North Devon Council is celebrating a major milestone in its commitment to tackling the district’s housing challenges after becoming a Local Authority Registered Provider. The council has returned to providing social housing after more than 25 years by newly acquiring its own housing stock and is working in partnership with North Devon Homes to deliver and support much needed affordable homes for local people.

The first homes delivered through the partnership are now available in Barnstaple, with further homes planned to be delivered in Ilfracombe, through the Ilfracombe Healthy Homes project. North Devon Homes will provide housing management, repairs and maintenance support for the council’s newly acquired social rent homes, helping to ensure residents benefit from high-quality homes and services from day one.

The partnership builds on a relationship that began more than 25 years ago when North Devon Council transferred its housing stock to North Devon Homes, creating an independent, not-for-profit housing association focused on providing high-quality homes and services for local communities. North Devon Homes now manages more than 3,300 homes across the district and brings extensive experience in housing management, repairs and maintenance.

As a Registered Provider, North Devon Council can develop and acquire homes that will be let at affordable rents to local people. Income returns generated from the housing stock will be reinvested into delivering further secure, affordable and sustainable homes across the district.

Councillor Graham Bell, Lead Member for Housing at North Devon Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for North Devon Council and for housing in our district. Becoming a Local Authority Registered Provider means that, for the first time in more than 25 years, we can directly provide social housing and take a leading role in delivering the homes our communities need.

"We know that finding an affordable home remains one of the biggest challenges facing many residents. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to being part of the solution and ensuring that people can continue to live and thrive in North Devon."

Marc Rostock, Director of Neighbourhoods at North Devon Homes, said: “We are proud to have supported North Devon Council in reaching this important milestone. By combining the council’s ambition with our experience of developing and managing affordable homes, we can help deliver more high-quality housing for local people.

“The demand for affordable housing in North Devon remains high, and partnerships like this are essential if we are to meet that need and create thriving communities for future generations.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing, investing in local communities and ensuring residents have access to good-quality homes and services. Both organisations will continue to work together to help tackle housing challenges across North Devon and support local people to live and thrive within their communities.

Signing photograph

Standing (L-R): Councillor Graham Bell, Lead Member for Housing, North Devon Council. Councillor David Clayton, Leader of the Council, North Devon Council.

Sitting (L-R): Jon Triggs, Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive, North Devon Council. Martyn Gimber, Chief Executive, North Devon Homes.