Housing Options Appraisal recommendation: we want to hear from you

In May last year we advised that we'd be undertaking an independent review to determine how our housing management services should be delivered in future.

This review – also known as a Housing Options Appraisal – was conducted by independent consultants, Savills, with the objective of ensuring that our housing management service is better aligned, is consistent and delivers best value for money for all Somerset Council and Homes in Somerset tenants and leaseholders.

More information about the Housing Options Appraisal is on our website.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to participate in the engagement activities that took place as part of the review. We held a range of stakeholder engagement opportunities, including in person events, online events and a digital consultation, where 971 people shared their views on the future of housing in Somerset. Your views and input have been invaluable to the process. 

Recommendation

In December, we advised you of Savills’ recommendation that Homes in Somerset becomes the single housing management service provider. This recommendation will now be considered at the meeting of Somerset Council’s Executive Committee on 11 March 2026.

The decision made by the Executive Committee will be subject to the conducting of a consultation with the Council's secure tenants and leaseholders in accordance with section 105 of the Housing Act 1985. If this recommendation is approved following the consultation, the changes are planned to take effect from September 2026.

What does this mean for you?

If the recommendation is approved, please be assured that:

• Somerset Council will remain your landlord and your rights as a tenant or leaseholder will not change; you will remain a tenant/leaseholder of Somerset Council
• Your homes and commercial premises will continue to be repaired, maintained and invested in as they are currently and there will be no change to your rent or services charges beyond the normal annual review and increase
• You will continue to receive the high standards of service you have been receiving
• Your repairs and maintenance services will be provided through Homes in Somerset

Section 105 Consultation

We want to hear your views. We’re now holding a consultation to give you the chance to share your feedback about the recommendation for Homes in Somerset to be the single housing management service provider.

To share your views, scan the QR code or visit: https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/housing/housing-options-appraisal-consultation and complete the short survey by Wednesday, 8 April 2026.

Final Decision

The final decision will be announced following the consideration by Somerset Council’s Executive Committee and when all the consultation feedback has been received and analysed.

The final decision is expected at the end of April 2026 when we will write to you again.

What happens after the final decision

If the final decision supports the recommendation, there will be a transition period of approximately 4 months, during which time we will communicate with all customers to ensure that you understand any changes and how you can continue to engage with the service.

We will continue to keep you informed through the customer newsletter and e-newsletter, on our website and on our social media platforms.

For more information

Published Frequently Asked Questions are available at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/council-and-social-housing/ and should address many of your questions.
Alternatively, tenants should contact their assigned housing officer or use the Contact my housing team form online.
Leaseholders can email Claire Thackray at claire.thackray@somerset.gov.uk or Stephanie Clark at stephanie.clark@somerset.gov.uk.