Former York housing director Bob Towner has died

Bob Towner, former housing director for York city council, has died at 81. He served in the 1980s and 90s, focusing on tenant empowerment and introducing a tenants' charter that significantly improved tenant satisfaction and reduced modernization costs. Towner's initiatives included a £36 million plan to modernize the Bell Farm estate, which emphasized tenant consultation. His work earned national recognition and influenced housing practices across the UK. Born in Berkshire, Towner had a diverse career in local government and housing. He retired in 2000 and continued to support housing associations and social care initiatives. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and five grandchildren.