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Managing our assets

With over 1,500 homes in 90 locations throughout 10 Local Authority areas, planning for future investment into the Association's properties is an interesting and involved exercise. Add to this the wide age range of the homes and it's easy to imagine how complex the task is.

Using the extensive information from the stock condition survey together with the knowledge of the homes held by Housing Officers and Technical Staff, proposals for planned maintenance are produced. Understandably, we look to replace the "oldest" components first, but the condition of the component is also taken into consideration.

Currently, priority is being focused on electrical testing, a pilot scheme for new high efficiency heating boiler replacements, kitchen and bathroom renewals and external environmental improvements. This illustrates how safety is given highest priority with issues of comfort and welfare next and finally the appearance of the homes.

newsHowever, that is not the whole story. The Association has been made aware of issues previously not considered. For example, in Rutherford House and Bulmer House it was possible to create charging areas for motorised wheelchairs and scooters. This was carried out in response to residents and officers concerns.

Similarly car parking facilities have been formed at Dairy Lane and Plawsworth Road, Sacriston. Residents have welcomed this as a positive improvement.

Further similar improvements are being considered, especially in relation to grounds maintenance, with resident consultation due to take place during the summer at 8 sites. In time more schemes will be introduced.

This year sees the completion of the 3-year contract for the replacement of kitchen units and bathroom suites. The works to 65 kitchens and 52 bathrooms are nearing completion and are valued at £248,500.

Sunters Ltd have provided and excellent service and several messages of thanks for a job well done have arrived at the office.

Proposals are being prepared to carry out roofing works at Coast Road, Blackhall. Scheduled to commence in late summer, the £120,000 scheme will see the completion of improvement works to the Coast Road homes which has been ongoing for the past few years.

newsBoundary Wall improvements including railings and fencing are proposed for Ebchester, High Spen, Tan Hills and Dunstanburgh Court, Jarrow, and improvements to Grounds Maintenance are being developed with initial schemes at Maude Terrace, Eldon Lane, Eldon Bank Top, Fishburn, West Cornforth, South Moor, Marsden Road and Dairy Lane.

The scope of Planned Maintenance has broadened since earlier programmes of window and door replacements, and resident's aspirations form part of the planning process.

However, ambitions and aspirations have to be balanced against resources and we can't do everything, everywhere, all at once. There has been a steady increase in the resources allocated to planned maintenance and minor improvements with last years programme seeing works in over 400 homes. This year's programme involves over 500 homes, with an allocated budget of £657,000.