HOUSING chiefs are to discuss a revamp of their services in Hyndburn following a decision to reject a sell-off of council properties.

Councillors will be asked tomorrow to back the formation of a unified housing services department for the borough

The new body would form part of the council's regeneration department, with the aim of dealing with council property issues more efficiently.

A total of 80 staff would be employed by the new department, which would make it Hyndburn's largest service.

A report to the housing services committee claims changes in the structure were introduced last year to cope with stock transfer.

But members rejected the sell-off of 3,900 council properties in August, a decision which has since caused problems in the department.

The report claims staff, councillors and clients have been "confused" by the current system.

The report states: "The restructure resulted in a split between client and contractor activities.

"This separation of roles has led to communication problems and a duplication of functions.

"The lack of co-ordination and fudged accountability has made effective service delivery much more difficult to achieve. "There is almost daily confusion about where people go to receive their housing service and where management responsibilities lie.

"In order to provide a seamless and best value housing service, the present structure is no longer effective."

It is claimed the proposal would enable the council to act more effectively as landlord to the borough's tenants, while taking on board wider regeneration issues.

The report says staff would be "freed up" to improve their workload and communication in order to set new policies in place and improve information to the public.

Housing management staff will move from offices in Willows Lane, Accrington, into the Globe Centre early next year, if councillors back the proposals.

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