Hillingdon council, in west London, has hired local estate agent Orchard & Shipman to find 600 homes run by private landlords over the next two years.
Sources at the Association of London Government and charity Shelter predict that the unusual move will attract interest from other boroughs struggling to meet the government target of removing all families from temporary housing by March 2004.
In Hillingdon, the estate agent manages and repairs the homes, addresses antisocial behaviour and harassment and collects any rent not covered by housing benefit. It works alongside Frays Housing Association and Acton Housing Association, who provide about 300 units each and used to be the council's only partners in the scheme to house the homeless.
Jeff Maslen, Hillingdon's assistant director of housing, said six organisations had tendered for the contract. "Four offers were received from the private sector and two from housing associations that have both traditionally worked with the borough.
"Orchard & Shipman was able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the local property market, with property management experience, an excellent database of contacts and a sound financial business."
Chloe Fletcher, housing policy manager at the Association of London Government, said: "I wouldn't be surprised if others do this in the context of government looking to everyone to pull out the stops. If it works, other boroughs will be looking to learn from it." Jim Bennett, policy manager at homelessness charity Shelter, said: "If it's helping them to get quality, self-contained, temporary accommodation, then hats off to them."
Steve Buckingham, senior housing manager for Orchard & Shipman, said: "We would like to do more of this."
Source
Housing Today
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