The Future part 2.....maybe,
So, a few weeks ago, RBH unveiled the first phase of the demolition and redevelopment of Lower Falinge. The deck access blocks are to be replaced by two bedroom houses. These homes are going to be 'rent to buy'. This means that homes are rented at an 'affordable' rent whilst a deposit is being saved, with the idea that this will eventually result in tenants becoming homeowners. The problem with this is that the providers offering mortgages for this new'product' are few and far between, and with significantly higher interest.

So not for the present residents, then, and not that likely to be taken up by the Rochdale resident who is maybe in low paid or zero hours work. 'Affordable' rent in these circumstances would seem to be a better option, at least locally, as there is more or less parity locally between private and social rented properties. But there is likely to be more demand than supply for these properties, as the emphasis will be, inevitably, on 'affordable' homes for sale - affordable that is to relatively comfortably off young professionals priced out of the Manchester market.

The underlying problem with all of this is that it isn't a consultation at all. It is a pretend consultation, intended to tick a box. The residents of Lower Falinge have been presented with this as being the only choices available. Demolition, and the vast majority of new homes beyond their reach,with the promise of a replacement in the area, if they wish to stay, but with less properties available.

And you may as well forget the problems being addressed by the present tenant representation structure, in partnership with employees who sometimes appear to be more concerned with addressing their own problems, with not much concern for tenants.

There is no independent tenant association representing tenants of RBH. This means no effective representation for tenants,as part of this faux mutual, where lip service is given to internal democracy, but where the choices given are determined by business, not tenants needs.

I propose that we need an independent social housing tenants organisation for Rochdale, to represent our interests. I also feel that a viable option for tenants could be true tenant controlled Co operatives. My honest opinion is that the present system cannot provide the housing we need, and one of the alternatives is to take control ourselves.

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