Tenants in Gateshead have pledged support for an arm's-length management organisation.
Research done by MRUK Social Research for the council found that 64% of 1250 Gateshead residents surveyed were in favour of applying for arm's-length status.

Gateshead council estimates that ALMO status will bring it £232m of extra funding by 2010 for its 24,000 tenants, more than trebling the £98m it is set to receive via the housing investment programme in that period.

Bill Fullen, director of neighbourhood operations for Gateshead, said he was gratified by the results of the survey.

He said: "Gateshead council is committed to keeping tenants and leaseholders well informed.

"We have felt since the start of the process that we want residents to clearly understand it is not about 'privatisation' or something to be feared – and that such an organisation would bring enormous benefits to thousands of local people.

"The information we have been giving people has been reassuring them that they would remain council tenants, and would keep all of their existing rights, including the right to buy."

Source

Housing Today