Great Yarmouth social housing to be maintained by council

The move will see the council take over services including repairs and maintenance, refurbishment of empty homes, property compliance and some public works from Great Yarmouth Norse (GYN).

Since 2014, GYN has been contracted to provide construction-related services to the council and its agreement expires next year. 

This week, the newly formed cabinet agreed to transfer the service back to the borough council no later than September 2024.  

As part of the change, officers said they plan to engage with residents in developing the service. 

Last year, a council review of GYN found there had been failures with fire risk assessments at more than 200 properties. 

Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council. (Image: Archant)

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of the council, said: "After careful consideration of how work is carried out on our housing stock, we have decided that – when our agreement with GYN concludes next year – the best way we can deliver high-quality services for our residents and offer the best value for money is to form a new company. 

"This is an important decision and an exciting opportunity for the council to exercise more control over the management of the service and to engage with residents in shaping future delivery," he added.

Great Yarmouth Norse will no longer look after social housing in the borough. (Image: Archant 2019)

READ MORE: Great Yarmouth bins now being collected by new company

GYN employs 76 staff and has an estimated turnover of £7.9 million and the intention is that this work along with the staff will be transferred to a wholly owned council company. 

Sheila Oxtoby, the council’s chief executive, said: "This is a really positive move for the borough.  

“We are confident the change will mean we are able to be more responsive to the needs of our residents as we seek to maintain our housing stock as efficiently as we can and to the highest possible standards."