25 April 2023
NFA conference celebrations for ALMO anniversaries
Cheryl Stonehouse
NFA Press and Communications
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NFA members are gearing up for a day of expertise and best practice exchange at our 2023 conference in Brimingham later this week. This year’s keynote speech will be given by Helen Baker, Chair of Shelter and of the Better Social Housing Review panel – and we’ll also be marking the 20th anniversaries of three of our members.
“We’re always thinking one step ahead to make sure we’re there when our customers need us.”
Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) was set up by the borough council in April 2003, and is celebrating with an invitation to customers, colleagues and partners to share their memories across the coming 20th birthday year. The aim is to put the spotlight on everyone, past and present, who has helped CBH evolve into a people-focussed organisation.
The history of Cheltenham’s arms-length organisation has been marked by both swift emergency response and long-term achievements. It was a key agency helping the council distribute urgently needed supplies during the catastrophic 2007 floods that left the town with no water for 18 days, and again during the two years of pandemic lockdowns when staff organised a huge range of community support such as delivery of prescriptions, food and even home-schooling.
And, says CEO Steve Slater, it has a strong and enduring track record of building relationships and trust in its communities. For instance, many projects such as the junior wardens and young leaders programmes were launched from CBH’s old community house in St Pauls alongside school holiday activities to inspire young people and help them discover new interests. This work has since spread across all Cheltenham’s communities and has even evolved into transformative initiatives led by residents themselves, such as the Monkscroft Action Group.
“Over the last 20 years we’ve made a positive difference to many lives across Cheltenham. We do this by listening to customers and working together to provide people and communities with the support they need to thrive,” says Steve. “We’re always thinking one step ahead to make sure we’re there when our customers need us during those unprecedented moments.
“This is a proud moment for everyone who’s been involved with CBH over the years and it’s a terrific opportunity to celebrate our successes. But we’re not complacent. We know we need to keep talking to customers, so we can continue to play our part in creating a better future for Cheltenham.”
Plans for the future, working in close partnership within the borough council’s five-year Housing Revenue Account Business plan, include the delivery of more new net zero affordable homes to support the council’s drive towards 2030 net-zero goals, improving existing homes, and supporting communities to be strong and resilient in these most challenging of times.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This really is an important milestone for everyone involved and a tribute to the strong working partnership we have with Cheltenham Borough Homes. It’s a great time to take a step back, breathe and reflect on all the fantastic achievements which have transformed CBH into the people-focussed organisation it is today.”
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“We will embed the core values of the ALMO sector of listening, responding and doing the right thing for tenants.”
Carrick Housing, Cornwall Housing’s first name, was set up in 2003 to manage the homes and council housing investment of the district council and was twice inspected and won the old Audit Commission’s highest three-star rating. When Cornwall’s unitary council was created in 2012, it was agreed with tenants that the ALMO would become Cornwall Housing, expanding to manage housing services across the county, and taking on homelessness services and gypsy and traveller pitch management.
Managing Director Su Spence was appointed eight months ago with a mission to refocus on core landlord duties. Since then Cornwall Housing has acquired a new board and management team, and signed a new ten-year management agreement with its parent council.
“In recent years, it is fair to say that Cornwall Housing had lost its way a little and services are not where they should be,” says Su. “However, residents have faith in the model and following a comprehensive review by the Council in 2021/2022, a majority said that they wanted to stay with Cornwall Housing but that improvements had to be made.
“The Council has removed homelessness services and we will embed the core values of the ALMO sector of listening, responding and doing the right thing for tenants. The council and our residents have confidence in the ALMO model, and we will be working together to deliver great local services for Cornwall. Watch closely as we go on this journey.”
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“I’m proud to reflect on the tremendous impact CBH and the ALMO sector have made over the last 20 years.”
Colchester Borough Homes was created by Colchester City Council in 2003 in response to the launch of the Decent Homes programme.
Since then it has developed wide range of housing and community support services including tackling antisocial behaviour, supporting those who are homeless or rough sleeping on behalf of its parent council, and building a reputation for making sure tenants have a chance to engage and have their say. Tenants sit on the board and take part in Resident Voice panel meetings.
Again, in close partnership with the council, the ALMO has been able to find innovative ways to add to the 7,000 homes it manages. As part of its five-year strategic plan, Cheltenham Borough Homes is working with partners towards the council’s commitment to build 350 new council-owned properties by the end of 2024 to tackle local housing need.
Its latest project of more than a dozen new homes began only a few weeks ago, all built to Future Homes Standards that reduce carbon emissions, with air source heat pumps, double glazing, LED lighting and increased insulation levels.
CEO Philip Sullivan says: “I’m delighted to be the Chief Executive leading Colchester Borough Homes in its 20th year of operation. As we to embark on delivering our new 5 year management agreement I’m proud to reflect on the tremendous impact CBH and the ALMO sector have made over the last 20 years. I’m proud of what my predecessors have achieved, the partnerships we’ve developed and the colleagues and customers within and outside of CBH who have been part of our journey.”