West Northamptonshire Council's cabinet has voted to bring back in-house the management of 11,500 social homes.
The proposals called for the homes to be returned to council control from Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO).
Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing at West Northamptonshire Council, said: ‘This is a significant decision that would allow us to simplify governance, deliver better value for money and, most importantly, ensure our residents continue to receive a safe, responsive and accountable housing service.’
Whilst NPH’s duties include repairs, maintenance and housing development services, a review by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) last year reportedly identified the organisation’s ‘serious failings’ in adhering to home quality and safety standards.
Ahead of the meeting, the council outlined three management plan options for the homes, the third of which proposed adopting a ‘phased approach’ to the shift of operational duties, within a two-year period from June 2025 to June 2027.
Following cabinet members approval of the council’s recommendations, it has been confirmed that a ‘robust implementation plan’ will be devised to ensure the transition is ‘structured and collaborative’ and does not interfere with service delivery.
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