This year is going to be very important  in determining the future of Blenheim Gardens Estate. As you are aware United Resident’s Housing (URH) went ‘live’ on the 27^th November 2006.  United Resident’s Housing represents four tenant management organizations in the borough-Blenheim Gardens RMO, Loughborough EMB, Roupell Park Co-Op and Waltham RMO and has been set up to generate additional funding from the Government.  All member organizations of URH will need to achieve at least a 2 star rating during our inspection from the audit commission to receive additional funding of approximately £4 million pounds.  This money is direct from the Government and is in addition to our annual Management Allowances received from Lambeth Council.  The money is specifically ‘ring fenced’ to bring our estate up to the Decent Home Standard by 2010/11.  This money will mean new kitchens, bathrooms, rewiring and/or front entrance doors.  There may also be additional funding for further estate improvements.

What is the Decent Homes Standard?

The Decent Home Standard (DHS) is a target the Government has set to ensure all council properties have modern facilities and are comfortable.  The standard is to be achieved by 2010/11.

In a general sense DHS refers to a minimal property condition standard in terms of repair, facilities and thermal comfort.  In order for this standard to be achieved, homes will need to have modern facilities including new kitchens and/or bathrooms, rewiring, insulation, central heating, double glazing, new front entrance doors etc.    

What is United Resident’s Housing?

United Resident’s Housing is a Tenant-Led Arms Length Management Organisation (TALMO) and it is the first of its kind in this country.  It is one of the options available to local authorities to meet the Decent Home Standards.  Developing an ALMO is a governmental policy objective of separating the strategic housing function of the local authority from the day to day management of housing services.  Effectively Blenheim Gardens Estate will be managed in the same one it is now, but by forming part of URH, we will be able to secure additional funding from the Government and have greater independence from the local authority.         

Why set up a URH?

All councils in England are required by the Government to bring their homes up to a ‘decent standard’ by 2010/11.  A local authority survey completed in 2002 indicated well over half of all properties on Blenheim Gardens fails to meet the Decent Home Standards and the local authority cannot afford to bring us up to standard from the money they have available in the time given.  Developing a tenant led ALMO was one of the options available and was voted for by Resident’s of the estate.

What are the benefits of forming URH?

• Resident participation will remain central to the URH

• Blenheim Gardens RMO will continue to provide your housing management services.

• The tenancy agreement will remain unaffected.  You will remain secure tenants.

• Rights and entitlements remain the same

• Rents will continue to be set by the council.

• Ownership of the properties will remain with the council.            

• Providing we achieve the expected standard in the inspection to be completed by the Audit Commission in September 2007, URH will secure additional Government funding to improve your home.  This funding is in addition to our Management Allowances currently received from the council . 

• URH will ensure all services provided will be responsive to local need and demonstrate value for money.

• URH will share best practice that will lead to an increase in efficiency savings.

What if we do not achieve a 2 star standard?

We will be able to get re-inspected at a later date.

URH can be contacted on 020 8582 9469