Housing regulator awards top marks to Trafford Housing Trust

Published by Anonymous for Trafford Housing Trust in Housing

Trafford Housing Trust (THT) has been awarded the highest possible rating by the Homes and Communities Agency for its financial viability and governance.

The vote of confidence by England’s social housing regulator was made after detailed scrutiny of THT’s financial performance, future business plan and its governance arrangements.

THT was one of just nine social housing providers in England, and one of only two in the North West, to have their ratings upgraded to the highest possible standard, in a recent round of regulatory judgements.

The Homes and Communities Agency singled out THT’s strong financial performance over the past 12 months, which has outperformed forecasts; its measures to mitigate future financial risk and its excellent progress in upgrading its housing stock to meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

The Homes and Communities Agency carries out an annual assessment of social housing providers who have more than a thousand homes, to ensure the organisations are able to meet their obligations to tenants, stakeholders and investors.

THT was formed in 2005, following the transfer of the Trafford Council’s social housing stock. It owns and manages 9,200 social homes across Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale, Altringham and Urmston. It employs 330 staff and reported a turnover of £38.9 million for the financial year ending March 31, 2012.

Matthew Gardiner, chief executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said: “It’s very gratifying to be awarded a top rating by the Homes and Communities Agency in recognition of our robust financial performance, and the great progress we have made in improving social housing provision across Trafford.

“Affordable, good quality housing has never been more important, and we are committed to delivering homes of which tenants can be proud, in strong, stable communities. The Homes and Communities Agency has recognised we are on track in delivering these promises.”