8,700 homes signed over

CHEERS and applause filled the council chamber at Warrington Town Hall as the borough council’s 8,700 homes were signed over to Golden Gates Housing Trust.
It was an historic occasion as Warrington is the first council in the country with an arms length management organisation to sign over all its housing stock.
Leader of the council Ian Marks said: “I have always believed that signing over to a housing trust would be the best course of action for our tenants, and so am delighted that what is happening today has the support of all parties. This has been a fantastic team effort and the result is hugely beneficial to both tenants and the local economy.”
In April tenants voted overwhelmingly in favour of transferring ownership to Golden Gates Housing, with a 91.9 per cent “yes” vote. This now becomes Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT), a not for profit registered provider of social housing.
Tenant and deputy chairman of the board of management is Francine Murray.
She said: “After three years of hard work by tenants and everyone else involved this is a wonderful ending. It will provide for the needs of all tenants and I am absolutely delighted it has gone ahead.”
The transfer will not only improve homes to modern standards at affordable rents, but will generate £105 million of investment in the next five years, and around £530 million over 30 years.
The council’s chief executive Diana Terris said: “I am delighted that tenants will soon see the benefit of the extra funds. I must say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved, in particular the tenants who have been key in making this transfer possible.”
Peter Mercer, chief executive of GGHT, said: “This is a massive boost to housing in the borough which in a time of recession is fantastic news. It will affect around 20,000 people in our 8,700 homes, with investment beginning immediately. This means that modern kitchens and bathrooms, as well as double glazing, can be installed over the next five years.”
John Kerr-Brown, chairman of Golden Gates Housing added his thanks to the council for its ongoing support and said that work has already begun on improving homes with new windows, doors and security lighting.
Pictured at top: Officers and residents celebrate the transfer. Left (left to right): Coun Ian Marks, Diana Terris, Peter Mercer, John Kerr-Brown and Fran Murray.