Liverpool Housing Association, Cobalt Housing, has completed its move away from a group structure in a bid to put the needs of local people first.
The social landlord which owns more than 6,000 homes in Croxteth, Fazakerly and Norris Green decided to de-merge following extensive consultation with tenants, with 98% supporting the demerger.
Formed in 2003 with the transfer of properties from Liverpool City Council, Cobalt had joined the Symphony Group (now Onward Homes) in 2011. However, in order to ensure that money was invested in the local community here in Liverpool, rather than more widely across the region, the Board took the decision to de-merge from the Group.
Cobalt and Onward have worked together to ensure a smooth demerger process that has maintained service delivery in all areas.
Peter Mitchell, Chair of the Cobalt Housing Board said:
“Community is at the root of Cobalt and our commitment first and foremost is to our tenants and local people.
“An external review confirmed we were a financially strong and well managed organisation that is well qualified to become an independent landlord. This, coupled with the overwhelming support from tenants, puts Cobalt in a great place to start the next stage of our journey.
“We’re excited about the future as we start our life as an independent landlord. We will continue to listen to tenants, and act on what they tell us, to ensure we support their needs and invest to achieve the best possible future for the people of North East Liverpool.”
Nora Kelly, 61, has been a Cobalt tenant since the start and has lived in her Norris Green home for 27 years. Having fully supported the demerger, she is delighted that more financial control will result in better opportunities for local people. She said:
“I’ve lived in my Cobalt home since my daughter was 15 and am really lucky as my daughter and grand-daughter, also Cobalt Housing tenants, live in the same road.
“Community spirit has always been strong here in Liverpool and where I live I’m fortunate that people are friendly and look out for each other. It’s important to keep our local communities safe and strong.
“Cobalt are really committed to this and it’s great that they’re making sure it’s the local people who benefit and that money goes towards better services and support for the people who live here.”
Cobalt continues to strengthen its board and has recently appointed three new board members to ensure the ongoing capability of the organisation and ensure that more tenants can enjoy a similar positive experience to Nora’s.