Housing chief to retire after 30-year career

PETER Fitzhenry, managing director of Warrington’s Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT), part of North West housing group Torus, is to retire this spring.
His departure follows a successful 30-year career which has seen him embrace influential roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
He said: “I have been with GGHT for 12 years, had a long and varied career in housing and played an active role in the creation of new group, Torus. I hope that Torus, GGHT and Helena continue to grow, thrive and make a difference in the lives of the people and communities they serve.”
Peter will be replaced by former GGHT colleague and current managing director of Helena Partnerships, Angela Perry.
Angela, who has a career spanning more than 20 years in the housing sector, was GGHT’s director of property services until April last year. Under her supervision a £105m investment programme was undertaken in Warrington transforming homes and neighbourhoods.
When GGHT joined forces with Helena to form Torus, Angela took the helm at Helena as MD. Moving forward, her position as MD will straddle the housing operations of both GGHT and Helena.
GGHT chairman Roy Smith said: “Peter has been an outstanding leader at GGHT. His passion for social housing, his commitment to our tenants and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the benefits system will be greatly missed.
“Having worked with Angela on the board of GGHT for seven years, I know that she has the personal qualities and the skills to take GGHT forward as part of the Torus group.”
The management changes come at a time when housing associations up and down the country are operating under growing pressure.
Government aims to reduce the housing benefit bill, mean that housing associations will be reducing their rents by 1 per cent a year over the next four years. This significantly reduces the income of groups like Torus and their ability to finance much needed affordable housing in the region.
Torus group chief executive, Rob Young explains: “Like other housing groups, last year’s summer budget has had a profound impact on our plans. However, Torus’ original vision to provide affordable homes and support customers stands firm and, in spite of difficult times, we’re in a strong position.
“Last year we developed 172 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership and are currently on site in Latchford developing a further 104 homes. In April, as part of a regeneration programme in Dallam and Bewsey, we’ll begin the construction of 24 two bed houses and bungalows.
Together, as Torus, GGHT and Helena are stronger and better placed to build homes, improve homes and enhance opportunities for people throughout the region.”