Shapps Gives Backing to New ALMO Set Up in His Own Backyard

The first ALMO to be set up since July 2008 has received the backing of Housing Minister Grant Shapps. Welwyn Hatfield Community Housing Trust will manage the properties of 9,300 tenants and 1,200 leaseholders in Mr Shapps' own parliamentary constituency. Developed after a process of extensive consultation with council residents and members of the wider community, the Trust aims to give its tenants a greater say over the housing services they receive and decisions that affect them. Featuring a unique community-focused remit, the organisation will provide a number of services beyond those traditionally offered by ALMOs including a greater emphasis on community and neighbourhood initiatives. As a result, The Trust’s antisocial behaviour team will be given a much greater role within the organisation to engage communities through education programmes, youth initiatives and greener neighbourhood schemes. Welwyn Hatfield Community Housing Trust will follow the ALMO board structure and will join the National Federation of ALMOs but the organisation will not be seeking Decent Homes funding. Read more on 24dash.