Housing options appraisal consultation

Overview

Currently, Somerset Council’s housing management and repairs services are split, with around 6,000 homes managed directly through an in-house team of staff at Somerset Council and around 4,000 homes managed by Homes in Somerset.

Homes in Somerset is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) which is owned by Somerset Council and works on behalf of the council to provide housing management and repairs services to customers.

Independent housing management consultants, Savills, were appointed in May last year to review the current approach and identify the most effective and resilient, single approach to delivering Somerset’s housing services in the future.

Customers, tenants, leaseholders, community organisations and members of the public were asked to share their views about housing services, with 971 people participating through surveys, meetings and online sessions.

Savills have now completed the review, analysed all the data collated and have put forward their recommendation.

The recommendation by Savills to Somerset Council is for Homes in Somerset to be the single housing management service provider.

We invite you to share your feedback and comments regarding this recommendation by completing the following survey. It will only take 5-10 minutes and the survey closes on 8 April 2026.

Your feedback will be viewed by Somerset Council and Homes in Somerset.

Somerset Council is expected to make a final decision in April.

What does this mean for housing customers:

• Somerset Council will continue to own your home.
• Customers will remain tenants of Somerset Council.
• Homes will continue to be repaired, maintained and invested in.
• Housing officers would continue to support customers.
• Rent and service charges would only change through the usual annual review.
• No immediate changes will happen after the decision-making process.
• There will be a transition period of around 4 months, during which time we will communicate with all our customers to explain any changes and how to continue engaging with the service.

Housing Options Appraisal frequently asked questions (PDF 240KB)

Why your views matter

Taking part in this consultation matters because customer views help shape the future housing service. By sharing your experiences and priorities, customers help Somerset Council make decisions that reflect the real needs and everyday living.