ALMO Takes On Extra Council Services

A North London ALMO is set to become the first in the country to take on additional council services following a landmark agreement with Barnet Council, which will also see it take on additional housing services. Barnet Homes will take responsibility for housing needs and resources services from 1 April 2012 and will also set up a new subsidiary to take on adult social care services from the council. Under the agreement, Barnet Homes will become responsible for advising customers on housing issues and assessing whether those who have, or about to, become homeless are eligible for housing in the private or social housing sector. They will also become responsible for maintaining the supply of these properties and for managing temporary accommodation. The switch of responsibility means that people will deal with one organisation only from the point of becoming homeless through to being housed. It will also cut costs by reducing duplication of tasks between Barnet Council and Barnet Homes. Read more on the Barnet Homes website.