Housing Trust in multi million pound investment
6 February 2008
BCHT is continuing its investment in improving homes across the district with over £160 million now spent as part of the Trust’s five year modernisation programme.
This covers:
- Fitting over 9,000 central heating systems
- Installing 7,000 new kitchens and bathrooms
- Fitting new PVC windows to 10,000 homes
- Fititing external doors to 12,000 homes
- And re-wiring 7,000 homes
It means 90per cent of our homes now meet the Governments Decent Homes Standard, ahead of the deadline of 2010.
Major improvements are currently underway at a number of sites across the district
including:
- £2.5 million at Guardhouse
- £3.5 million in West Bowling
- £1.6 million in Manningham
- £3.5 million at Odsal
- and £2 million in Queensbury
Our day to day Repairs Service has significantly improved its performance over the past three years. 98per cent of emergency repairs (24 hours) and 92 per cent (7 days) are carried out on time and to a high standard. Tenant satisfaction with our repairs is currently over 90 per cent.
Building new affordable homes is also a priority for BCHT. Through Firebird JVC – a development partnership between BCHT and four local housing associations - work is underway to build nearly 200 affordable homes. This has been supported by 10million pounds of social housing grants.
Building work is progressing on five local sites; Allerton, Undercliffe, Wyke, Cullingworth and Bierley.
At Woodhouse we are consulting with tenants on options for sustainable improvements on the estate to a level in excess of the Governments decent homes standard. These cover refurbishment of homes or building new homes. A steering group involving local residents are overseeing the plans for the estate and this follows a public consultation of all tenants at Woodhouse. They met for the first time on 29th January 2008.
By April 2008 BCHT will have invested more than £26 million over five years in improving homes in the Keighley area.
Following an Audit Commission inspection BCHT was assessed as having excellent prospects for improvement. Key strengths highlighted in the final report (July 2007) included the Trusts strong leadership, the delivery of it s stock investment programme, highly effective approach to partnership working its robust approach to dealing with antisocial behaviour and the customer –focused attitude shown by staff.
In August 2007, the housing Corporation gave BCHT three green lights for its financial viability, Governance and Housing Management.
Geraldine Howley Group Chief Executive of the Trust said; “BCHT is committed to delivering improvements to tenant’s homes, neighbourhoods and communities. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we involve them in developing our services, local plans and developing our neighbourhoods.
“Through the Firebird JVC partnership we are also delivering much needed affordable family homes and providing a range of tenure (for rent, shared-ownership and outright sale).”
Martin Smith, Chair of BCHT Group said; “We are progressing well with our multi-million pound improvement programme. However, we all have to be realistic; we can not do 30 years of improvements all at once or in a 5 year period. This unfortunately means that some of our customers are still awaiting major improvements to their homes, which we understand must be difficult for them at times.”
Dave Procter, Chair of BCHT ‘s Housing Association Board said; “ The Trust is strongly committed to delivering on its promises to tenants, and to make lasting improvements to homes and neighbourhoods.”
Tony Reeves, Bradford Council Chief Executive, said: "We work very closely and in partnership with BCHT to ensure that we are improving both the homes and neighbourhoods for all the people of the distirct. As our local housing trust, BCHT are making a significant contribution to the regeneration of the district.
"BCHT have invested more than £160million in improving tenants homes and bringing them up to Government housing standards for thousands of Bradford residents and more work is being carried out to create modern homes.
"We know there are housing issues that need to be addressed but we are confident that by working with BCHT we can ensure they are. The Council’s aim is to ensure that housing developments meet the needs of local people, the quality of housing stock is improved and vulnerable people are supported to live independent lives."
06.02.08