South South Northamptonshire Northamptonshire

CouncilCouncil

Choice of landlord Choice of landlord seminarseminar

Alan JohnsonAlan Johnson

The PrinciplesThe PrinciplesThe PrinciplesThe Principles

• Considering • New stand-alone RSL• or new RSL within an existing Group

• (A new organisation set up for SN as a subsidiary of an existing RSL)

• Existing RSL• (Transfer of the stock to an existing RSL with local offices

but HQ outside SN)

• Differences are small between Stand-alone and Group

• Would depend • Type of Group• What is negotiated

Key issues (1)Key issues (1)Key issues (1)Key issues (1)

• Identity with South Northants• SA: absolute local identity

• Set up for SN

• G: strong local identity within Group• New subsidiary set up for SN

• E: limited local identity• Will depend on scale of operations and

negotiations

Key Issues (2)Key Issues (2)Key Issues (2)Key Issues (2)

• Control• SA: Controlled by local Board

• Typical Board of 5 Council reps, 5 Tenant reps and 5 independents

• G: managed by local Board (as above)• BUT Parent must have the right to exercise

ultimate control in certain circumstances

• E: No local Board but representation on main Board (by negotiation)

Key Issues (3)Key Issues (3)Key Issues (3)Key Issues (3)

• Expertise• SA: will need to recruit new Management Team• G: can call on skills within Group• E: skills and experience available

• Policies• SA: developed specifically for SN• G: developed for SN but compatible with Group• E: already has policies in place

• Value for Money• G: should benefit from economies within Group

(eg. central services)• E: additional economies may be achievable

Key Issues (4)Key Issues (4)Key Issues (4)Key Issues (4)

• Community Empowerment• SA: Tenant representation on Board• SA: Tenant involvement in policy development• G: Tenant Representation on local Board but

limited opportunities for representation on Parent

• G: Tenant involvement in policy development (consistent with Group policies)

• E: opportunities for local representation (inc. tenants) on existing Board

Key Issues (5)Key Issues (5)Key Issues (5)Key Issues (5)

• New development • Housing Corporation requirement

• RSL must have development status

• SA: would need to operate through Partner RSL

• G: would use Parent who would have development status

• E: already has development status

Similarities and differences Similarities and differences (tenants)(tenants)

Similarities and differences Similarities and differences (tenants)(tenants)

• Major works and improvements• Guaranteed: no difference

• Meet priority aspirations• Guaranteed: no difference

• Service Improvements• Guaranteed: no difference

• Enhanced tenant empowerment• May be greater opportunity in SA

Similarities and differences Similarities and differences (the Council)(the Council)

Similarities and differences Similarities and differences (the Council)(the Council)

• Support to the transfer process• Group/Existing could offer financial and staff support

• Capital receipt from sale of housing• Group/Existing may be prepared to pay more

• Provision of additional affordable homes• Higher receipt could be used to support more new homes

• Strategic housing services• All three options could support the Council

• Representation and Influence• Council likely to have more influence over SA and least

over Existing

Similarities and differences Similarities and differences (staff)(staff)

Similarities and differences Similarities and differences (staff)(staff)

• Job satisfaction• Should increase in any of the three options

• Office location• Must be in SN initially• But Group and Existing HQ likely to be outside SN

• Pensions and terms and conditions• Guaranteed in all three cases

• Career opportunities• More in Group/Existing but also more competition

• Opportunity for central services staff to transfer• Less chance in Group/Existing

Final considerationsFinal considerationsFinal considerationsFinal considerations

• Local identity• Control• Long term viability• Flexibility (merger and demerger)• Ability to attract the right staff• Value for money• WILL IT GET THE SUPPORT OF THE

TENANTS