Head of strategic housing leaves Council

Paul Beardmore, former head of strategic housing at Rochdale Council, has left his post to become director of housing on Manchester City Council.

Mr Beardmore fronted Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, the arms-length local authority housing service, which has been shrouded in controversy over the last six months for proposing a policy that threatens to evict tenants who do not pay their water charges.

Mr Beardmore progressed through the ranks on Rochdale Council, starting as a trainee environmental health officer in 1976, before becoming the head of strateic housing when Rochdale Boroughwide Housing was formed in 2003.

He left his position in Rochdale recently and has been working part time for the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities before taking up his role at Manchester Council.

Executive Director Andy Zuntz paid tribute to Paul and said he will be a real asset to Manchester: “Paul will be remembered here for his cheerful, friendly and supportive approach to colleagues across the council and our partners. He helped to build strong long term relationships across a wide range of organisations. Our staff, partners and elected members have valued his contribution in so many ways and we wish Paul all the best for the future.”