Riversmead invest £70 million to make their residents’ homes decent

Published by SRedford for Network Housing Group Limited in Communities and also in Housing

Riversmead Housing Association has invested £70 million in their residents’ homes to ensure they meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

To achieve the Standard, Riversmead have replaced kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows and installed more efficient heating systems to residents’ homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Alan Dulson, Riversmead’s Director of Property Services, said: “I am pleased to confirm all of our properties have achieved the Decent Homes Standard. For our residents this means their homes are in a good state of repair and have modern facilities and services. Year on year we will make provision to ensure our properties continue to meet the Standard.”

Riversmead will also spend £1.9 million this financial year repairing residents’ homes matching the amount spent in 2010/11, where 18,500 repairs were carried out.

Since April 2011 over 2,000 repairs have been completed and 98% of residents are satisfied with the speed and quality of the repair work.

In addition to their investment in residents’ homes, Riversmead are refurbishing the ground floor of their Hertford town based head office. The refurbished office will include a more accessible reception area, interview and meeting rooms, and the introduction of internet access for residents to use and view housing information such as HomeSwapper and Home Option, as well as online advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Alan Dulson comments: “Our new reception will be Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant and allow us to accommodate our staff so they can continue to deliver an informative and effective service to all our customers.”

www.riversmead.org.uk

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