Bury to call time on social landlord Six Town Housing

Tuesday, 9 September 2025 20:37

By Chris Gee

A social housing provider owned by Bury council is to be wound up.

Six Town Housing (STH) was previously the council’s arms length management company, which controlled most of the borough’s social housing stock.

In February 2024, the council took back control of the vast majority of social homes in the borough from STH. placing them under its in house management.

However, the organisation remained a wholly owned subsidiary company of the council, still owning and managing 149 specialist properties for social rent.

A strategic review of STH was commissioned by the council which has concluded ‘the current STH governance arrangements put both it and the council at regulatory and reputational risk’.

It was described as ‘unviable in its current state ‘ and required ‘a disproportionate level of senior leadership time and governance management to deliver the very small social housing stock it provides’.

Recommendations set to be agreed by the council cabinet this week will lead to the de-registering of Six Town from the regulator of social housing, closing the company completely, with individual assets either transferred into the council or sold to a third party.

STH no longer has any paid staff, is managed solely by its board and therefore currently relies on Bury council to manage its social housing.

The process to close STH is expected to take 18 months and will cost the council around £500,000.

A report to the cabinet, said: “Managing specialist accommodation is not the council’s expertise whereas other local providers are well placed.

“A suitable new landlord must be selected for each asset within the remaining STH portfolio, whether returning to the Bury housing revenue account, divesting of an individual asset, or ending lease agreements.

“The impact of the closure on current tenants is the upmost priority.

“Throughout the process the tenants will be considered and consulted.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

‘The stupidest idea’ one man said he’d heard in a long time scrapped

Plans to create a one way system around the cramped roads of Ramsbottom town centre have been abandoned after an overwhelmingly negative response from residents.
Tool thieves to face tougher jail terms after Rochdale MP wins major legal reform

Tradespeople across Rochdale and the UK will see stronger legal protections after MP Paul Waugh secured tougher sentencing rules for tool theft through a new law aimed at cracking down on the crime’s devastating impact.
Town that’s become signal deadspot to get 30m telecommunications mast

Middleton has long been considered a signal deadspot for mobile phones, now a 30m high telecommunications mast is hoping to solve that problem.
New station entrance promises striking gateway into Rochdale

A major upgrade is on the cards for Rochdale railway station, with new plans aiming to modernise the historic site and strengthen links to the town centre and surrounding developments.
Shared ownership homes released at £7.1 million Green View development in Middleton

Eight new shared ownership homes are now on the market at Mossylea Close in Middleton, part of the £7.1 million Green View development delivered by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).
Man arrested after handbag robberies targeting lone women across Bury and Greater Manchester

A 52-year-old man has been arrested following a series of violent handbag thefts that left women across Manchester, Salford and Bury shaken but physically unharmed.
New Christmas lights trail coming to Heaton Park this winter

A brand new illuminated trail is coming to Heaton Park this festive season, offering a mile-long walk through glowing light displays, local food and festive cheer from 20 November to 31 December 2025.
Rain fails to dampen spirits at Heywood Charities Fete as crowds flock to Queen's Park

Despite heavy rain throughout the day, hundreds turned out to support local causes at the annual Heywood Charities Fete today, Sunday, 7 September.
Elderly woman found dead outside Rochdale wedding venue as event cancelled

A woman in her 90s was pronounced dead outside a popular wedding venue in Whitworth, prompting a police response and the cancellation of a local event.
Thousands take part in Bury BID 10K and junior races as community spirit shines

Bury was alive with energy this morning as thousands of runners, volunteers and supporters gathered for the return of the Bury BID 10K alongside Mini and Junior events.
Road closures and parking restrictions announced for Bury 10K Running Festival

Drivers urged to plan ahead as Sunday road closures set to impact key routes in Bury and Tottington
New home secretary signed letter opposing deportation of foreign criminals, including convicted child rapist

A letter co-signed by Shabana Mahmood MP in 2020, which urged the government to halt a controversial deportation flight to Jamaica, has resurfaced online after her appointment as home secretary.