Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 23, 2025

Purpose: Update on the City Housing Improvement Programme, our compliance with the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and readiness for inspection.

Content: 1.     That the detail of the report and analysis of Regulatory Compliance and the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) model have been considered.   2.     That it be explored whether the return to the Council of any support or auxiliary services (outside of the core housing management function), would: ·           Provide efficiencies and alleviate cost pressures on either the Housing Revenue Account or General Fund or both by following the principles of Our Future Council. ·           Enable accelerated compliance with the Act either by City of Wolverhampton Council delivering compliance quicker or by enabling the ALMO to concentrate on delivering the core housing management function.   3.     That an update on ‘The Future of Wolverhampton Council Housing’ and the considerations of Our Future Council be submitted to Cabinet in November 2025.   4.     That it be noted, no decision about the future of the ALMO model beyond 2028 has been made, but that the planning for the return of any (or all) services and the future of Wolverhampton Council housing needs consideration and planning.