The ambitious plans could involve "community mutual organisations" set up as subsidiaries to transform estates across the city. The venture would also involve private sector work in the city centre being undertaken by an urban regeneration company.
The council is urging the government to open up new methods to bring about a true urban renaissance, not just to hit the decent homes target. Sheffield claims it needs £500m subsidy whatever option is chosen for the future of its 62,000 homes and it wants to stretch the investment as far as possible.
The council admits it was "scared to death" by the extent of market collapse and poor quality housing revealed by research earlier this year. In Sheffield, half of council homes and a third of private homes do not meet the decency standard.
The council will present the government with two choices. It can apply for arm's-length management and take a narrower, but proven, route to improving council stock, or it can take a bolder route linking public sector improvement withSheffield's role in South Yorkshire's pathfinder status for housing market renewal. Stock transfer has all but been ruled out on financial grounds. The new organisation would support council ownership.
Executive housing director Joanne Roney said the government's review of funding options leaves the council in limbo. "We are playing around with different structures because we don't know if the time is right to create a new delivery vehicle, or what funding there will be, or if new options may emerge. But clearly we have to face up to a challenge here that is way beyond decent homes. We have a fantastic opportunity to enhance community involvement while delivering a brilliant solution for housing."
Source
Housing Today
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