Information on Loughborough

Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing

Posted on 05/12/2007
P. Klein

ALMO

THE management of Charnwood Borough Councils 6,000 homesin Loughborough and the rest of Charnwood has changed hands - and the switch could unlock a £35m cash boost for repairs and improvements.

Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing (CNH) has now taken control of the 5,495 tenanted and 266 leasehold homes in the Borough.

The new company was set up as part of the Councils bid to create an ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation) which could generate millions of pounds of Government cash to carry out improvements.

It marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for housing in the Borough - and residents have been praised for playing their part in the switch.

The Councils bid to set up Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing received the backing of 73.38 per cent of tenants and leaseholders surveyed - with a further 21.89 per cent unsure but interested in the proposals.

Ian Saville, Charnwood Neighbourhood Housings Chief Executive, said: "Tenants and leaseholders can now look forward to a new beginning and new opportunities because Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is set to attract up to an extra £35m for repairs and improvements to homes.

"Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is committed to significantly improving and delivering a quality service and we have developed detailed plans to achieve this.

Inspectors will look at how Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is delivering housing services and award stars depending on how good they think it is.

Eileen Mallon, Charnwoods Director of Housing and Health, said the Council would still have a key role to play.

She added "We will be monitoring the performance and progress of Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing in delivering a quality service to tenants.

"Setting rents, allocations and waiting lists plus housing strategy and policies will also be the responsibility of the Council.

Ann Watkinson, a tenant member of Charnwood Neighbourhood Housings Board said: "This will be the start of a new and exciting time for everyone involved in Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing, the Board, the staff and, most importantly, the tenants.

Cllr David Slater, Charnwood Borough Councils Cabinet Member for Housing and Health and Conservative Councillor for Quorn & Mountsorrel Castle, said the switch to Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing will be a momentous occasion.

He added: "The Board and staff of Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing will be dedicated to driving forward improvements, raising performance and working towards achieving a two star inspection rating from the Audit Commission.