Housing team short-listed for national award

Oldham Council’s Housing team has been short-listed for a national award.

The service has made the final three in the housing and regeneration category of the Guardian Public Sector awards 2010 for its innovative downsizing project.

The scheme helps people who are living in houses that have become too big for them as their circumstances have changed — such as after their children have left home.

By identifying suitable smaller properties to move into with local housing providers, the scheme frees up family homes where there is a significant local demand.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said: “This initiative has brought all the housing providers in the borough to work together so that citizens are not left stranded in large houses paying high utility bills and heating empty rooms.

“At the same time, many families are living in cramped and unsuitable accommodation and desperately need larger homes which we can now provide.

“There is limited social accommodation in the borough and it is vital that the council and its housing partners work together to ensure that the right people get the the right homes, which this scheme does extremely well.”

The winners will be announced on November 23, at a ceremony in London.

Oldham Council last won a Guardian Public Sector award in 2004 for its recognition and support to staff serving in the Reserve Forces or Emergency Services.