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News

£35M Cash Boost For Poole's Council Tenants

Following a Government announcement released today, tenants of Poole’s council houses are to see major improvements to their homes thanks to a £35million boost from the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) programme.

Poole is one of just thirteen councils in England to have been successful in achieving this additional funding. Over the past year, the Council has worked on a bid that has had to prove to the Government that the Borough of Poole is among the best council landlords in the country.

Cllr Bill Wretham, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "This is fantastic news for Poole. This extra funding will improve our tenants’ quality of life and ensure that their homes are in a good state of repair with modern facilities and services. Well done to all those who have worked hard to get us to this stage."

Under the programme, ownership of the housing stock will not change with councils continuing to have strategic responsibilities for overall housing policy whilst ALMOs take over day-to-day management of the properties, focusing on major improvements and repairs.

Joe Logan, Head of Housing Management Services, Borough of Poole, said: "This is a really important step forward in our drive to provide excellent services to tenants and leaseholders alike. This additional money means we can develop significant investment programmes across the town, bringing all our housing stock up to the new decent homes standard, set by the Government, by 2010. Furthermore it indicates to staff and residents that the Government recognises the very high quality of service delivery here in Poole."

Val Rowling, A tenant representative on Poole’s Housing Consultative Panel also welcomed the news: "The tenants’ have supported the Council’s bid for this money and we are delighted that Poole’s needs have been recognised. We are extremely pleased that there is an emphasis on tenants being represented on the ALMO board, letting the people who live in the houses have a say in the management of them."

Plans will be drawn up to prioritise a programme of work for Poole’s 5,200 homes. Repairs will cover properties all over the Borough and will range from new kitchens and bathroom facilities to structural repairs and central heating. The first work will begin in Spring 2004 following the release of the first allocation of funds, with the total fund covering a seven year programme to be completed by 2011.

Ruth Lawson, PR Officer, tel: (01202) 633295