Struggling Council Considers Dissolving ALMO

Derby City Council is considering dissolving its ALMO, Derby Homes, and bringing its properties back in-house to cut costs.  The council has reported that it is experiencing "acute financial pressure as a consequence of the severe grant reductions by the coalition government".  Currently employing around 300 people, Derby Homes was set up in 2002 and manages 13,330 properties on behalf of the council.  A Derby Homes spokesperson said: "Derby Homes understands the current financial pressures faced by Derby City Council. The council has had to review all of its services and we accept that Derby Homes will be included as part of this process.  A review of housing services will soon be underway, led by Derby City Council, Derby Homes and a tenant representative. Details are still being worked out, but we hope that initial proposals in January will be followed by a consultation period and a firm proposal of the options by June 2013.”  Read more on 24dash.