Lambeth’s ALMO, Lambeth Living, has halted plans to announce the outcome of months of consultation to its staff at the eleventh hour while details are finalised with Lambeth council chiefs.

Lambeth Living had planned to announce the results of its consultation to staff today [Monday 8/11/10] which would have included the axing up to 70 staff.  However, ALMO management have been forced to shelve the announcement while talks with Lambeth Council get underway.

The council’s housing management firm is seeking to transform the way it serves the residents of Lambeth by pooling services and cutting staff numbers to cut costs. Staff working across the borough were due to be to be told at a meeting being held by Chief Executive, Cathy Deplessis and Lambeth Living’s Directors this week after months of studying what services can be changed and improve its delivery and standards.

Plans to confirm what jobs will go and what will be altered are on hold for about two weeks in order for the proposals to be finalised with bosses at the council.

A spokesman for Lambeth Living said “We were due to announce the results of our restructure consultation to staff today, what it means for services, residents, WERA etc.  Unfortunately, we have had to delay announcing the new structure to our staff for around two weeks as we finalise detail with the council.”

WERA had been due to scoop an exclusive special feature interview with Mrs Deplessis for our website, wera.org.uk following the announcements but this has been postponed until after the future plans are confirmed.

Dave McEvoy, WERA Chair said “It is right and proper that Lambeth Living’s staff are told first and foremost how the restructuring will affect them. We understand and support this. However it is highly important to us at WERA that we lead the way in gaining information as soon as possible for residents. We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to bring what we know not only to Weir Estate Residents but the people of Lambeth.”

It is believed that repairs services and changes to tenancy services will form a major part of the changes along with the changes to staff roles and staffing numbers of the front line. Lambeth Living has had its budget cut following recent announcements in the coalition governments spending review and it is expected this could well be cut further.

Lambeth Council handed over control of its housing to the ALMO in June 2008 and has been heavily criticised for failures in its standards and delivery by some residents and local media but senior management at Lambeth Living insist they are improving in many key areas such as repairs and empty properties.  Lambeth Chiefs have also issued a ‘shape up or ship out’ ultimatum following concerns.

Wera.org.uk will still be bringing you an exclusive audio interview with Lambeth Living Chief Executive, Cathy Deplessis who will be answering many questions about the future of Lambeth Living and how the restructuring will impact on those living in Lambeth. Look out for it in the coming weeks.

If you would like to submit a question to us for the interview, please send them to feature@wera.org.uk. We will then try and put your questions to Lambeth Living during the interview.