To the point

HOUSING CLEAR-UP: My stance on the council house stock transfer has been misrepresented. The decision to have a ballot was proposed and seconded by Gravesham's Labour Leader and Deputy Leader at a council meeting on June 28. I supported the proposal because an independent report had given a clear warning how Gravesham Council would not have sufficient money to maintain the stock. I felt very strongly the tenants should have the right to decide their own future. Eighty five per cent of tenants who voted chose to retain the council, in spite of the forecast cash shortfall. I have pledged to respect this decision should we gain controld in the May elections. We will not seek another ballot or to transfer the houses. We have also pledged to try to repay the £780,000 taken from the housing funds by the Labour Cabinet to contribute to refurbishing the Civic Centre.