High Street Lettings Agency Debut for Council

An east London local authority has made its high street debut with its very own lettings agency.  Havering Council opened the doors this month of Liberty Housing in one of the borough’s busiest shopping areas, Hornchurch Town Centre. The new lettings agency will see council staff work with private landlords hoping to let out their properties to handpicked tenants. Landlords will then hand over management to the council in return for guaranteed market rents, even if a property remains empty. The council hopes that by encouraging more landlords to sign up to the scheme they can create more opportunities for local people struggling to access high quality private rented accommodation.  Read more on the Havering Council website.

Council to Bring ALMO Back In-House

Management of Havering Council’s housing stock has gone back in-house from October 1.  The Conservative-led London authority has scrapped its ALMO Homes in Havering. The council initially estimated the move would save up to £535,000 through the removal of duplication of functions, although it now puts the annual savings figure at £300,000. It also says the move will improve services as the council has greater direct control over housing management.  Read more on the Havering Borough website.

Council Set To Take ALMO Back In-House

Havering Council is set to take the management of its housing stock back in-house after consultation with tenants and leaseholders. More than 48% of residents who responded to the consultation said they would prefer to see the local authority take direct responsibility for the management of their homes, which has been the responsibility of ALMO Homes in Havering since 2006. The survey, carried out by Electoral Reform Services, showed that 32% wanted the housing stock to remain with the ALMO while the remaining 20% did not have a preference. A total of 5,832 residents responded to the consultation process, representing a turnout of 39.4%. The results will now form the basis of a report to Havering’s Cabinet, which will make a formal decision on the future management of the housing service at a meeting on March 21. Read more on the Havering Council website.