LHT board member receives lifetime contribution award

Published by Group Communications for Symphony Housing Group in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT) is celebrating the recognition achieved by one of their board members at the first National Housing Federation HANAAs (Housing Association National Accounting Awards).

Eric Armitage OBE won the ‘outstanding lifetime contribution’ award which honoured his unique contribution to the housing association sector.

As a ‘housing pioneer’, Mr Armitage was part of the vanguard that put housing associations on the map and the need for affordable housing on the political agenda. He has almost fifty years’ professional service in the social housing sector and continues to offer exceptional dedication in his work as a board member for LHT.

The judges commented that Eric Armitage ‘proved the popular choice amongst a quality line up’ and commended ‘the impact, longevity and wide-ranging contribution he had made to social housing’.

Daniel Klemm, North West lead manager for the National Housing Federation, said: “Eric Armitage has dedicated five decades of his life to improving the lives of people living in social housing.

“He has worked in a range of vital roles for housing associations, including as chief executive and board member. He also continues to help people in housing need abroad through his involvement in the Homeless International charity.

“Like many in the social housing sector, he is committed and passionate to helping others. Eric is a worthy winner of the Outstanding Contribution HANAA  Award.”

LHT managing director, Sue Westwater said: “LHT is proud to have a board member of Eric’s calibre who makes an outstanding contribution to our business. His commitment and passion to our social purpose is inspiring.

“Congratulations Eric for this fully deserved achievement and thank you for your commitment and invaluable work on our behalf.”

Mr Armitage’s career in social housing began in 1973 when he took up his first post for North British Housing (now part of Places For People), becoming Chief Executive in 1983.

His retirement has seen him take on many other challenges including becoming chair of Homeless International, the charity which was formed by housing associations in response to housing need overseas, board membership of Manchester Methodist Housing Association (now part of Great Places Housing Group) and also Rodney Housing Association in Liverpool (now part of LHT). Eric has been an LHT board member since 2009.

Eric adds this award to other recognition achieved including the award of the OBE in 1991.