I WOULD like to try to reassure J. Taylor (Your Letters, June 27) over his concerns about the recommendation for the creation of an Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) to manage the borough's housing.
The Housing Stock Options Board which made the recommendation comprised tenant representatives (supported in the latter stages by an independent housing adviser), in addition to councillors from all three parties and a single Unison representative.
Members of the board undertook detailed examination of a very complex issue involving a multi-million pound investment to secure the future of Bury's 9,000 council-owned homes over the next 30 years. Board members visited neighbouring authorities to look at other options, including stock transfer to a housing association, the prospects for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) investment, and the likely outcome of continuing as we are. Additionally tenant members undertook their own independent visits.
Having considered a wide range of evidence, tenants representatives reached the same conclusion as the representatives of the three political parties and Unison, that an ALMO represented the best way forward. Many of those involved in the process recognised the potential benefits of a stock transfer to a housing association; however, after detailed analysis the ALMO option was preferred.
The future direction of Bury's housing stock does not end with the recommendation of the board. This recommendation needed to be approved by the council's executive on Wednesday evening. Tenants will then be further consulted prior to a bid being submitted to the Government at the end of September, for permission to establish an ALMO. Permission will be dependent on being able to demonstrate to independent inspectors that a major improvement in the quality of housing management has been achieved by early 2005.
Finally, if J. Taylor, or any other tenant, wants to read the full report of the board's deliberations, or see the report of the consultants, they can contact David Gillett on 0161 253 6813
COUNCILLOR
TIM CHAMBERLAIN,
executive member for
regeneration and housing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article