Stockport Homes shortlisted for Northern Silver Screen award

Published by Nicola Mileham for Stockport Homes in Housing and also in Local Government

Stockport Homes have been shortlisted for a Northern Housing Consortium Silver Screen award in the ‘Multi-agency approach’ category. This is for using a new income stream to improve social inclusion through effective partnership working. 

The overall aim of the project was to use the surplus revenue from the collection of water charges for United Utilities to reduce financial exclusion and increase sustained employment amongst Stockport Homes’ customers. 

Some of the key outcomes achieved by use of the water monies are: 

• During 2010/11, the Employment Support Officer has provided assistance to 489 customers. 64 customers have been directly helped to move into training, education or employment, and the Stockport Homes Supported Employment Programme recruited 11 long-term unemployed candidates. 
   
• Five pre-employment courses were delivered to 61 customers.
   
• The Debt Outreach Worker has gained additional income from unclaimed benefits amounting to just over £50,000 for customers since Sept 2010. This includes £16,000 of Discretionary Housing Benefit and £10,000 in backdated benefits. 
   
• Rent arrears reduced 17.7% from year end 2009/10 to year end 2010/11.
   
• Reductions in water charges for customers amounting to just over £49,000 have been secured since April 2010, which includes over 400 applications for water meter installations.  
   
• Since April 2010, seven Money Skills sessions have been delivered to young people by the Educational Officer locally through the Financial Inclusion Strategy partnerships. As a result, over 250 young people now have the confidence, knowledge and understanding to manage their money effectively.

The winners will be announced at the Gala Awards dinner as part of the Northern Housing Summit Conference at York Racecourse on 22 November 2011. 

Tanya King, Social Inclusion Manager said: “It is fantastic that Stockport Homes is being recognised for its wider work in the community. This project highlights that Stockport Homes provides much more than a home for its customers.”

END

Notes for Editor:

Northern Housing Consortium

The Northern Housing Consortium is a non-profit making and non political membership organisation. Full membership is drawn from Local Authorities, LSVTs, ALMOs, RSLs, and other organisations involved in housing, from across the three Northern Government Office regions of the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humberside.

For further information please contact:

Jane Ratcliff
Marketing and Communications Manager
Stockport Homes   
Tel: 0161 474 2863