Salford is considering transferring its social housing stock to Salix Homes in a bid to generate a £33m cash boost.
Salix Homes has been recommended as the prefered bidder to take over ownership of the 8,200 council properties. It is estimated the homes need around £700m investment over the next thirty years. As part of the agreement, £33m will be used in the first year to carry out improvements.
Gena Merrett, Salford’s assistant mayor for housing and environment, said: 'The panel was satisfied that Salix Homes, as a Registered Provider, could provide continued investment up to the standard needed, an improvement on services for residents, safer neighbourhoods and an increased customer involvement in the running of their homes.
‘Salix also gave clear commitments that there would be further opportunities for customers to be involved in running the organisation in the future, together with new employment and training opportunities for local residents, and that they would be able to attract more investment in the 8,200 properties from outside sources.’
If the City Mayor approves the proposal next month, a ballot will be put to housing tenants next year.
