PLANS to dissolve Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) have been ruled out following fears of a social housing shake-up.

Hundreds of tenants had signed a petition against the proposals, which were considered at a meeting of Borough of Poole’s overview and scrutiny committee.

However, after debating the findings of a strategic review of housing management, carried out by consultant firm Campbell Tickell, members voted unanimously that PHP retains the management of the council’s housing stock.

Cabinet members will now consider the report and the committee’s recommendation at a meeting on January 9, 2018.

Campbell Tickell’s report analysed two options for the future management of social housing. They involved PHP continuing to manage the stock or bringing the stock back into council management – an option the report said would achieve savings of £313,000 a year.

However, a petition signed by 350 PHP tenants backed the current set up. Worried residents demonstrated outside the civic centre earlier this year.

The Poole People Party also said abolition of PHP would "severely impact" the council's ability to increase affordable housing stock. Members of the independent party, which has three elected councillors at BOP, argued against any move to break up PHP.

Poole People leader and ward councillor for Poole Town Cllr Mark Howell said the consultants' report made it clear that PHP is a high performing organisation that is highly valued by tenants.

"This is a classic case of 'if it aint broke, don't fix it',” he told the Echo previously.

As part of their report, Campbell Tickell conducted a comprehensive review and the process included consultation with tenants and leaseholders. The report also made recommendations for improvements and changes that could be made if the stock continued to be managed by Poole Housing Partnership, but also recognised the strengths of the current management arrangements.

Committee members supported the recommendations from Campbell Tickell for the council and PHP to work in partnership to make further improvements.

Cllr Jane Newell, chairman of the committee, said: “Since 2004, PHP has worked hard to deliver high standards for its residents. The thorough independent review highlights the continuing requirement for PHP to work together with the council to deliver the strategic priorities for our local communities.

“The committee supported the recommendations in the report to further enhance the successful track record joint working between the council and Poole Housing Partnership to date."