A FORMER Assembly housing chief has landed the top job with the organisation that will take over more than 9,000 homes from Neath Port Talbot Council.

Linda Whittaker has been appointed chief executive of NPT Homes ready for the transfer, which is due to take place early in 2011.

She was one of four candidates shortlisted for the role.

Ms Whittaker is a former director of housing with the Assembly Government and is currently Neath Port Talbot Council's stock transfer programme manager.

She has been responsible for overseeing stock transfer processes for some of the country's largest authorities including Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen and Newport.

Ms Whittaker is also an independent member of the board of RCT Homes, the organisation that Rhondda Cynon Taff Council transferred its homes to in December, 2007. She said: "It is a privilege to take on this new and exciting role at NPT Homes at a great time for housing in Neath Port Talbot.

"I am looking forward to playing a major part in shaping its future and ensuring we are committed to our tenants, staff and local communities."

Neath Port Talbot Council wanted its entire stock of houses and flats handed over to a new social landlord to meet the Assembly's Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

It argued it would need to spend £152 million bringing its homes up to scratch when it only had £40 million, whereas NPT Homes could access sources of funding not open to the authority.

That led to a ballot, which resulted in tenants voting in favour of the transfer despite a campaign against it.

In return, they have been promised a programme of repairs and improvements worth £152 million in the first six years and £694 million over 30 years.