Warrington BC achieves first with housing stock transfer

Warrington Borough Council is understood to have become the first council in the country with an arms length management organisation to sign over all its stock to a housing association.

The local authority has transferred its 8,700 homes to Golden Gates Housing, which has changed to become a not-for-profit registered provider of social housing called Golden Gates Housing Trust.  The move follows 91.9% vote in favour among tenants back in April.

The council claimed the transfer would improve homes but also generate £105m in investment over the next five years.

Cllr Ian Marks, Warrington’s leader, said: “I have always believed that signing over to a housing trust would be the best course of action for our tenants, and so am delighted that what is happening has the support of all parties. This has been a fantastic team effort and the result is hugely beneficial to both tenants and the local economy.”

Peter Mercer, chief executive of GGH, said: “This is a massive boost to housing in the borough which in a time of recession is fantastic news. It will affect around 20,000 people in our 8,700 homes, with investment beginning immediately. This means that modern kitchens and bathrooms, as well as double glazing, can be installed over the next five years.”