Bury Council sets out next steps for Six Town Housing Limited

Bury Council is moving forward with its plan to formally close Six Town Housing Limited (STH), the organisation previously responsible for managing much of the borough’s social housing.

In February 2024, the council brought most of the 7,800 properties back under its direct management, but STH continued to own and manage 117 specialist social rent properties.

Last September the council decided to begin the process to close STH and secure a long-term future for these remaining homes.

The council has been undertaking detailed work to review the future of the STH portfolio. This has included an in-depth financial analysis which concluded that bringing these homes back into direct council ownership might not be the best viable option in the long term.

No decision has been made. The council is keeping all options open and is exploring the potential for these homes to be transferred to another Registered Provider of Social Housing (a housing association) as one possible way to ensure services continue to be delivered in a stable and sustainable manner.

Subject to Cabinet approval, the next step will be to begin a soft market testing exercise to understand the level of interest from potential partners and assess which organisations could provide high-quality services for tenants.

Councillor Ayesha Arif, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “There are no immediate changes to homes, tenancies or services and the council remains committed to the security and wellbeing of tenants.

“This work is focused on identifying the best long-term arrangements to ensure homes are well managed and services meet the standards tenants deserve.

“We recognise that this may feel like a significant new development and may cause uncertainty for tenants about what it means for them and their homes.

“If your landlord does change it will still be a regulated social landlord, overseen by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH); rent continue to be set in line with national social housing rules and services will continue as normal, with no break in provision.

“Bury Council and Six Town Housing Ltd will remain responsible for your home and services until a transfer is completed.

“The council will continue to keep tenants fully informed and involved as work progresses. There will be opportunities for residents to provide feedback and help shape future arrangements.

Further information, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available on the council’s website: https://www.bury.gov.uk/housing/housing-services/six-town-housing

The Cabinet report can be found: Browse meetings - Cabinet - Bury Council