The interim chief executive of Walsall Housing Group has insisted that it is "business as usual" at the group as the Housing Corporation makes four appointments to its board.
Rodney Dykes took the helm of the troubled association last week, replacing former chief executive Kelvin Stacey, who left by mutual consent last month. The group will conduct a review of its operations.

The group has had problems with finance and staffing since it was set up to take over Walsall council stock last year (HT 8 August 2002, page 7).

Dykes said: "As always, tenants and their homes are our priorities.

"The successes to date in delivering on our improvement programmes are a clear demonstration of our commitment to improving social housing in Walsall."

A Housing Corporation spokesman said: "The corporation has placed Walsall Housing Group under supervision because of concerns about the governance of the parent association and the relationship between the parent and subsidiary trusts. We believe it is necessary to take this action early to safeguard the delivery of the undertakings made to tenants before transfer."

The four appointees are: Chris Almgill, former group chief executive of Festival Housing; Tom Murtha, chief executive of Keynote Housing Group; David Wilson, chair of Orbit Housing Association and Dr Peter Knight, chair of Prime Focus Regeneration Group.

Source

Housing Today