Three-star service

Cherwell Housing Trust has not removed the statutory right to buy from any future or current resident of the Webbs Close estate, or the Jordan Hill estate.

It does not have the power to do so.

The right to buy legislation determines who can and cannot buy their homes.

To summarise, the position for tenants is as follows: The Right to Buy legislation applies only to those with a secure tenancy awarded before 1989, living in a property whose landlord either owns the freehold, or, if the landlord is the leaseholder, has a leasehold interest exceeding 21 years in the case of a house, or 50 years in the case of a flat.

Under that legislation, as it currently stands, no future tenant would qualify for the statutory right to buy.

Tenancies granted after January 15, 1989, for housing association tenants are Assured Tenancies, irrespective of whether the association is charitable or non-charitable.

As Mr Knight has pointed out, Cherwell Housing Trust has honoured the right of any existing eligible secure tenant of Cherwell Family Housing Association Limited to retain that right following its transfer to the trust.

Cherwell Housing Trust chose to continue with that Right to Buy option because it realised the situation was inequitable.

Mr Knight is aware of the position because this matter was raised at the time of transfer during the consultation period with residents.

Our staff are committed to achieving a three-star service.

Cherwell Housing Trust was awarded its one-star rating as the Audit Commission recognised its significant improvement in service.

We will continue to strive towards providing the excellent service our tenants deserve.

NICHOLAS YEELES Chief Executive Cherwell Housing Trust