Plus Dane gains £100m Wirral housing deal

LIVERPOOL-based social housing landlord Plus Dane Group is to be awarded a £100m contract to manage housing stock in Ellesmere Port and Neston.

The five-year deal, which is subject to final approval by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive, will see Plus Dane take over more than 5,000 homes currently under council control by July 1. Around 200 council staff will also transfer to Plus Dane. No compulsory redundancies will be made as a result of the changes.

Plus Dane’s chief executive Ken Perry said: “Everyone at Plus Dane is delighted that Cheshire West and Chester Council has put its faith in us to assist, not just in improving the management and maintenance of the existing council housing, but in playing a part in the overall transformation of the area.

“The selection process has enabled us to meet some very impressive people including existing tenants, staff and people from the public, private and voluntary sectors.  

“We hope that we can help bring people together with a renewed sense of common purpose to further improve the quality of life, choice and opportunity for everyone in this wonderful town.”

Mr Perry added: “I am from Ellesmere Port and started my career there. I owe a lot to the town and its people and I am thrilled to be playing a part in helping its transformation.”

Peter Shaw, Plus Dane’s managing director for the contract, said: “Everyone involved in the bidding process is really excited about the prospect of working alongside colleagues already delivering the services for Ellesmere Port and Neston tenants.

“We are already planning for the start of the contract and to begin implementing our proposals as soon as we can. A big part of this is to secure a suitable office base in the area so that the services can continue to be delivered locally.”