authority control.
Councillor Allan Pritchard, Plaid Cymru leader of Caerphilly council, said: “They tried to frustrate democracy by delaying a vote of tenants on whether or not to transfer our houses to a social landlord. Council tenant panel representatives who were present at the meeting were furious with the blocking tactics of the Labour members and felt that their views and recommendations were being ignored. Many of them openly expressed their feelings of anger and frustration towards the Labour benches.
“It appears that tenants are keen to make a decision with a vote probably taking place later this year. Any further delay would have probably pushed back the vote until after the council elections next year and left tenants in limbo. ”
Deputy Leader Councillor Colin Mann added: “Several comments from Labour members made it obvious that they hadn’t even bothered to read the offer document – much hard work had gone into writing and consulting on it. Labour seems very happy to ignore the wishes of tenants.”
Councillor Lyn Ackerman, Cabinet Member for Public Services and Housing, said: “We want tenants to make an informed choice about the future of their homes so are providing them with the full details.
“Sadly, Labour adopted a policy of opposition for the sake of it – regardless of the merits of the issue.”
Caerphilly is the only remaining Gwent local authority with council houses is to consult its tenants on transferring to a social landlord because of the rising cost of upgrading homes. Many other Welsh authorities have also transferred their homes, including neighbouring Labour controlled Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Caerphilly council has estimated that it would need to find £116.4m over the next 30 years for its 10,980 properties to meet the Welsh housing quality standard (WHQS).
In the event of a no vote, the council will look at raising the money through options including borrowing and higher rent charges.
