Blackpool council houses deal extended

Blackpool Council has agreed to extend its management agreement with Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) for another five years.
By Shelagh Parkinson
Published 4th Nov 2020, 09:55 BST
Updated 4th Nov 2020, 09:58 BST
A computer generated image of new homes being built by Blackpool Coastal Housing at MeresideA computer generated image of new homes being built by Blackpool Coastal Housing at Mereside
A computer generated image of new homes being built by Blackpool Coastal Housing at Mereside

The decision, taken by members of the executive, means BCH will continue to manage the council’s housing stock of around 4,700 homes.

BCH was set up in 2007 as an arms length management company (ALMO) following consultation with tenants, and an agreement by the council to retain ownership of its properties.

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Coun Neal Brookes, cabinet member for housing and welfare reform, said: “The council took a really brave step to form an ALMO to manage our housing stock, when it might have been easier to pass it over lock, stock and barrel to a housing association.

“The decision in 2007 has been a great success and I think it has gone from strength to strength.”

Coun Brookes said this had been demonstrated during the Covid pandemic, with BCH filling empty properties “in record time”, and playing “a significant role” in supporting elderly and vulnerable people.

The new agreement will come into force from next April when the current arrangement ends.

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