Stockport Homes is a limited company that exists to manage the housing stock owned by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.
Stockport Homes is known as an Arm's Length Management Organisation or ALMO. This means that while the local Council owns the company, it operates independently from it on day-to-day matters.
Stockport Homes works together very closely with Stockport Council to ensure that the best results are achieved for all customers.
In spring 2005, all tenants within Stockport Council's properties were asked for their opinion on the future management of the housing stock. A number of options were put forward including the creation of a new company (an Arm’s Length Management Organisation) to manage all housing and in so doing, bidding for extra funds for future investment.
In August 2006, The Audit Commission assessed Stockport Homes and made the following statement:
"We have assessed Stockport Homes as providing an excellent three star service that has excellent prospects for improvement."
In August 2009, Stockport Homes achieved Investors in People (IiP) Gold status. Stockport Homes was one of the first housing organisations in the country to achieve the IiP Gold Status.
In March 2010, Stockport Homes made number 19 in The Sunday Times 75 Best Places to Work in the Public Sector list, which surveyed 45,000 employees nationwide. Stockport Homes were also awarded with a 'One to Watch' status in the Best Companies Accreditation.
In May 2010, the Audit Commission assessed Stockport Homes for a second time and again awarded the highest possible rating of three stars with excellent prospects for improvement stating in their report that Stockport Homes.
In March 2011, Stockport Homes made number 29 in The Sunday Times 75 Best Places to Work in the Public Sector list, Stockport Homes were also awarded with a two stars, which indicates an 'outstanding oganisation'.