Council homes move approved

OLDHAM Council is on the brink of handing over almost 12,000 houses to First Choice Homes Oldham.

Cabinet last night gave the thumbs up to transfer the majority of its social housing stock to the organisation, marking an end to three years of planning.

The transfer will go ahead on January 17, subject to approval at next Wednesday’s full council meeting, and formal consent from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The move follows a ballot in April this year, which showed residents were resoundingly in favour of the proposed transfer of almost 12,000 homes and other property to FCHO.

They include 11,933 homes, 472 leased flats and maisonettes, 68 shops, 83 other leased properties such as shops and gardens, 972 garages, and 427 ground rents from houses and bungalows sold before the right-to-buy. Detailed consultation took place before and after the ballot with residents, members, leaseholders, employees and other stakeholders.

FCHO is currently owned by Oldham Council, but will convert to a not-for-profit Registered Provider of social housing before next month’s transfer.

Since FCHO was established in 2002 it has twice been rated a “two-star” performer by independent assessors.

The council say tenants have been at the heart of the process throughout, and played a key role in producing the council’s offer upon which the transfer is based.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said: “I am delighted that the last milestones have now been reached.

“The benefits of this project for tenants and for the whole borough are dramatic and far-reaching.

“It will unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of funds to carry out important home and neighbourhood improvements.

“This will give Oldham’s economy a massive boost,” he added.