I READ with interest your article concerning tenants moving into St George’s Court, Tiverton.

Although I am very much in favour of the provision of more social housing I do feel that it needs to be provided in an open, honest and cost effective way.

It says The development, which began construction in August 2018, was built as part of the council’s ambition to increase social housing. Although it may be the line being put out by the current administration – it is just not true.

St George’s Court was supposed to be an “exemplar” development of market housing which would be sold to make a profit to assist the council finances.

There was to be no affordable or social housing in this development and I am sure that some local people will recall being assured of that fact.

When it was obvious that there was little interest from the public in buying the properties, the future of 3 Rivers needed to be resolved.

The council sought external independent advice as to the future of 3 Rivers Development Limited. Terms of reference were agreed in March 2023 between the then Cabinet and senior officers which led to the Francis Clark Report.

It was in this report that members of the current administration would have first seen the suggestion/recommendation that this site could be used for social housing. That was certainly not considered by the original elected members when seeking the report.

Freedom of Information requests were sought to see the terms of reference used and although responses were received on other matters the request for the Terms of Reference appeared to be ignored until the Information Commissioner intervened.

It was then found that the Deputy Chief Executive had inserted an additional paragraph into the Terms of Reference making the suggestion to use the flats for social housing.

The current administration agreed to let the flats for Over 60’s housing. The site was bought for well over £8 million which was over true market value but still did not recover the amount loaned to build the site.

Well over £100.000 has been spent on the site to make it suitable for elderly tenants, taking out bathrooms and putting in showers, changing flooring and other adjustments which are not publicly known.

Yes we have more social housing but the age limit has already been dropped to try and let them and one has to ask - what price does this administration is put on honesty and telling the truth?

Barry G J Warren

Cherry Close

Willand