07 May 2004
A top-performing arm's-length management organisation has drawn up plans to sell services to other council-owned housing companies.
Derby Homes, one of just four Almos to gain three stars from the Audit Commission, already manages properties for a housing association with almost 100 homes in Derby.
Later this month, Derby City Council will consider proposals for it to act as a consultant for Almos set up by other local authorities.
Phil Davies, director of Derby Homes, said other Almos could learn from its experience of dealing with private contractors and managing accounts. He said: 'The original concept of Almos was to run existing stock, but it is exciting to branch out and work with other housing providers.'
The extra income will help to make up for lower management fees because of right-to-buy sales. Since 2002, Derby Homes' stock has fallen by 500 to 14,700.
Derby Homes also hopes to sign a contract to manage and maintain homes for a second registered social landlord, Northern Counties Housing Association, which has 200 properties in the city.
Last month, housing minister Keith Hill gave Almos permission to take on new responsibilities, including housing benefit. But although the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will announce this month which councils can set up Almos in round four, allocations will not be confirmed until after the Spending Review in July.
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