Press Release 4 June 2007

 

From Cllr Mark Edwards

Shadow Housing Conservative Group, Taunton Deane Borough Council

 

Warning about Unitary for Council Tenants

 

Councillor Mark Edwards, Conservative Spokesman for Housing at Taunton Deane Borough Council today warns the Council Tenants to use their vote in the up and coming referendum on the abolition of Taunton Deane Council. The abolition is proposed by the County Council and being considered by the Government.

 

The tenants of Taunton Deane Borough Council voted “no” in the recent stock options transfer scheme choosing to retain Taunton Deane as their landlord, even though as a result millions of pounds were unable to be reinvested in the area and in their properties. The tenants had felt so strongly that the service given to them by Taunton Deane Borough Council as their landlord was so excellent that they wanted the “status quo” to be retained.

 

Councillor Edwards said, “I was horrified that in such a short time and after enormous effort and numerous job losses in re organising the housing department at the Council that moves have been put in place by the County Council to create a Somerset wide unitary authority. In essence, abolishing Taunton Deane Borough Council and replacing it with a Council for all Somerset”.

 

“I am sure that the tenants of Taunton Deane wouldn’t have voted “no” in the recent stock transfer referendum if they thought that the landlord that they held in such high regard was going to be abolished”.

 

“I would therefore ask that the 7150 tenants to reflect on this decision and make sure they take part in the Unitary referendum in June and make sure their voice is heard yet again”.

 

“They voted a resounding “no” to losing Taunton Deane as a landlord once before I am sure they will do the same again. I do hope they vote to keep their landlord, Taunton Deane Borough Council, from abolition. That way they can help us to send a clear message to the County Council and the Government.”