Residents set to benefit from major housing change

Residents across Haringey are set to have major input into a big housing change, which could see their needs met quicker and easier. 

The council approved plans at a cabinet meeting for residents to have their say on the proposal to bring housing services back under direct management of the Local Authority, in an effort to integrate services and ensure residents are receiving the best possible service. 

Homes for Haringey, which was set up in 2006, is currently responsible for the day-to-day management of council owned homes in the borough, including housing repairs, leaseholder services and housing management.  

In order to provide a more streamlined service for our 20,000 tenants and leaseholders, the council is recommending to bring housing services back under direct management to achieve four main goals: robust governance, value for money, integrated services, and improvement. 

The move would align housing management and maintenance services more closely with the council’s direct delivery of new homes and join up housing and other front-line services to meet resident needs in a better way to ensure issues are resolved quickly and easily. 

Operating a more efficient and integrated approach would not only facilitate a faster and more responsive decision-making process, but it also anticipates cost savings which would benefit tenants through reinvestment in resident services, estate improvements or new homes. 

Resident views will be put at the centre of any changes, with the move likely to increase the use of co-production on the design of key services to help improve resident satisfaction.

Following approval from Cabinet last night, a comprehensive consultation will go ahead to inform residents on what the proposals are, how it could affect them and provide an opportunity to communicate their opinions. 

Cllr John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Planning, Licensing and Housing Services, said: 
“Homes for Haringey has carried out incredible work over the past 15 years for our council tenants and leaseholders, with a very committed workforce. 

“However, to deliver on our commitment to build at least 3,000 new council homes by 2032, we believe now is the right time to bring housing services back in-house, and we are keen to ensure residents are involved throughout the decision-making process. 

“We are committed to continue and improve further the opportunities for full resident involvement and feedback, not only on this proposal, but also consistently on our future housing service performance and operations.”