UP TO 25 positions could be made redundant at Macclesfield-based housing association Peaks & Plains, it has been announced today.
Association bosses say the move comes in light of the Government’s recent commitment to reduce all social landlord rents by one percent year-on-year for the next four years starting in 2016.
The plans were outlined in Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget speech in July.
Peaks & Plains, which owns and manages 5,000 homes across East Cheshire and employs 250 people, is beginning the review with immediate effect and will now enter a period of consultation.
Bosses say the rent cuts, which will begin to take effect in January, will equate to a £9m loss of revenue for Peaks & Plains over that period.
Tim Pinder, the associations, chief executive, said: “It is with deepest regret that I announce that Peaks & Plains is reviewing a number of positions within the organisation at risk of redundancy.
“The reality of these new financial pressures is forcing everyone in social housing to take difficult choices, and as a result the board has acted quickly and decisively to secure the future of the business.
“As a business we will continue to strive to improve the lives of our customers through increased focus on delivering high quality day-to-day landlord services and continue our plans to build 250 new affordable homes over the coming years.
“This means we must review the way we do business to remain financially strong in the future.”
He added: “Regrettably that may mean some job losses in the short term. It’s a sad day for the Trust and I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our staff for their commitment, enthusiasm and dedication.
UPDATED (4pm on 23/9/15: Peaks and Plains have revealed potential redundancies are now down to 24)
