Council houses to come back ‘in house’ in January

Bury Council is to take over the running of its 7,700 homes from Six Town Housing on 15 January.

The move was approved in principle earlier this year, and has now been ratified by members of the council’s cabinet. An independent survey showed that tenants were also in favour of the switch.

Six Town Housing was set up as an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO) in 2003. With its own board and staff, it has been responsible for the day-to-day running of the council’s housing stock since then, from collecting rents to carrying out repairs.

Councillor Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services, said: “There have been significant changes in regulation and new legislation, and the council feels this is a necessary move to improve and integrate services to our tenants and residents and improve the quality of our housing and estates.”

Improvements have already been made since the initial decision, such as the opening of a reception desk at the town hall for tenants to discuss issues face to face. Plans are also being made for investment into the stock over the next few years.

Following consultation, the aim is to transfer Six Town staff over to the council under TUPE arrangements.

Robin Lawler, chair of Six Town Housing, said: “Six Town Housing has delivered housing services to tenants on behalf of Bury Council for 15 years. With changes in housing regulation and legislation, returning the housing management to the council in January will ensure that resources are strengthened to ensure that tenants receive an excellent service. I would like to pass on the thanks of the board to STH staff for their hard work and commitment to customer service, which I’m sure will be maintained within the council.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 8 November 2023.