Residents and homeowners have given a resounding vote of confidence in Leathermarket JMB, with 92% voting in favour of the JMB continuing to run their homes for the next five years. The turnout was 68.4%
The result of the ballot – run by independent election company ERS – was annouced at the JMB offices today (1 November) by Cllr Ian Wingfield, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council and Executive Member for housing.
Holding the results envelope, Cllr Wingfield joked that this was “like the Oscars” (pictured left, watched nervously by JMB Manager, Andy Bates). On hearing the strength of the vote and the levels of satisfaction expressed he added “I’m sure there’s a lot Southwark Council could learn from Leathermarket JMB.”
JMB Chair John Paul Maytum added: “Fifteen years ago a group of people had a dream that they could get the housing services they deserved by standing together, working with staff and fellow residents.
“I’m delighted to say that dream – and the hard work of many other people past and present has been reconfirmed by this vote. The hard work starts again now.”
In the second question on the ballot, residents and homeowners were asked about their satisfaction with the JMB’s services. 88% of voters said they were satisfied with the JMB’s services.
> Read the summary of the voting
About the Ballot
A five-yearly vote is a key requirement of the law governing how resident-managed housing organisations, such as Leathermarket JMB, operate. Every JMB member is given a chance to vote. JMB Members are those people whose name is on the tenancy agreement or on the lease (if they are a home owner). This includes property companies and other landlords who do not live in their JMB home.
The results of the voting are broken down between the three groups of JMB members:
- Tenants of the JMB
- People who have bought and live in their homes (Resident Leaseholders)
- People who have bought a JMB home and rent it out to someone else (Non-resident Leaseholders)