Cheshire West and Chester Council Proposes Early Transition to Direct Management of Council Housing
Cheshire West and Chester Council is considering bringing the management of council housing services back in-house by April 1, 2026 – over a year earlier than originally planned – in a move aimed at improving housing services and ensuring greater accountability for residents.
The proposal, set to be discussed by Cabinet this month, would see the Council assume full control of its 5,300 council homes—mainly located in Ellesmere Port, Neston and Winsford—currently managed by housing provider ForHousing. This change would end the existing contract with ForHousing ahead of its scheduled expiration in June 2027.
Responding to Residents and a Changing Housing Landscape
The decision follows a comprehensive public consultation in which 75% of respondents expressed support for the Council owning and managing its homes directly, while continuing to use external specialists for repairs and maintenance.
“Our tenants and leaseholders have made their voices clear—they want housing services delivered by the Council,” said Cllr Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning. “We’ve listened, and we are acting.”
She added: “This change allows us to bring services closer to residents earlier than expected. Given today’s complex housing environment, continuing under the current contract until 2027 could lead to declining service quality. We must act now to protect our tenants and ensure services meet rising regulatory standards.”
Supporting Tenants with Stability and Accountability
Bringing housing services in-house will give the Council direct control over tenancy management, maintenance, and service delivery, allowing for faster, more responsive support to residents.
While the Council will oversee strategic management, external contractors will continue to deliver specialist repairs, maintenance, and physical improvements. The Home Improvement Agency (HomeKey+), currently run by ForHousing, will also be brought under Council management, while construction works will remain outsourced to qualified providers.
Additionally, the Council will take over the delivery of a wide range of homelessness support services, including:
- Temporary accommodation and emergency housing duties
- The supported accommodation gateway
- Homelessness prevention, advice, and tenancy support services
Specialist providers will continue to deliver targeted support for young people and rough sleepers, ensuring expert care remains available for those in need.
Transition in Partnership
The early handover proposal comes after ForHousing indicated it would be unable to maintain full-service delivery under the current terms through to 2027. Both parties have begun transition discussions, with a shared commitment to minimising disruption to tenants and maintaining service quality throughout the change.
A Modern, Tenant-Focused Housing Model
This move reflects the Council’s ambition to build a modern, tenant-centred housing service that is both responsive and accountable. By transitioning earlier, Cheshire West and Chester Council will align housing services more closely with resident needs and national housing standards.
Cllr Warner concluded: “This will be a complex transition, but after carefully considering our options and working closely with ForHousing, we are confident this is the right decision. Our focus remains on delivering better services, protecting vulnerable residents, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of council housing in Cheshire West.”
