Bassetlaw: Council agrees 15-year deal with A1 Housing

A1 Housing was originally set up in 2004 as an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO) to deliver the Government’s ‘Decent Homes’ programme. Over the last eight years around 6500 council owned properties in Bassetlaw have been brought up to the Decent Homes Standard by A1 Housing.

The new agreement will begin in April 2015 and will see closer working between the council and A1 Housing, with some services shared.

Simon Greaves, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “A1 Housing provides an excellent service to our tenants and plays an active role in our community, not just in housing management, but in supporting apprenticeships, training and inclusion projects as well.”

“We are already seeing the benefits, for example the new build of up to 71 new homes in Harworth is now underway.”

There will also be a focus on areas of diversification for the ALMO as it looks to further contribute to the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area and the people served by the council.

Mark Ladyman, director of regeneration and neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The decision to award A1 Housing a 15-year contract reflects the quality of services and delivery of decent homes provided by our ALMO over the last eight years.”

“It also shows the authorities confidence in A1 Housing to provide quality services beyond decent homes.”

“The length of contract will provide our tenants with continuity in how their properties and tenancies are managed and offers A1 Housing the security to further improve and evolve services.”

And Bernard Coleman, managing director of A1 Housing added: “This is also a massive vote of confidence in the ALMO model by the local authority.”