History Of PHP

The process of setting up the ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation) began in 2002, and before going ahead with the ALMO, the Council consulted all 5,200 tenants and leaseholders about the options for the housing stock. Consultation was through public meetings, newsletters, a roadshow, and radio and press articles.

In July 2003 the Borough of Poole heard that it had secured government approval to set up an ALMO and that an allocation of £35.4 million would be available to spend on getting all homes up to the Decent Homes standard – a Government scheme to make sure all social housing is up to a high standard of improvement and repairs by 2010.

At the beginning of December 2003, all tenants and leaseholders were asked to give their views on the Council's proposal to set up an ALMO.

The setting up of the ALMO in Poole was popular with 79% of residents "in support", 94% "not against" and just 6% "against", after a 52% return on a survey of all residents and leaseholders. This, together with strong cross-party support from Members, strong support from staff and trade unions, and an excellent Board of Directors, gave the new organisation a very firm foundation to work on.

In October 2004, the independent "watchdog", the Audit Commission, inspected Poole Housing Partnership to decide if we met the required standard to secure the funding. Staff and residents worked together in preparation for and during the inspection. By working together we achieved a 3-star excellent assessment, thus securing the money needed to make the necessary improvements to homes across Poole.

Poole Housing Partnership is responsible for:

• Delivering excellent housing management services
• Repairing, maintaining and improving the housing stock
• Delivering the Decent Homes target
• Cleaning and caretaking
• Promoting and supporting tenant and leaseholder participation
• Providing a day-to-day housing service to a high standard
• Employing the same housing staff you're used to dealing with at the moment
• Rent collection and arrears
• Tenancy support services

The Council continue to:

• Own the properties
• Set your rents and services charges
• Set housing policies for Poole including homelessness
• Run the Housing Register and allocate homes
• Give housing advice
• Monitor the ALMO's performance