This report makes a comprehensive case for the 4th Option for council investment. Council housing is a socially important housing tenure. It is democratically accountable, has a range of economic benefits and provides access to affordable housing. Even within the government’s own rules for public spending, there is ample room to deliver the needed investment to correct 30 years of under-investment and marginalisation, especially if government subsidies for Large Scale Voluntary Transfer and PFI are diverted into direct investment. Arms Length Management Organisations introduced by the government as a third way for council housing, are in reality a stepping stone to privatisation. (Centre for Public Services, May 2004)
