Council housing

Christine was born in private rented accommodation in South Manchester, which was overcrowded and in a very sub-standard condition. At the age of seven Christine lived with her parents in council housing in Wythenshawe. Christine has spent her working life in housing and following her re-election in 2023 was asked to take on the Cabinet position of Homes, Planning and Safer Communities. Christine is looking forward to using her role as Chair of the new Council Housing Management Board to improve services.

Antony Spurway has been a council tenant for over ten years and lives in Neston. Antony is very keen to ensure that the Board takes on board the views of council tenants and that improvements are made in the communities where they live to achieve outstanding service to help to thrive. Antony’s interests include watching sports especially Formula 1 and snooker, listening to music, spending time with the family and looking after the family dog.

Brian McGaw has been a tenant for over 30 years and lives in Stanney Grange, Ellesmere Port. Brian is keen to help his fellow tenants and wants to make a difference so that tenants continue to be housed in safe homes that meet their housing needs. Brian has been in volunteering for many years and is an active member of the St John Ambulance and is also a volunteer with the British Heart Foundation. Brian is keen to work with his fellow board members and tenants to improve the services provided to all tenants.

Jo has worked across the social housing sector for 25 years, covering several regions across the Northwest and in all aspects of housing management. She is an advocate of the customer voice being heard, listened to and acted upon, to influence, change and shape how landlords deliver services to their tenants and residents. Jo’s interests include upholstery, live music and campervan travels.

Katie believes decent and affordable homes must be available to everyone and is passionate about empowering people to have a voice and ensuring their voices are heard. It’s paramount information is delivered in a way people can understand and support is available and accessible to all. Katie feels that working together and good communication is key to delivering and building communities that we want to live in, communities that we can be proud of. Katie`s interests include spending quality time with family & friends, travelling to hot countries and playing a bit of bingo.

Nigel Hickmott has been a council tenant for over 10 years and lives in Westminster Ward in Ellesmere Port. Nigel is very keen to ensure that all tenants receive services that are responsive to the needs of tenants. Nigel has a long standing record of tenant involvement serving on the ForHousing Service Excellence Group, Scrutiny Panel, Complaints Panel. Nigel has also been a mystery shopper and a void inspector. Nigel`s interests include classic cars and shows, gardening, theatre, computing and helping where able other tenants.

Paul grew up in a council flat in Birkenhead until getting married. Paul understands the value of having a secure tenure and decent home to live in. He worked after leaving Liverpool University for Liverpool Council housing department, being involved in new build and regeneration of council housing projects. Paul has worked for over 20 years as a partner in an architects practice designing housing. Paul has previously served as a board member for two housing associations and has also been a councillor on the Wirral for eight years, and now a town councillor in Neston.

Victoria Gabriela has been a council tenant for three years and lives in Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port. Victoria is passionate about making sure that all council tenants are happy and satisfied with the houses and the conditions in which they live. Victoria is looking forward to seeing how as a member of the council housing management board she can improve the lives of council tenants. Victoria`s interests include gardening, reading, travelling and learning foreign languages.