Haringey to in-source housing services after resident feedback

Housing services will be brought back under direct management of Haringey Council, after residents overwhelming backed the move.

The Cabinet agreed in July to a test of opinion on proposals designed to ensure tenants and leaseholders receive the best possible service, and 81% of residents welcomed the new arrangements during the eight-week consultation.

Homes for Haringey is currently responsible for the day-to-day managements of more than 20,000 council-owned homes in the Borough including housing repairs, leaseholder services and housing management.

The Council hopes that bringing Housing Demand services back in-house will enable closer alignment with the Council’s social care and housing-related support services, as well as providing a more efficient and joined up service.

Work will start soon with the aim of bringing Homes for Haringey’s operations in-house during 2022.

Cllr Julie Davies, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Corporate Services, said: ‘Homes for Haringey have been at the heart of our community for 15 years and we are very proud of the service they have provided to the borough. However, with our commitment to deliver 3,000 brand new council homes by 2032, now is the right time to bring the service in-house so we can better integrate this ambitious building programme with housing management and maintenance services.

‘With changes in regulation and accountability coming through proposed legislation, we also have an opportunity to strengthen the resident voice and place the full range of housing services at the heart of our efforts to improve outcomes for all our residents. We have heard from many residents, the vast majority of whom supported our proposals.  Now we are ready to implement the transfer and build a stronger, more responsive and engaged housing service for the benefit of our tenants and leaseholders.’

In related news, plans to bring Cardiff’s privately-owned empty homes back into use have been announced by Cardiff City Council. 

Photo by Pedro Ramos