Study Shows Social Benefit Of Housing Investment

Research carried out by Housing Plus Group has revealed that local communities benefit by up to £11 for every £1 invested in affordable housing and retirement living accommodation. The group has placed a value on the social return on investment for some of its major development projects, taking into account factors such as increased support for village schools and shops as well as reduced pressure on overstretched health services. Some of the most significant social return on investment was recorded in areas around new Extra Care communities. Read more on the Housing Plus website.

Housing Services Could ‘Grind To A Halt’

Housing services across Sheffield could ‘grind to a halt’ after council staff voted to take industrial action. Members of the GMB union at Sheffield Council’s housing services voted in favour of action in a row over changes to workers terms and conditions and the introduction of the council’s new housing management scheme, Housing Plus. They are planning a period of working to rule, starting in a week, followed by strike action in January. Staff claims the scheme is not working in the south-east area of the city where is it being piloted and customer satisfaction is low. They also say the restructure will result in pay cuts and staff becoming ‘jack of all trades and master of none.’ Read more on the Sheffield Telegraph website.

Housing Co-Op Planning To Tackle Empty Homes

A housing co-operative is looking to remedy the problem of empty houses in its area by transforming unused buildings into affordable housing. Phoenix Housing Co-operative has almost completed the renovation of a disused property to provide studio flats for some of its members. Under the co-op’s Housing Plus project the property, which was left empty for over five years, has been converted into nine studio flats for single people on low-incomes. Phoenix is now looking to speak to owners of private property who would be willing to offer a 10-year lease in return for the co-op renovating the building and providing much needed affordable accommodation. Phoenix are currently planning to put in a bid for the Community Grants programme within the HCA’s Empty Property Fund. Read more about the Housing Plus project on the Phoenix website.