THE head of the council's property management company has broken his silence on his decision to stand down.
Hassett Auguste told the board of the beleaguered company he would be standing down last month following concerns about Ascham's performance.
Matters came to a head after a government inspection to determine whether the company would secure funding for housing was postponed for fear of failure.
The council was said to have “no confidence” in Mr Auguste to deliver changes to ensure the funds were secured.
In a statement released today Mr Auguste said his time as Ascham Homes chief executive had been “amazing.”
He said: “After six exciting and rewarding years, the time is right to explore wider opportunities building on my strengths and experience as well as those offering new challenges. “
Ascham Homes has had a difficult couple of years.
Several Government targets to bring homes up to a standard of decency have been missed and the company lost a series of legal rulings which meant it could not charge leaseholders for works carried out on blocks of flats they share with council tenants.
But Mr Auguste said there had been highlights, including securing a two-star rating from the Audit Commission, meeting some Decent Homes targets and improving rent collection and gas servicing rates.
He said: “The past years have provided learning points for everyone.
“It is impossible not to miss the warmth of the exceptional staff, increasingly mirroring the community being served. “I am confident of an impressive future.”
Paul Lowenberg, Ascham Home chairman, will now lead the board in choosing a new chief executive.
Mr Lowenberg said: ““Everyone associated with Ascham Homes thanks Hassett for the contribution he has made and extends our good wishes for his continued success in the future.
Ascham Homes now moves immediately into a new phase in its commitment to deliver the best possible services for its tenants and residents.
“We are finalising a number of improvements that will be announced in the coming weeks, which are designed to achieve high levels of resident satisfaction, including a focus on any outstanding repairs and environmental services.”
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