THE MAN in charge of new housing at a Hampshire council has stood down today.

Cllr Ian Tait is standing down as Portfolio Holder for Housing and New Homes at Winchester City Council with immediate effect.

As an interim measure Cllr Tony Coates will take over his previous role as portfolio holder for housing while the council Leader, Cllr Keith Wood, will deal with outstanding matters on new homes delivery.

Cllr Wood said: “I do not plan to make any comment on this matter, but I intend to review the position with Ian in early autumn to see whether it would be sensible to reinstate him at that time. Ian has achieved a great deal in the difficult area of new council housing and made much progress for which I am very grateful.

“As a temporary move Tony Coates will take over housing and I shall deal with outstanding matters on new homes.”

A portfolio holder decision will be published this week to cover the changes.