Huge cash injection if homes deal goes ahead

Promise of new double glazing, kitchens and heating for tenants

A SET of pledges to 12,000 First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) tenants, which could see £149million invested into homes and services, will be considered by Oldham Council’s Cabinet next week.

Tenants are currently being consulted on plans to transfer ownership of the council’s homes to FCHO, which would become a registered provider of social housing, owning and managing their properties.

If transfer goes ahead, £149 million will be invested in homes and services over the next five years – significantly more than Oldham Council can afford.

The Draft Offer Document – which details the proposed improvement programme to be delivered by FCHO – will now be discussed by Cabinet on September 9.

The Offer Document contains promises to tenants that transfer would deliver:

Complete double glazing in 11,000 homes.

5,500 new kitchens and bathrooms.

Electrical improvements in 5,500 homes.

A total of 4,026 new heating systems.

New fencing and gates for 2,800 homes.

The report recommends that Cabinet approves the Offer Document.

Tenants would then get to vote on the proposals in a secret ballot during the autumn.

The transfer would only proceed if the majority of votes cast are in favour of the scheme.

The proposal would involve the full transfer of those properties to FCHO, unlocking greater sustained long term investment.

It would continue to be run by a local management board, comprising tenants, independent members and council nominees.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for Community Services and Housing, said: “Oldham Council has been working closely with tenants to develop our Draft Offer and to ensure that it reflects their priorities for homes, neighbourhoods and services.

“Subject to Cabinet approval, further visits will be made to all tenants to deliver the Draft Offer document and to seek their views.”