Council bid to manage social housing moves forward

Alliston Gardens in Northampton is one of the properties managed by NPH

A council's attempts to bring the management of its 11,500 social homes back in-house have taken another step forward.

A report last year found "serious failings" in the way private company Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) adhered to home safety and quality standards.

Last month, the Reform UK-controlled cabinet on West Northamptonshire Council voted unanimously to close down NPH.

The decision was scrutinised at a meeting on Monday after it was called in by Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors.

But the Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee determined no further action would be taken on cabinet's original decision.

NPH is currently responsible for managing the properties in Northampton, including carrying out repairs, maintenance and supporting vulnerable tenants.

The plans, which require approval from the secretary of state, would mean the council taking direct control by April 2027.

NPH employs about 350 staff and has an annual budget of £67m.

The transfer is estimated to cost £1.6m, but the council said it could reduce costs and create efficiencies from 2027, with potential annual savings of £85,000.

Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing and communities, said: "With cabinet's decision now further scrutinised, we can now move forward with the work to bring the council's housing stock back under our direct management as we continue to strive to improve housing services for out residents.

"As we move through this transition, tenants will continue accessing services in the usual way, and we will work closely with NPH to ensure services remain consistent."