LEGAL ADVISORY SERVICE FOR THE HOUSING STOCK TRANSFER BALLOT PROCESS

Descriptions

Caerphilly County Borough Council currently has a housing stock of 10,984 properties, generating an annual revenue income of over £32.38m. As a result of a significant shortfall in resources to meet and maintain the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, Caerphilly County Borough Council has decided to ballot tenants for transfer of the housing stock to a new RSL based on the Community Mutual Model. The Legal Adviser will be required to work with other consultants who may be appointed by the Council, with officers, tenants and members of the Council and with the Shadow Board members of the prospective Registered Social Landlord. The Lead and Finance Consultant –Tribal - has already been appointed and the Independent Tenant Adviser – PS Consulting – has also been appointed. The Legal Adviser will be required to advise the Council, the proposed Registered Social Landlord and its Shadow Board and the Project Team (Housing Choices Team) in the period up to and including the formal tenants’ ballot.The Legal Advisor must have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislative and policy framework including the Welsh Assembly Government’s Stock Transfer Guidelines, the Community Housing Mutual model rules, the Stock Transfer Charter and Guidance for Tenants in Wales and the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded on 14th February 2011. Tenders should be submitted on the basis that the successful organisation has the capacity to commence working on the project by this date.