Security will be paramount
THAT Josie Derrick (Jan 26) is no longer a Sheffield Homes board member could well explain why she appears to have had difficulty in understanding my letter.
Changes are afoot over Almos and decisions about remaining or returning to the council must be based on the future not the past.
Some Almos are already morphing into something akin to housing associations, building homes and looking to rely, in part, on private finance with all its insecurities. With new self-financing rules and growing independence many may follow suit. With no properties as assets these loans must surely be secured on rental stream. As Almos progress, it’s a worry that they are becoming a mere stone’s throw from stock transfer should things go wrong!
Neither council nor Almo will be immune to stringent cuts imposed by the Government but for many tenants security will be paramount.
Mary Steele
Allotment charge increases
ARE the increase in allotment charges and the proposal to further hike the charges another example of this council’s policy of consulting with people?
When they do, it is with loaded questions so they can read whatever they like into the replies.
The report to the council gives two examples of other authorities where the standard charge is more expensive. Did the people who compiled the report check where on this league table Sheffield lies in relation to the average cost per sq metre per allotment?
Ddid they check what facilities or assistance those councils provide for allotment tenants?
Have they read reports that many tenants are on the verge of giving up allotments due to the high levels of theft, not only of produce but tools and equipment?
Instead of raising prices, improve facilities and security. Sack these overpaid people who compile these reports.
Michael Cartwright
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Comments
There are 7 comments to this article
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Reason
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:00 AMScatch - hiding behind anonymous postings ??? Really?? What you mean is that the few people who bothered to turn up to vote at the local elections, voted for the current regime - it is the apathy of the citizens of Sheffield that put this current regime in power, not the will of the people. There is a slight difference. I stand by my remarks - they are not experienced enough to run such a large business and should step aside and let the professionals carry on. By the way, democracy is all well and good if it is shown to be just that - There is nothing about democracy in Dore and her cronies policies. They have consistently shown that they will decide something and then make the pretence of asking the people of Sheffield what they would like. Democracy? don't make me laugh.
seenitall
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 03:42 PM#5 and how many of our elected representatives actually put themselves forward out of altruism ,and how many are local constituency party lackeys? In my small experience I find there are far more of the latter than the former!
scratch`
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 10:50 AMReason #1 - don't have a very high opinion of democracy do you? All elected representatives are automatically half-wits with no skills, experience or savvy, are they - odd that doesn't seem to be the opinion of the voters. At least they don't hide behind anonymous postings on web sites, but put themselves forward in print & in public forums, to be questioned and challenged.
Zap
Monday, January 30, 2012 at 07:33 PMfully agree Jose - we need the full facts to make an 'informed' decision - nothing more
Zap
Monday, January 30, 2012 at 07:32 PMMary - a yes vote for the city council will deliver it into the hands of capita - and you know what a reputation they hold. It is a big decision and currently the council are not telling tenants the whole story - why?
jose342
Monday, January 30, 2012 at 01:59 PMIn answer to Mary Steele. You say we have to look to the future, I agree, but I don't think you can do that without all the facts and a view from both sides. You are assuming SOME almo's are morphing into housing associations and many MAY follow suit. There is nothing written that says the almo is heading that way, again there is no proof. I agree some almos formed co-operatives to run their homes, but that was voted in by that council's tenants. I just want tenants to be given the FACTS by both the council and the almo, so that tenants can make their own minds up on the information given. Whether people go with the almo or the council, all our homes are still owned by the council and still have security of tenure. The fact is Sheffield Homes is a management company, and have managed our homes very well, So please do not be condescending in assuming I am out of touch, because I have kept up to date on housing issues and if you read my letters, they are based on facts and not what may or may not happen.
Reason
Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12:20 PMYou are so right Ms Steele....we should always look to the future and it the ALMO is the way ahead....they are run by true professionals, not some halfwit like councillors Dore and Harpham. How any system in the world could put total novices in any subject, in charge of housing policy and procedures leaves me aghast. Just because they were voted in as a councillor does not give them the necessary skills, experience or savvy to run such a huge business. There is nothing wrong with stock transfer of housing to ALMOs or Housing Associations, nor indeed complete 'buy outs' buy the private sector....just so long as there are strong and robust laws to protect the rights of tenants. Don't believe everything you hear coming out of the Town Hall.
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