Bid to surrender ‘democratic influence’ over thousands of social homes in Gloucester challenged

Concerns have been raised over a move to surrender democratic influence over Gloucester’s largest social housing landlord.

Gloucester City Homes (GCH) manages some 5,000 homes including the city council’s former housing stock.

Gloucester City Council transferred the properties to them in 2015 and currently nominates two members who sit on the GCH board.

The tenants nominate two directors and nine others are appointed by GCH itself. However, the Conservative leadership at North Warehouse decided this month to surrender their nomination rights.

And now the Liberal Democrats have challenged this decision with a call-in notice under the council’s constitution.

Liberal Democrat group leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “The Tories used smoke and mirrors to get to their decision to surrender the nomination rights. Keeping us in the dark and using subterfuge to mislead opposition councillors.

“There has been no prior discussion with members of my group about this surrender. Having council nominated members on the board of Gloucester City Homes is a good thing as it allows for independent voices to be heard.

“Council appointed directors provide balance and ensure that at least two board members are not chosen by those who are already part of the in-crowd.”

Cllr Angela Conder said the council needs to protect the interests of GCH tenants and leaseholders.

She said: “I’m sure GCH manages its housing stock very well. They should have nothing to fear from the city council continuing to nominate two non-executive directors. We hope the Conservative administration will reconsider.”
Council chiefs have confirmed the decision has been called in and also explained councillors will be able to have their say on the proposals at the full council meeting on May 22.

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said: “We have received the call-in notice from Cllr Hilton and he has been made aware that at the meeting on April 5, cabinet agreed to recommend the change to full council.

“All Councillors will therefore have the opportunity to discuss and decide on this recommendation at the meeting of council on 22 May.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

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