Millions to be spent on homes

MILLIONS of pounds will be spent on Warrington’s 8,800 council homes as a result of the decision to transfer the properties to a registered social landlord.
The decision – revealed by Warrington-Worldwide a week ago – represents a major milestone in securing the best possible future for council housing in the borough, according to Town Hall bosses.
It should ensure that all the properties are brought up to meet modern standards for the next 30 years.
But Golden Gates Housing, the team that has already done so much to improve Warrington’s houses over the last few years, will remain in place – transformed into a registered social landlord.
All this is subject to tenants voting in favour of the change next year. But the housing options panel set up by the council has based its recommendations on the views of tenants so a rejection seems unlikely.
The transfer will result in a multi million pound cash injection to make the necessary improvements to the homes, including works to bathrooms, kitchens, roofs and disabled adaptations.
The first five years will see an investment of £113 million, rising to just under £530 million, which equates to an average of £60,000 per property, over a 30 year period.
Coun Bob Barr, (pictured) the council’s executive member for planning, regeneration and housing, said: “This is about improving homes for the people that live in them and the response from tenants and their willingness to get involved in this project has been outstanding.
“This decision represents a positive step in securing the best possible future for council housing and delivering decent homes for our residents.”
The borough council will be asked to confirm the proposals later this month and they will then be submitted to the Government Office North West for final approval.
More details are available at www.warrington.gov.uk/housing and click on ‘housing options appraisal, or from the housing options appraisal team on 0800 952 9942.