Government silence delays ALMO start

Council still waiting for a decision

Enfield Council has decided to delay the start of the Arms Length Management Organisation, (ALMO) ‘Enfield Homes’ until there is a clear indication of government funding.

Despite being well advanced in its preparations for transferring housing services to the new organisation, Enfield Council still has not heard from the Government if its bid for £147 million has been successful.

Enfield is one of 16 authorities that bid for Round 6 of the Government’s funding for ALMOs. However, the Council understands that the number and size of the bids exceeded Government expectations and there is now not enough money to go round.

Enfield Council was expecting to hear the outcome of their bid in the Autumn of 2006 but now with just one month to go to its original launch date, the Council remains in the dark on whether funding will be forthcoming and if so, how much.

Cllr Matthew Laban, cabinet member for housing, said, “It is very disappointing for all the staff, residents and the Shadow Board who have been working tirelessly towards creating the ALMO and improving housing services. We all remain committed to delivering our modernisation programme and improving the quality of housing and life for our tenants but we cannot transfer staff and resources with so many financial uncertainties.

“However, I trust that this is just a delay and the Government will give us the money we need to give all of our tenants a decent home by 2010. Whilst we wait for the announcement, we will continue to improve council housing services and prepare for the ALMO so that we are ready to go as soon as the money is announced.”

Enfield resident, Litsa Worrall, who chairs the ALMO Shadow Board, added, “It is residents who will feel the most disappointment – the Government has raised their aspirations and now may not deliver on the funding.

”Nevertheless we have made real strides over the past year in improving resident involvement and the quality of housing services which have been recognised in a recent visit by the Audit Commission.

“We have introduced new arrangements for resident involvement, improved performance and are developing a new headquarters for the ALMO. We are all determined to make sure this improvement continues.”

Cllr Laban, concluded, “The Council and residents have already invested a lot of time, energy and money into creating the ALMO and our bids for funding. We remain committed to it but we cannot take the financial risk of pressing ahead when we remain in the dark on funding. The Government really must let us know when we shall hear from them. In the meantime we will be writing to all tenants explaining the situation and making clear our determination to continue to improve housing services.”

This document was last updated on 2007-02-08 15:31:32 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_127958