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Asset Management

Investing in Homes

A strategic framework has been developed based upon a stock condition survey, demand, and suitability. 97% of our homes meet the Decent Homes Standard and an Asset Management Strategy, formulated with residents, is in place to secure continuous improvement. Emerging needs include motorised scooter/wheelchair stores, resident's car parking, electrical testing, and external environment works to boundary walls and gates - enhancing both the appearance and perceived security of the homes.

Where poor housing demand or uneconomic investment is required, homes may be sold on the open market. To date 73 homes have been sold and the proceeds will be used to develop new two-bedroom room bungalows. Where the existing properties are unsatisfactory, but the site is excellent, homes are re-developed. One group of homes - Cochrane Terrace at Ushaw Moor has recently been redeveloped where a terrace of 20 one-bedroom bungalows, built in 1911, have been replaced with 20 two-bedroom bungalows on an adjacent site. A further scheme at Middlestone Moor has recently completed where 18 one-bedroom bungalows built in 1909 were replaced with 12 two-bedroom bungalows.

Repairs and Maintenance

An appointment system is available to residents, and our network of locally based contractors carried out 4880 repairs and provided an excellent service, not only in the quality of works, but also in their local knowledge and consideration for residents.

Works completed on schedule:

Emergency Urgent Routine
2005/06 Actual 98.79% 95.9% 97.84%
2006/07 Actual 98.86% 97.71% 99.23%
2007/08 Target 99.0% 97.0% 98.5%

Voids

A void letting standard is established and electrical testing introduced in 2006/7. Re-let times were 4.7 weeks.

Affordable Homes

A Housing Strategy is in place, which targets to build 50 new bungalows a year via a development partnership with Isos Developments, accessing Government Capital Grant. The balance of monies is obtained from banks, building societies and reinvestment of sale proceeds.

Recent Completions

Bishop Auckland, Wear Valley
10 two-bedroom bungalows and 4 family homes
(completed November 2007)

Leam Lane, Gateshead:
8 two-bedroom bungalows
(completed June 2007)

Esh Winning, Durham
10 two-bedroom bungalows
(completed October 2007)

Chopwell, Gateshead
6 two-bedroom bungalows
(completed November 2007)

Middlestone Moor, Sedgefield
12 two-bedroom bungalows
(completed May 2008)

Pelton Fell, Chester-le Street
20 two-bedroom bungalows
(completed January 2008)

Horden, Easington
4 Disabled bungalows
(completed February 2008)

Projects on Site

Capital Grant Allocation Secured (via Nomad E5)

Sherburn Village, Durham:
14 two-bedroom bungalows, 7 Shared Ownership two-bedroom bungalows.

New homes are key to the long term financial viability of the Association and will be developed in accord with the North East Regional Housing Strategy.