Residents get welcomed to a new 'Family'

Monday 4th July 2011

Family Housing in Birmingham has taken over the management of 177 homes in Sutton Coldfield after successfully bidding for the homes from Orbit Heart of England.

Orbit Heart of England, which manages 14,000 homes across the Midlands, took the decision to look for an owner that was geographically better placed to provide a more locally-based service for residents.

Family Housing, which has an office in Coventry Road, Birmingham and now manages 2,300 homes across the west midlands, has taken over the management of the homes, which include right to buy and general needs properties, in Sutton and Erdington - areas where it already owns homes and has staff operating.

Chief executive of Family Housing Tim Sewell said: "This is an exciting development for Family, contributing to a well established track record of growth and community investment activities in Birmingham over recent years.

"As a major provider of affordable housing in Birmingham we are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with Orbit, taking on the ownership and management of homes in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington. Family is fully committed to working in all areas of Birmingham and these additional 177 homes in the north of the city strengthen the role that we can play in communities where we have homes. In particular we look forward to working with residents who are transferring to Family from Orbit."

Elaine Johnston, director of operations at Orbit Heart of England said "We are pleased to have worked in partnership with our residents to select Family as their new landlord. From the outset, we were clear that we wanted our customers to have a genuine input into the process.

"Initial discussions began with residents in summer 2010, when they told us what was important to them in selecting a new landlord to manage their homes. Their feedback was built into the tendering process, resulting in Family being selected as our preferred bidder."

Photo caption: Neighbourhood officer Marsha Cooke out and about welcoming Sutton Coldfield and Erdington residents to Family Housing, which has taken over the ownership and management of 177 homes from Orbit Heart of England.

Posted by 0 for Family Housing Association (Birmingham) Ltd.