Learning lessons from stock transfer: the challenges in delivering second stage transfer in Glasgow

Abstract

The 2003 housing stock transfer in Glasgow was designed to empower tenants through 'community ownership' of social housing. It involved a unique two-tier stock transfer process. From the outset, citywide housing management was devolved to a network of Local Housing Organisations. This was to be proceeded by further, smaller Second Stage Transfers in order that these organisations may own as well as manage their local housing stock. Implementing this political ambition has however been a fraught and difficult process. Indeed, more than five years on, few organisations have been able to realise their ambitions for local ownership through Second Stage Transfer. Drawing on recent empirical research, this paper seeks to outline progress to date, as well as emphasise the financial and organisational barriers that have undermined aspirations for community ownership in practice.