Another first for IPB - Oldham ALMO tenants vote ‘yes’ to transfer

Tenants in Oldham have voted overwhelmingly to transfer their homes to a housing association after one of the largest IPB-managed consultation exercises.

Almost 8,000 voted in favour of the transfer to First Choice Homes out of 9,000 tenants who took part in the ballot.

The result means £149 million can be invested in homes in the next five years.

It is the first time that tenants, whose homes are currently managed by an Arms Length Management Organisation, have voted for it to become a housing association which will take on the ownership of the council's homes.

Over 13,000 tenants were eligible to vote, with 66.3% taking part and 86% voting in favour, giving an absolute majority of 57% of all tenants.

IPB Chief Executive, Tony Ingham said: "This is yet another milestone for IPB in securing a 'yes' vote from an ALMO to a housing association.

"The year-long consultation exercise produced some new challenges for our team and required flexibility and commitment - I am delighted that we came through with such a resounding result."