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Former Nottingham Council housing director dies aged 86
Arthur Oscroft, former housing director at Nottingham City Council, has died at the age of 86.
Mr Oscroft joined the council in the 1970s and was appointed director of housing seven years later, where he presided over large-scale changes to the council’s housing strategy.
He implemented rehousing and demolition strategies to tackle unpopular high-density, system-built estates and replaced them with low-rise family-friendly developments.
Mr Oscroft also introduced neighbourhood management and a housing liaison team to build relationships between tenants and communities.
During his time as director of housing, Nottingham Council became one of the first housing departments to appoint a race and housing officer to tackle disadvantage and discrimination experience by BAME people accessing housing.
Mr Oscroft was a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and held a longstanding personal commitment to tackling homelessness as a board member for Framework, the homelessness prevention service. He was awarded an OBE for services to housing in 1995 and retired the same year.
Former council leader Graham Chapman was chair of housing committee in the first half of the 1990s and worked with Mr Oscroft for five years. Mr Chapman said: “Thanks to Arthur, a great deal was achieved, not least the demolition of some of the worst blocks of flats in the city and rebuilding on their sites.
“Arthur is responsible for quite a bit of the current city landscape. As much as his achievements, however, it is his personal values that I remember and appreciate. He was a real professional, with integrity and decency and care for the city. I am lucky to have known him and worked with him.”
Gill Bainbridge, the secretary of Bells Lane and Aspley Tenants and Residents Association, who worked with Arthur for many years, said: “Arthur Oscroft was a quiet, conscientious, caring man. He worked hard for quality of housing in Nottingham. He didn’t try to be your friend, but his demeanour gave the impression he cared for you and therefore was a friend.
“Arthur came out to meet his tenants when needed and also delegated to his staff effectively. His committed presence at housing committee was valued by members, staff and spectators alike. Men with such a passion for housing and doing the right thing come along rarely. A good man will be missed by many. Thank you, Nottingham owes you so much.”
Aileen Evans, president of the CIH, said Mr Oscroft had a “huge impact” on the people of Nottingham and her personally.
“The people and city of Nottingham and all those inspired by his vision to have fulfilling and rewarding careers in housing owe him a massive debt of gratitude.”
