Plans to return council homes in the Brackley area to the local authority take a step forward

West Northants Council’s (WNC) aims to take back management of over 11,000 council homes, following scrutiny by councillors.

The council says it will take a phased approach to bring its housing stock - currently managed by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) - back inhouse by April 2027 after the proposals were considered by WNC’s Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee yesterday (Monday).

Around 11,500 homes currently managed by NPH, including general needs properties, older persons housing and supported accommodation, will be overseen directly by WNC. They include properties in towns and villages all over west Northants.

It reflects the council’s commitment to improving safety, transparency and long-term service quality. With new obligations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, the in-house model will allow WNC stronger oversight and accountability, while delivering a more integrated housing service across West Northamptonshire.

WNC will begin transferring back-office and corporate functions in 2026, followed by a full transfer of remaining housing services by no later than April 2027. NPH will continue operating during the transition period to ensure continuity for tenants and staff.

Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “With Cabinet’s decision now further scrutinised, we can now move forward with the work to bring the Council’s housing stock back under our direct management as we continue to strive to improve housing services for out residents.

“As we move through this transition, tenants will continue accessing services in the usual way, and we will work closely with NPH to ensure services remain consistent.

“We thank everyone who gave their views in the consultation to bring these services back inhouse and are committed to keeping residents regularly informed as this work progresses. Our focus is on delivering safe, efficient and high-quality housing services that meet the needs of people across West Northamptonshire.”

Residents can continue to contact NPH in the usual way for any housing-related enquiries during the transition. WNC will provide regular updates on the progress of the transition via its website and tenant communications.