The stock transfer programme is set to shrink, as fewer councils than last year come forward to join the ODPM's transfer list.
Early indications suggest the initial list – those who have lodged "expressions of interest" – could cover as few as 60,000 homes, about half as many as last year.

Councils expected to submit expressions of interest by the preliminary November 14 deadline include Preston, King's Lynn, Sedgefield and Stafford, with partial transfers in Newham and Tower Hamlets.

One source involved in the stock transfer process said he expected the initial list to grew more than 20% by the final deadline for applications to the ODPM, set for 19 December . He added that many councils had been forced to put off the decision of whether to go for stock transfer because they have got to complete their options appraisal..

The finalised list for the 2004 programme is expected to be made public in March.

It is not yet certain whether Birmingham, which failed in its 2002 bid for transfer, will apply for partial transfer of selected estates.

Source

Housing Today