21 April 2006
More than 40 local authorities that expect to meet the decent homes target without a change in management have set up a new body to lobby ministers.
The Association of Retained Council Housing held its inaugural general meeting in London on April 7. Once other councils have had their plans signed off by the government, membership of Arch could double.
A total of 98 councils told the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister last year that they hoped to bring their homes up to standard without a stock transfer or arm's-length management organisation, but not all have had their option appraisals approved.
Members of Arch, who are paying £1,000 to join the body, will push for changes to the housing subsidy system, as well as for equal treatment alongside councils with Almos.
'We don't want to be perceived as a minority group,' explained Brian Reilly, deputy director of housing at Wandsworth. 'Stock retention must be given a proper voice in discussions about the future of local authority housing. Large numbers of tenants are rejecting stock transfer and some are rejecting Almos as well.'
Among other councils playing a leading role in Arch are Broxstowe, Lincoln and Norwich. Others are waiting until after the local elections to decide whether to join.
The association will be officially launched in June at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference.
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