Rochdale edges closer to first-ever mutual housing organisation

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council has decided to begin formal consultation with tenants on proposals for its arm’s length management organisation to become the first-ever mutual housing organisation owned by tenants and employees.

Should the transfer go ahead, it would see the ALMO – Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) – become a not-for-profit independent social landlord. The aim would then be that, within a maximum of 15 months, RBH would become a mutual housing organisation.

RBH would have a 31-member strong representative body, made up of tenants and employees as well as representatives of partner organisations such as the council. Tenants would be in the majority.

There would also be a board comprising two executive directors and eight non-executive directors (appointed by the representative body).

The council has estimated that the transfer would see around £169m invested in homes and estates in the first five years and around £685m over the next 30 years.

A spokesman for Rochdale MBC said: “The council has only just commenced the process of consulting its tenants and will, in the light of this, consider its next steps in due course.”

RBH meanwhile welcomed the council’s decision to launch a consultation. It said: “This decision is a real milestone on RBH’s journey to create a new and exciting future – for tenants, employees and the wider community. Over the coming months we will continue to work hard with tenants, employees and the council to move forward with our plans.”