Council wants to regain control over outsourced housing

Homes for Haringey could be taken over by the council, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

A housing body responsible for managing more than 20,000 properties could be brought back under the direct control of Haringey Council.

Council leader Joseph Ejiofor revealed the authority was looking at bringing the arms-length management organisation, Homes for Haringey, back under direct control.

Set up in 2006, Homes for Haringey employs around 750 people and manages 16,000 tenanted and 4,500 leasehold properties in the borough. Its responsibilities include repairs, major works, asset management and community engagement.

Cllr Ejiofor, in a statement posted on the council’s website last week, revealed the organisation could be insourced as the local authority looks for ways to improve accountability and join up services.

The council leader said: “Housing is our number one priority because we know that a decent, safe home for everyone is one of the most important ways we can build a fairer borough. Housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it is the foundation for living happy, healthy lives.

“We are constantly reviewing how we can best deliver on these responsibilities. Now more than ever, it is essential that we look for ways to strengthen residents’ voice, improve accountability, and ensure that we join up services in a way that supports our residents to thrive.

“To this end, [cabinet member for housing and estate renewal] Emine Ibrahim and I have asked our staff to begin the process of consulting on bringing Homes for Haringey back in-house as part of Haringey Council.”

Cllr Ejiofor added that any change would require a formal decision by the cabinet as well as a thorough consultation with residents and staff, but said the council “will shortly be writing to tenants, leaseholders and others about the timeline and what will happen next”.