Over 86% of council tenants and leaseholders, who took part in a recent consultation, agreed that housing management services should be brought back in-house under the direct control of the council.
Tower Hamlets Council carried out a consultation on the future of services for people living in council homes, including the option to bring Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) back in-house, between 24 October and 18 December 2022.
The consultation had a response rate of 12% of residents of council homes taking part. In addition, over 150 people gave their views at drop-in sessions, during webinars and by email or paper survey.
Council homes are currently managed by THH, an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) that was set up in 2008 to allow the borough to qualify for the government’s Decent Homes fund, which ended in 2017.
The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
“Our tenants and leaseholders have spoken, and I am pleased that so many people chose to share their views with us. As a listening Mayor, I value what residents’ have to say and think their insight will help us improve housing services for the future.
“We are proud of the work undertaken by Tower Hamlets Homes over the past 14 years. However, I believe that bringing services back in-house will put housing at the forefront of the council and ensure that THH residents are getting the best service possible.”
The Council wants to ensure that housing and council services are joined-up to make it easier for residents to get what they need. It’s important that residents have a strong voice into the Council and their views are heard directly to help improve standards.
Bringing services back in-house will also help the Council provide services for the best value, and ensure it is closer to critical issues such as fire and building safety.
A final decision on whether to bring housing management services back in house will be debated and taken at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 22 February 2023.
The consultation summary report is available to read at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/talkhousing
Posted on Tuesday 24th January 2023