North East council gains resident backing for ALMO closure

John Adams, cabinet member for housing at Gateshead Council, said: “The message is clear, current tenants and leaseholders would welcome a change of management of council housing.

“Their feedback from the consultation confirms tenants and leaseholders are looking for a direct voice with the Council.

“They are also looking to agree ways in which we can bring about improvements to key services such as repairs, tackling anti-social behaviour and improving the quality of the environment around their home.”

Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “We’ve been determined to listen to a wide range of views on what our future housing services could look like.

“I welcome the feedback from tenants and leaseholders and look forward to developing a new housing service that will bring about the improvements needed for tenants, as well as help to address important priorities such as health, the environment and tackling inequality.”

TGHC has been managing and maintaining Gateshead’s housing stock since 2004 and is one of 29 ALMOs operating in England after a series of closures since 2009, when there were nearly 70.

Kirklees Council decided to shut down its ALMO earlier this month, while East Kent Housing was also recently wound up.

Northwards Housing, which manages homes on behalf of Manchester City Council, is also set for closure.