Housing transfer brings £92 million of home improvements

Friday 6th June 2008

Thousands of pounds worth of home improvements can now start on each of 4,250 former Manchester council homes after they switched ownership to a new not-for-profit landlord.

The move to City South Manchester Housing Trust (CSM) - following a big YES vote from tenants - will see a massive £92 million spent on improving every home as well as the surrounding environment.

The former council homes in Fallowfield, Hulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range will see a range of developments in coming years. Improvements include new fitted kitchens, bathrooms and double-glazing as well as new electrical fittings where needed.

Every home will enjoy at least one major improvement in the first two years.

Multi-storey blocks will also be transformed into modern-looking apartments with external facelifts.

And it's not just the homes that will see a totally new look. Streets and open areas around the homes will be boosted with £7 million of improvements with local residents and tenants deciding the best way to spend this money.

Tenants will play a significant part in decision-making with CSM. Tenants have one third of the seats on the board that runs the new, tailor-made landlord. Council representatives have another third and independent experts with relevant experience the final third of the seats.

Tenants keep their main rights with the new landlord, including security of tenure and the right to buy. Rents will remain affordable and will be set using the same Government formula as council rents.

After the transfer, which took place on June 2, Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services for Manchester City Council said: "This transfer will see the improvement of thousands of homes and the local environment which is excellent news for all of the residents. Tenants will keep their security of tenure and all their other main rights. Tenants' representatives will take seats on the board giving local people a big say in how their homes are run and improved."

Improvements to the homes will include:

* New secure double glazed windows for every home that does not already have them.
* A new high quality fitted kitchen, if the existing one is over five years old, plus new vinyl flooring, partial wall tiling and redecoration.
* A new bathroom suite if the existing one is over five years old with an over-bath shower, new vinyl flooring, and redecoration.
* Rewiring wherever needed, additional sockets, and smoke alarms.
* Upgrades to heating systems to improve efficiency.

Posted by Kim for Manchester City Council