The Government has just issued a consultation paper (available here) on extending the TSAs regulatory role to local housing authorities. Whilst the document is expressed to be a consultation, the tone of the document suggests that the Government is already minded to take such a step. April 2010 is expressly identified as the likely date for the new regulatory function to commence. The headlines include:
- the TSA being asked to focus on “landlord services” (repairs, maintenance and customer services) and not wider strategic functions;
- where the TSA has evidence of poor performance, it will be empowered to commission an investigation and require further information to be provided. Conversely, where there is evidence of tenant satisfaction, the TSA should adopt a “light touch”;
- the TSA would not regulate ALMOs or TMOs.
It is a significant – and lengthy – document that you’ll need to read properly. Consultation ends on October 30, 2009 and responses should be sent to:
Tenant Empowerment and Local Regulation Team
Communities and Local Government
1/J6 Eland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5DU
or by email to: CrossDomainOrder@communities.gsi.gov.uk
Only skimmed through so far, but I think ALMOs & TMOs would be regulated, but normally via the controlling council which would be registered with TSO. Any ALMO with stock of its own in future (i.e. not property of controlling LA) would have to register seperately.
Yes, page 15 – the TSA would regulate the “parent” organisation (the local housing authority) rather than the TSO/ALMO itself. If, as you say, the ALMO subsequently developed/acquired its own stock then things might be different.