John Leech argued that it is unfair that under the present system leaseholders do not get a vote on transfers, but have to foot their share of the bill for subsequent improvements agreed by the new housing companies. This issue will be particularly relevant to many of John Leech's constituents when the option of transferring South Manchester's council housing stock to a new housing company, Southways, is put to a vote soon.
"Leaseholders get a raw deal when it comes to the transfer of council housing stock to new housing companies. They do not get a say in the transfer, but have to pay up for improvements that the new company may want to make. That is undemocratic and there needs to be a change in the rules to give leaseholders a voice."