New deal for housing managers (From Leigh Journal)

New council deal for Wigan and Leigh Housing

7:20am Saturday 23rd March 2013 in News

A NEW 10 year deal has been struck between Wigan Council and Wigan and Leigh Housing which runs its social housing stock.

Councillors have approved the contract extension which also includes the option of a five year extension after a report found tenants were satisfied with how the organisation managed 22,000 properties and represented value for money.

Now they will work together on projects including building new homes, energy conservation and homelessness and create more specialist housing for those with specific care needs, widening training and employment opportunities and supporting those affected by welfare system reforms.

Clr Chris Ready, cabinet member for housing, said: “It is clear tenants are satisfied with the service they get from Wigan and Leigh Housing. They’re doing a good job. This new deal is good for them, good for the council and most importantly good for tenants. It offers stability and an opportunity to invest and plan for the long-term.”

Wigan and Leigh Housing was formed in 2002 as a not-for-profit, arm’s length management organisation. Since it took over running social housing in Wigan Borough performance has improved year-on-year. In 2002, 79 per cent of tenants said they were satisfied with their landlord. The latest survey results show satisfaction levels at 91 per cent.

Neil Turner, chairman of Wigan and Leigh Housing, said: “This new deal is a tremendous vote of confidence in the service we provide to our tenants. We’ve worked long and hard to improve the state of the housing stock, to develop new housing and to work with tenants to improve their communities. We’ve seen some great results and I think this new contract shows the faith the council has in us to continue to provide an excellent service.

“It’s a privilege to be entrusted with such an important asset as social housing. It is our intention to build on what we have achieved and make our communities even better places to live.”