Frequently asked questions

Q: Who is L&Q?
A: L&Q is a Registered Social Landlord, otherwise known as a housing association. We manage over 50,000 homes in London and the South East. We were inspected by the Audit Commission in March 2006 and rated as a good 2 star service with excellent prospects for improvements.

Q: What will we be building?
A: We will provide all existing residents with:

• 2, 3 or 4 bed family homes according to their need
• wheelchair-standard bungalows designated for those with registered disabilities
• over 55’s accommodation for those who are interested
• individual private garden with sheds for all houses and bungalows
• individual car parking for every home
• highly insulated homes and efficient heating systems to reduce heating costs
• street layout to minimise traffic and to create pedestrianised areas

Proposal for the new Excalibur estate

Q: How many homes are being built?
A: More homes will need to be built to fund the cost of regenerating the area.
We intend to build new homes to replace those for existing residents. To help pay for this we will be building additional flats for sale, shared ownership and equity ownership. The Estate density and building heights will be similar to that of surrounding areas and will be within that designated by the Council’s planners for this location. Current proposals are to increase the number of homes from186 to around 460.

Q: I’ve heard that L&Q are only in it for a profit?
A: L&Q is run as a not-for-profit business and is registered as a charitable organisation. Any surplus it makes is ploughed back into the organisation to maintain existing homes and services and provide new homes.

Q: Will my housing benefit be affected?
A: No. If the transfer goes ahead, your housing benefit will not be affected.

Q: Will I lose any of my key rights?
A: No. If the proposed transfer from Lewisham Council to L&Q goes ahead, all Secure Tenants would become Assured Tenants. This is a similar type of tenancy and the tenancy agreement will contain all of the key rights that you have now.

Residents will KEEP:

• Preserved Right to Buy
• Right to pass on your home (succession)
• Right to be consulted
• Right to repair
• Right to assign your tenancy
• Right to sub-let (with our permission)
• Right to carry out improvements (with our permission)
• Right to information

Residents GAIN:

• The right not to have your tenancy agreement changed without your written consent
• If you succeed to your home, you gain an automatic right to pass it on when you die to someone who qualifies

Q: When will the ballot happen?
A: The ballot will take place late in 2008 or early 2009. Before this happens all tenants will receive an Offer Document from Lewisham Council which will set out in detail what will be offered to residents if they decide to transfer to L&Q. The Offer Document is legally binding and will outline the stock transfer redevelopment plans as well as the standards that can be expected from L&Q.

Q: When will L&Q take over
A: If there is a positive ballot, this will be followed by a process of legal negotiations between the council and L&Q which usually takes about six months. This means the actual transfer would take place in summer 2009.

For further information please contact the Stock Transfer Team on 0800 988 8242.

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