About CWAG
Councils with ALMOs Group (CWAG) is the representative body of stock owning local authorities whose stock is managed by ALMOs.
CWAG began as an informal grouping of council officers meeting to share good practice and provide mutual support in the early days of the establishment of the ALMO model.
In 2007 the group moved to formalise its structure and role becoming a Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Local Government Association. Since then the group has been working to ensure that the interests of councils with ALMOs are fully recognised in wider policy proposals and debates.
Although ALMOs were originally set up as delivery vehicles for the Decent Homes Programme, this management model has since evolved to deliver wider local priorities and partnerships on behalf of parent councils, often including other functions and services alongside management of council housing.
A key role of CWAG is to ensure that the specific interests of councils as owners and landlords are represented. The Group also has an important role in terms of providing access to practical support, training and networking. From the outset, the group has retained a non- political stance, focussing on practical support to council officers on operational and policy issues.
There is no direct member involvement in the group.
Image: Artistic impression of the future of Elm Grove (London Borough of Sutton) by Levitt Bernstein Architects
CWAG is managed via an elected Executive Group supported by a part-time policy officer.
Current Executive Group members are:
Chair
Geoff Beales
(Colchester City Council)
Executive Members
Henry Gregory (West Northamptonshire Council)
Joy Ashman (Cornwall Council)
Chris Bellis-Wright (Southend-on-Sea City Council)
Mazer Hussain (Derby City Council)
Jenny Daisley (Shropshire County Council)
To find out more about how the group is managed view our Terms of Reference.
Our key objectives are:
- CWAG is the representative body of stock owning authorities where council housing is managed by ALMOs. We aim to have an active role in influencing the national policy agenda, particularly in respect of ALMOs and their relationship with their owning authority.
- CWAG works to facilitate information sharing and promote best practice amongst member authorities.
- CWAG provides a forum for member discussion and mutual support on issues specific to this sector.
- CWAG is a Special Interest Group of the Local Government Association and aims to inform and influence LGA policy on housing, so it reflects the needs and concerns of CWAG members.
- CWAG is keen to promote the ALMO model and develop positive partnerships with ALMOs and the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) to ensure best outcome for tenants/leaseholders. The group also works with sector partners to promote the wider interests of social housing and its residents.
For more information on recent CWAG activities please click here
Benefits of Membership
CWAG currently has 15 members of the group, click here to view them
How to Join
Membership is open to all councils with ALMOs. The joining fee and annual subscription are calculated on the basis of the size of an Authority’s stock holding.