Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Housing Services presented a report regarding the next stage of activities to achieve the orderly closing down of the Six Town Housing Limited (STH LTD) business operation to progress to the final closure of STH as an entity owned by Bury Council, a process begun in September 2025. The Cabinet Member gave assurances to tenants that they would be able to stay in their homes and any decision would be made with their best interests as priority.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that, if properties were transferred to another provider, they would be governed by the same regulator and held to the same standards. Any repairs would be carried out by the Council up to the day of transfer, with Bury continuing to provide support to ensure a smooth transition. It was also noted that staff members affected was small, with no staff requiring TUPE arrangements.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1. Noted the findings of the initial assessment and notes that further detailed analysis will be available after the soft market test;
2. Confirmed that the timely and orderly closure of STH LTD to reduce regulatory and operational risk remains the overriding priority; and
3. Approved a phase of soft market testing to assess market interest in options 1 and 2 with a further report to be brought back to Cabinet in September setting out the findings and a preferred option.

Reasons for the decision:

Five potential options for the future of the STH LTD and its housing stock portfolio have been identified, but further work, including a soft market testing exercise and full impact assessment on the HRA is required before a preferred option can be confirmed.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The option to “do nothing” is not appropriate since Cabinet has resolved to close down the STH LTD entity to remove the risk to Bury Council.