The chief executive of Huntingdon-based social housing provider Luminus has stepped down from his post.

The Hunts Post: Luminus, Huntingdon,Luminus, Huntingdon, (Image: Archant)

It is understood that Chan Abraham tendered his resignation to the Luminus Group board on Thursday morning.

In a statement, the chairman of the Luminus Group board, Mike Forrest confirmed to The Hunts Post that Dr Abraham had resigned his position and left the company, although no reason was given for the resignation.

Mr Forrest said: “The board is grateful for the many years of service Dr Abraham has given to Luminus.”

A spokesman for the company said an announcement about an interim chief executive would be made shortly.

The Hunts Post: Luminus, Huntingdon,Luminus, Huntingdon, (Image: Archant)

“She or he will oversee issues to be addressed following matters generated by the Homes and Communities Agency’s regulatory report,” the spokesman added.

Back in March, the company hit the headlines after it was revealed that a Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) report had concluded its tenants in Huntingdonshire were “exposed to the risk of serious harm” after it had failed to comply with gas regulations in more than 1,000 of its properties.

The report also found weaknesses in the company’s board, claiming that much of its activities were going unchallenged. As a result, the HCA rated the Huntingdon-based company as “non-compliant”.

Speaking in light of the report, Mr Forrest said: “At the heart of the Luminus story is the desire to listen, to learn and to improve. The board, in acknowledging the judgement will, as part of its reflective process, consider diligently the evidence adduced by the HCA from the in-depth assessment when this is provided.”

The company, which employs about 300 staff, had a turnover of £44.7million in the year to March 2016. According to its website, Luminus provides homes for more than 45,000 people.

It owns and manages more than 7,000 properties and is registered as a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. It started life in 2000 after the large scale purchase of homes from Huntingdonshire District Council.

Shailesh Vara, the MP for North West Cambridgeshire, said: “Given all that has happened in the recent past at Luminus, this seems the right time for fresh leadership and a new direction for the group.

“Luminus plays a very important part in our communities and its decisions affect many local people. I would like to wish Chan Abraham well for the future and I look forward to working with the new chief executive, whenever one is appointed.”