Purpose

To provide an update on Landlord Services and options for the future management of council housing in Wolverhampton.

Decision

1. That the development of a place-based Neighbourhood Hub model for tenants and residents to access landlord services be approved.
2. That direct Council management as the model best aligned to achieving regulatory compliance, stronger accountability, improved data assurance, and integration with wider council services be approved. The Wolverhampton Homes brand would be retained, with landlord services transferred into the Council and the Council’s governance structure.
3. That a phased and risk-managed transformation programme, which would include Wolverhampton Homes senior leadership team, including the associated transfer of the landlord service to the Council, building on the successes of Wolverhampton Homes be approved.
4. That authority be delegated to the Deputy Leader: City Housing & Assets in consultation with the Executive Director of Place and Chief Operating Officer to approve future decision making with regards to the proposed transfer to direct Council management of the landlord service.
5. That authority be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer to take all necessary steps to implement the closure of the Arm’s Length Management Organisation (ALMO), subject to the satisfactory completion of all legal, financial, governance and operational due diligence requirements. This includes, at the appropriate time, the phased transition of staff from being employed by Wolverhampton Homes to working for the Council and authority to enter into agreements, including asset transfers, novations and assignments, that currently bind Wolverhampton Homes.
6. That the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Executive Director of Place, be authorised to implement the transfer, subject to Cabinet approval.
7. That the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, be authorised to complete all documentation required to give effect to the decisions contained within the report.
8. That it be noted, there is the flexibility to extend the current management arrangement if required to manage risk and protect outcomes for tenants and residents.
9. That the evidence-based process undertaken to develop the future of council housing in Wolverhampton, in collaboration with Wolverhampton Homes be noted.