New Homes

Putting Residents at the Heart

Using its' tried and tested internal transfer system in conjunction with the Isle of Wight's new choice-based lettings system, Vectis Housing Association has managed to find more appropriate accommodation for eight households, as a result of the completion of its latest housing complex at Garden Way in Newport.

Shelley Smith moved into her new three-bedroomed house a few weeks ago. "We love it here. Its nice and quiet. In my previous property my little boy didn't have his own room and we only had a small garden. Now we have a lovely big garden and lots more room. My daughter is much happier. She has changed schools and now has places near to home to play with her friends. We get on well with the neighbours too."

Paul Hann, Chief Executive of Vectis Housing Association said " It is important for housing associations to have regard to the changing needs of their own tenants when new properties become available. Vectis prides itself on understanding the needs of its residents. Through close day to day individual contact our officers have an instinctive awareness for finding the right homes to match the needs of tenants and applicants once these new homes become available.

There are people who need larger accommodation, some who would prefer to downsize, or need to move to a more suitable location - perhaps to be nearer family. There are also others whose needs are directed more by their physical capabilities. Our housing team members know their tenants, and indeed many of the applicants, and they work to cater for all these people by proactively ensuring appropriate transfer arrangements blend with the demands of the local Housing Register.

This is a key feature of the ongoing success of a small provider whose team knows and values the communities in which it operates. The complex at Garden Way comprises just three houses, but by offering some of our own tenants, such as Shelley, housing which meets those needs, we can also allocate the properties they vacate to those who have applied through the bidding process. We have done this in such a way that eight families are now better housed. We go the extra mile, and make a difference."

With approximately 4,3001 people on the Housing Needs Register the demand for housing is extremely high on the Island.

Vectis Housing Association is a member of Source Development Partnership. Its membership of Source has enabled the Association to increase significantly the number of homes it owns and manages. Paul Hann went on to say," In the last eighteen months or so, and during a time of recession, we have increased our own housing stock by ten per cent. In so doing, we have effectively attracted the equivalent of £1.3 million in housing grant."

This extra grant has enabled Vectis to

provide a further fourteen newly built flats and houses.

All at a gross cost of £3.2 million.

Paul continues

Based on the successful achievements by Vectis, the Association has successfully negotiated a further £2 million in private finance.

Paul added, "Whilst public subsidy may decline in the immediate future, we are confident that being part of Source will enable us to provide more homes to meet what is a diverse need on our Island."