No. 56/04

Press Release: Wednesday 6 October 2004

HOUSING CORPORATION ANNOUNCES PREFERRED PARTNER FOR SOLON WANDSWORTH

Following the outcome of a statutory inquiry, the Housing Corporation invited five registered social landlords to submit proposals to it for the future ownership and management of the property of Solon Wandsworth Housing Association Limited. A transfer of ownership would take place under the terms of paragraph 27 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996.

The Corporation has completed an assessment of the proposals, interviewed three of the applicants, and has selected Wandle Housing Association as the proposed recipient. This is subject to consultation with Solon, its tenants, creditors, and other stakeholders. The final decision on whether to direct a transfer to Wandle and the terms of such a transfer will be made by the Corporation's Board, following that consultation, and will be subject to the consent of the Secretary of State.

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For more information please contact Gillian Watson, Head of Communications 020 7393 2095; email gillian.watson@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk or Robert Davies on 020 7393 2227; email robert.davies@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The Housing Corporation is the statutory regulator for registered social landlords. In January 2004 the Corporation instigated an inquiry into the affairs of Solon Wandsworth Housing Association using its power contained in paragraph 20 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996. On 20 July 2004 the Corporation issued a Position Statement which provided details about the findings of the inquiry and the actions in hand (Press Release No. 29/04).

2. Solon Wandsworth Housing Association is a charitable Industrial and Provident Society and a registered social landlord. It is based in Wandsworth, South London, and has around 1,000 homes in ownership and/or management.

3. Wandle Housing Association is also a charitable Industrial and Provident Society and a registered social landlord. It works in 10 local authority areas in South London, including Wandsworth, and has over 4,000 homes in ownership and/or management.