A viable proposition

Many of the existing stock transfers have been large scale voluntary transfers (LSVTs) in shire districts which have generated a positive capital receipt for the transferring local authority. However, the new form of transfer, sometimes using what is known as a local housing company (LHC), usually involves homes with low or negative value, in poor condition and in urban areas.

The business plans and funding models for both types of transfer have many similarities, but those transfers with low and negative values have several distinctive features, reflecting the nature of the stock. This booklet is designed to help those local authorities and housing associations considering such a stock transfer to identify and analyse the areas of special risk, and to protect against or plan for them. We hope that it will help local authorities, housing associations and tenants to find the most appropriate solution for improving their homes and environment and for providing good quality services.