Government promises Rykneld Homes’ stars will guarantee £60 million

Thursday 6th March 2008

The Government has awarded Rykneld Homes a guaranteed place on its funding list.

The Government has announced that if Rykneld Homes achieves improvements to services to a 2 star level at its Audit Commission inspection, it will secure the earmarked cash.

Rykneld Homes is making vast improvements to homes and services with the goal of securing the extra £60 million needed for the total £117 million Decent Homes programme that will help bring all properties up to standard.

Recent achievements include:
* The launch of Choice Move, a new way of allocating homes offering more choice to tenants.
* Raised the standard of improvements including showers over baths and floor coverings to kitchens and bathrooms.
* Extended hours available for repairs
* Established a £100,000 Neighbourhood Improvement Budget focussing on issues communities think are most important.
* Launched a new apprentice scheme.
* Helped set up two new tenants’ and residents’ groups.
* Introduced appointments on all repairs except emergencies.
* The launch of a new website, keeping tenants up to date with latest news and developments.
* Appointment of Neighbourhood Champions to provide a more hands-on reactive service.

Su Gomer, Interim Chief Executive said: “This is a major step forward, showing that the Government has confidence in Rykneld Homes. We are working extremely hard to modernise our services and listen to our tenants, so that we can achieve our goal of 2 stars at inspection. We have achieved a lot since last April and are determined to meet the challenge with enthusiasm….and a great deal of hard work by everyone involved!”

Throughout the country 56 Arm’s Length Management Organisations are managing more than 828,000 homes and spending £840 million each year on bringing them up to the Government’s Decent Homes standard through their refurbishing and modernising programmes. More than 220,000 homes have been brought up to standard so far.

Posted by Kim for Rykneld Homes