Hollywood Towers, an unmistakable feature of the Stockport skyline, has of late been the subject of controversy. 

On 11 January, residents from the high-rise brought a question to a meeting of Stockport Council, stating that there were 'major ongoing issues of services' in the building. 

Specifically, the residents were critical of Stockport Homes, which manages Hollywood Towers on behalf of the council. 

A spokesperson for the residents said: "We are angry, frustrated, and we have no voice. Stockport Homes will not listen to our issues."

Hollywood Towers presides over the Mersey Valley from the left, as seen from the viaduct (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Problems with intercoms, caretakers, and recycling areas were among those singled out.

The resident added: "There are many areas of concern, and these only touch on some of them. We would like to know why we are being treated so shabbily, and no-one will listen. 

"Millions of pounds are being spent on regeneration and housing five minutes from us - what about our neighbourhood?"

The councillors' response

Cllr Asa Caton from the Edgeley Community Association (ECA) was the first to respond to the question. 

"The experience on the ground is far from positive when dealing with Stockport Homes", he said. 

"There is a recurring theme that [...] when myself or other councillors call Stockport Homes to account, there seems to be a 24-hour flurry of activity clearing some of the problems. 

"The willingness, the ability, the resources are there. What we need to get away from is this situation where escalation to councillors seems to be the default way by which repairs and maintenance are delivered."

Councillors Matt Wynne (left) and Asa Caton from the Edgeley Community Association expressed frustration with Stockport Homes (Image - Stockport Council)

Cllr Matt Wynne, also from the ECA, responded similarly: "The Edgeley Community Association does not think that the status quo can continue", he said. 

"[We] want to look at where Stockport Homes is in 2024 and beyond, with all options put on the table about its future. 

"We'll continue to be on the side of tenants and residents in Edgeley. I don't say this lightly, but after four years of listening, you can consider Stockport Homes on notice."

Stockport Homes Group (SHG) responds

In a statement to Nub News, John Bowker - Executive Director of Operations at Stockport Homes - responded to the comments made at the council meeting on the 11th.

"Significant investment has been made into Hollywood Towers [...] in recent years to improve the blocks", Mr Bowker said. 

"This continues, together with a range of opportunities for residents to contact SHG with any issues or concerns.

"This includes onsite meetings, estate walkabouts and an easily accessible complaints process should residents remain dissatisfied."

Stockport Homes' headquarters building sits on Edward Street, opposite the Stockport Council buildings (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Mr Bowker added that Stockport Homes "welcomes the proactive involvement" of councillors and residents. 

"While some of these issues remain in progress and involve a range of agencies, there has been some successful joint work and open communication", he explained.

"Some of the comments [in the meeting] are unexpected, but SHG remains committed to working with residents, councillors, and stakeholders to deliver services that ensure safe homes and communities.

"We take all feedback, especially from customers and councillors very seriously [...]

"Across our services we strive to continually improve and look forward to continuing to do so in the future, working with Stockport Council and all its stakeholders in the overall interests of the Borough."

Stockport Homes manages a range of housing stock across the borough (Image - Alasdair Perry)

As an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) Stockport Homes manages council-owned housing stock - such as Hollywood Towers - on behalf of the council.

Stockport Homes argued that, more generally, ALMOs are more efficient at managing council housing stock than the local authority itself, citing a review commissioned by the Housing Quality Network and the Federation of ALMOs in 2023.

SHG pointed out that in 76 percent of councils with ALMOs, tenants are satisfied with their landlord's services overall, compared to tenants with services provided directly by the local authority, where the median is 65 percent.

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