Leeds City Council said its six ALMOs would not be financially viable beyond 2008. Several alternative proposals are under consideration, including forming a single parent company for the ALMOs. However, the more likely course will be to merge some or all of the existing ALMOs.
The Council was forced to act after it received £3 million less in management and maintenance allowances than it was anticipating in the latest HRA settlement.
Tenants were being consulted on the options and a ballot on the proposed actions will probably take place in the summer.
Camden Council's leaseholders facing service charge bills of up to £109,000 each won a landmark tribunal case. The Council had asked the Residential Property Tribunal to waive its legal obligation to consult leaseholders before carrying out decent homes refurbishment work as part of an estate private finance initiative (PFI). The Tribunal rejected the application.
The PFI contractors will now have to consult leaseholders affected by refurbishment work six weeks before it is due to start. The Council warned that, because of the terms of the PFI, consultation could restrict the contractors' ability to carry out the project and frustrate the project entirely.
It was reported that Manchester City Council is planning to encourage young people to take a course in life skills when they apply for housing. The course will aim to give young prospective tenants, particularly those socially excluded, an understanding of appropriate behaviour and budgeting skills. Those passing the course will receive a certificate, which would improve their housing prospects.