You don't need to ask us twice

Isn't it sad that, despite more than 20 years of pressure from the government to involve tenants in decision-making on the management of their homes, that when tenants start making informed decisions it is assumed that, somehow, despite all the information and support provided to tenants they just don't understand the transfer issue.

"Councils forced to ask for transfer a second time" (1 August, page 11) lists a number of local authorities that may be going back a second time to ballot tenants either with the same question or, as in the case of Birmingham, with a different set of options. This seems partly to be as a result of views in the councils themselves and partly through the wishes of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Regardless of where we might sit on the benefits or drawbacks of stock transfer, why can't it be accepted that the views of the majority of tenants, taken through a properly informed debate and an inclusive ballot, are not only valid but also central to the decision. If, even after being offered all the sweeteners, they still want to remain with their current landlord, that decision ought to be accepted.