Housing transfer marks key move

HAND-over . . . (from left) council leader Howard Sykes, Barbara Bebbington (FCHO tenant), Cath Green (FCHO chief executive), Councillor John McCann (Cabinet member for regeneration and environment) and Harry Burns (FCHO chairman)

OWNERSHIP and management of the council’s housing stock is now in the hands of First Choice Homes.

The housing association received a transfer of around 12,000 homes from the council, marking an historic day for housing in Oldham.

The move means FCHO can now start to deliver the £149million investment programme which 86 per cent of tenants voted in favour of in April, 2010.

Work will now begin to bring homes up to the standard tenants said they wanted to see and there will be extra investment in estates and the environment.

Tenants will soon receive full details of planned work for the first five years.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said: “The completion of the housing stock transfer is an historic day for housing in Oldham. The transfer consultation, which was huge, resulted in an overwhelming vote in favour of FCHO becoming the new landlord and unlocking many millions of pounds to modernise homes and estates.

“This comes at a time when the construction industry is facing major challenges and it will mean a massive boost for the local economy.

“Oldham Council is looking forward to working in partnership with FCHO for the good of the whole borough and creating estates that become addresses of choice.”

Cath Green, FCHO’s new chief executive, said: “Everyone at FCHO is determined to make a real impact.

“We are ready to start delivering new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and electrical rewires from day one.

“Our customers will be at the heart of everything we do. We want to work together with our tenants and partners to create high-quality homes, neighbourhoods and estates we can be proud of.

“That means more than improvements to bricks and mortar. We will be investing in tackling anti-social behaviour, for example, and identifying improvements that tenants want to see on their estates — such as better lighting, paths and fences.

“We want to transform estates into neighbourhoods where people feel they belong and are proud to call home.”

Harry Burns, chairman of the board of FCHO, added: “I have been a member of the board for many years and it really is great news to see the official transfer go through.

“It means we can continue to have a strong organisation which is adequately funded to meet tenants’ needs and aspirations. I am now very much looking forward to a new beginning for housing.”