THE Assembly has approved the controversial transfer of more than 9,000 Neath Port Talbot Council homes to a new landlord.
Talks are now taking place between the authority and not-for-profit organisation NPT Homes ready for the switch to come into force on Monday, March 7.
But campaigners have said the decision should have been put on hold until a row over the release of information leading up to last year's make-or-break ballot was settled.
The Information Commissioner found against the authority for not releasing the addresses of council homes so the Defend Council Housing (DCH) campaign could send out literature. Neath Port Talbot is now appealing against that ruling.
A DCH spokesman said: "The transfer should not have gone ahead until the legal appeal is resolved one way or another.
"There is a billion pounds worth of public housing at stake.
"We think that until the legal appeal is resolved the foundations of the move are extremely shaky."
An Assembly Government spokesperson said: "The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all information distributed by local authorities on their stock transfer proposals enables tenants to make an informed choice.
"All information is checked for accuracy before it is sent to tenants. This process has taken place for every stock transfer during the term of this government, including the Neath Port Talbot ballot.
"The ballot was carried out independently by the Electoral Reform Service. We are satisfied that Neath Port Talbot Council has complied with procedural requirements concerning the conduct of the ballot, and residents were clearly and impartially informed of both the pros and the cons of stock transfer.
"Based upon the council's information, tenants were able to make an informed choice about the future of their homes.
"The majority of tenants who voted, voted in favour of the council's transfer proposals.
"There is no statutory requirement to hold 'yes' and 'no' campaigns, nor is there provision in the Housing Transfer Guidelines 2009 for such campaigns to take place during a stock transfer process.
"While the Deputy Minister has taken the decision of the Information Commissioner into account, it is a separate issue that is a matter between Defend Council Housing and Neath Port Talbot Council."
Neath Port Talbot councillors Martyn Peters and Keith Davies both opposed the hand-over.
Mr Davies said he was shocked the decision had been made while the appeal was pending.
"If the decision goes against the council it will find itself in a legal and democratic nightmare," added Mr Davies.
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