Middlesbrough transfer not shelved

Middlesbrough has secured a place on the 2003 stock transfer programme, and we have every intention of putting the proposals to our tenants within the agreed timescale ("Middlesbrough shelves stock transfer plan", 1 August, page 11).

The delay is simply due to the requirement for Middlesbrough council to have a better understanding of its financial position after transfer because it is not receiving any receipt as part of the transfer, and as a result of its current public-private partnership contract which will still be in force for several years after transfer.

This does not equate to a plan to "shelve" the transfer but to ensure that the transfer, if it takes place, is the right outcome for all partners.