I've just heard the result for the stock transfer vote in Swansea. Of the 56% council tenant turnout, 71% voted against stock transfer in the city. All Council's are in a tricky situation with regards stock transfer, due to the fact that many lack the necessary funds to upgrade and develop stock. Nevertheless, this vote today is a clear sign that transfer is not the favoured way forward for Swansea tenants. Plaid Cymru does not endorse the Labour Government at Westminster's social housing policy, and this vote today reflects our opposition loud and clear. The Labour Government must now re-think it's strategy. Public housing should be funded through the public sector.
It seems that the Lib-dem Council's bias 'yes' campaign to stock transfer has actually backfired on itself in this case, encouraging people to question the Council's motives. Other vigorous 'yes' campaigns which have been celebrity endorsed by the likes of Lucy Owen and Roy Noble were successful in Rhondda Cynon Taff, ( not to mention the fact that RCT Council sent letters to ALL Council staff urging them to vote yes) but not so in Swansea where the no campaign was very strong. Let's hope that this vote opens up a sensible and well thought out discussion on the future of social housing in Wales.
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