The management of council housing will be brought back in-house sooner than its current contract end.

Previously cited as a "challenging" move, it will see management return to the council from 1 April 2026 - instead of at the end of its current contract in June 2027.

It follows a decision made by Cheshire West and Chester Council's cabinet on Tuesday 12 August.

In July, it was decided that management of council housing would return to the council - as opposed to its current provider, ForHousing.

Due to financial pressures, ForHousing did not believe it could fully maintain services over the remaining contract term.

Changes such as new regulatory requirements have led to an increase in both the number and cost of reported day-to-day repairs and maintenance issues.

An earlier contract termination was therefore recommended to "safeguard services" and "address challenges and issues" within the current arrangements.

As a result, the provider sought to end its current contract by no later than 31 March 2026.  

Last year, when the council asked tenants for their views on future housing management, 75% wanted council homes to be owned and managed by the council.

Discussions with the provider about future delivery arrangements have already started.

"The situation regarding the provider's intentions in terms of reducing services only became clear from mid-July," said Cllr Christine Warner.

"That is why we are now acting so rapidly to protect these services.

"Our tenants and service users will always remain our priority, and we will be working hard with ForHousing so that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

"Whilst recognising the challenge of a shorter time frame, we are certain that this is the best option for tenants, homeless people and others accessing our housing services."

Current arrangements for contacting ForHousing, forfutures, HomeKey+ and reporting repairs or issues will continue until April 2026.