West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is set to take a significant step towards enhancing its social housing services. The Council has approved a proposal to consult tenants on bringing the management of housing services, currently run by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), back under direct Council control. This move comes after a review of housing management models and in response to updated regulations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which requires local authorities to have direct accountability for housing stock management, even when outsourced.
NPH, an Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO), has been responsible for approximately 11,500 council-owned homes since 2015. However, many local authorities are shifting back to in-house management in recent years, aiming to improve oversight, integration, and resident engagement. WNC’s Cabinet has decided on a phased approach to transfer the service, with a clear plan for the next two years to ensure a smooth transition and continuous service delivery for residents.
A comprehensive consultation will take place, involving tenants, leaseholders, and other key stakeholders to gather feedback and shape the final decision. The goal is to streamline operations, improve service coordination across departments, and ensure better outcomes for West Northamptonshire’s residents.
