Annual Report 2015/2016 1

Transcription

1 Annual Report 2015/2016 1

2 Annual Report 2015/2016 Contents Objectives and principles Chairperson s statement Sanctuary Scotland Highlights of the year Sanctuary Scotland Performance indicators and statistical information Sanctuary Cumbernauld Highlights of the year Sanctuary Cumbernauld Performance indicators and statistical information Tenants First Highlights of the year Tenants First Performance indicators and statistical information Contact details Annual Report 2015/2016

3 Objectives The objectives of Sanctuary Scotland are to: provide good quality, affordable housing for both rent and for sale to those least able to compete in other sectors of the housing market. provide housing and associated services for those with more specific housing requirements, such as the elderly and those with long-term disabilities. provide value-for-money services and advice to individuals and organisations working to provide social housing. ensure that any investment made by Sanctuary Scotland provides sustainable benefits for local communities. Principles In pursuing these objectives, Sanctuary Scotland applies the following principles: Partnership Quality Inclusion Innovation Diversity Sustainability Objectives and principles 3

4 Chairperson s statement The decision to merge Sanctuary s three Scottish housing operations was clearly our most significant development of 2015/2016. The unification process was a necessarily lengthy affair, with a need for us to demonstrate the benefits a merger would have for our tenants. In February we learned that more than 84 per cent of Sanctuary Cumbernauld and Tenants First Housing Co-operative voters shared our vision of a larger, stronger Sanctuary Scotland. This organisation will become the country s fourth largest social landlord with 6,587 homes. Sanctuary Scotland s existing portfolio will be bolstered by 1,987 properties in Cumbernauld and 1,505 across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus. The decision to merge Sanctuary s three Scottish housing operations was clearly our most significant development of 2015/2016. The merger is positive on many levels. The same work will no longer need to be carried out three times over to meet the regulatory needs of three separate organisations. The streamlined governance structure reduces the time spent in meetings, allowing senior managers to focus their attention on the things that matter most to tenants. The efficiency savings and pooling of shared resources will help us achieve greater value for money for tenants and other customers. As separate entities Sanctuary Scotland, Sanctuary Cumbernauld and Tenants First more than held their own. However, as with many other organisations, budgetary pressures outside of our control mean we must try to do more with less. 4 Annual Report 2015/2016

5 A merger made operational sense regardless of the wider environment. By joining our Scottish housing operations, the challenges facing us are more manageable. We will do our best to continue providing tenants with the service they expect and deserve. We continue to build many new affordable homes and invest millions of pounds improving our existing housing stock. The merger impacts this in a positive way, accelerating investment spending in North Lanarkshire and across the North East. Sixty homes are being fitted with new doors and windows in what was Tenants First s area of operation over and above the planned spend. The 28 homes getting new kitchens and bathrooms in Cumbernauld would have had to wait for this work had the merger not been approved. I encourage all tenants to let us know what you think of Sanctuary Scotland s services. Your feedback tells us what we do well and what we could do better. We learn from your comments and use this knowledge to improve our services. Tenants play a vital role in our improvement, seeing and experiencing things staff might not. Whether you formally join a review panel or simply pick up the phone, tenants should not underestimate the impact their efforts can have. If you are interested in getting involved, your local office will be able to tell you how you can do so. John Holcombe Chairperson I encourage all tenants to let us know what you think of Sanctuary Scotland s services. Your feedback tells us what we do well and what we could do better. Chairperson s statement 5

6 Sanctuary Scotland Highlights of the year Sanctuary Scotland certainly made a difference during 2015/2016. We developed two schemes in Glasgow, which created 94 flats and houses for young families and older tenants. Many people have been moved into more secure, more attractive and more spacious properties at our 70-home project in Ruchill. In Anniesland, a block of 24 flats designed for people aged 55-plus in Sutcliffe Road has been very well received. In Anniesland, a block of 24 flats designed for people aged 55-plus in Sutcliffe Road has been very well received. In Renfrewshire, we completed 101 homes to help tackle an acute shortage of affordable properties in the area. Eighty-six were handed over in the final phase of our 30 million regeneration of Shortroods in Paisley, taking the total number of new-build Shortroods homes built by Sanctuary to 309. Braille Drive in Renfrew has benefited from another 15 houses for rent, to which tenants received their keys in March. The first 12 Sanctuary homes in Aberdeenshire were completed in Strichen. Former First Minister Alex Salmond was among the village residents full of praise for our School Park project and its positive impact on their community. In Peterhead, tenants moved into 20 Sanctuary homes built in the town centre alongside 42 units for Aberdeenshire Council. 6 Annual Report 2015/2016

7 We did more than create many affordable homes. External recognition was received for Phase 3 of Sanctuary Scotland s 60 million regeneration of Anderston in Glasgow, which beat four other finalists to win Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year at the Scottish Home Awards. During 2016/2017, work on another 500 plus homes will begin across Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Cumbernauld and Aberdeen. We did more than create many affordable homes. Morton Reid became Sanctuary Scotland s first office apprentice, based at Anderston. The 18-year-old will earn a business administration qualification and learn a host of life skills during his time with us. Zoe Hume and Kenneth McCarvel are among the apprentices employed on Sanctuary development sites as a result of our investment in affordable housing. Both passed the full apprenticeship entrance exam to secure four-year apprenticeships with our contractor in Ruchill. The STAR Project in Paisley received a 20,000 makeover, a community benefit of our regeneration of Shortroods. We decorated the charity s Wallace Street base, replacing floors and improving the toilets. The makeover has delighted staff, volunteers and the 500-plus people who use the STAR Project each year. Our Sutcliffe Road development sparked 22,000 of improvements to the hall of a local youth group. The Temple/Shafton Youth Project has seen a rise in community bookings after new heating and electrics were installed. Aberlour Child Care Trust received 8,000 to carry out a year-long street work programme in Priesthill to help tackle antisocial behaviour. We also gave funding to Anderston s Curam Centre and Nitshill s Noble Art Boxing Club for a commercial dishwasher and two spin bikes respectively. Many projects benefited from Sanctuary Scotland s support, both financially and in the provision of labour. A 15,000 mural is now a fixture of our 60 million Anderston regeneration, inspired by residents and designed by art students to make a community space more attractive. The mural was funded by us and formally unveiled by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty. Sanctuary Scotland - Highlights of the year 7

8 Sanctuary Scotland Performance indicators and statistical information Housing stock at 31 March Total available for letting 3,095 2,917 Not available for letting Total stock 3,095 3,082 Our total stock increased slightly and the number of homes available for letting also increased. All of the properties previously unavailable to let were demolished to make way for the final phase of our regeneration of Anderston, Glasgow. Ten homes were sold through the Right to Buy scheme. Allocations and voids 2015/ /2015 Number of relets Average number of days to relet Residential rent lost through voids % The turnover of our properties remains similar to previous years. The percentage of rent lost through voids reduced slightly. Rent arrears 2015/ /2015 Current tenant rent arrears % Current tenant rent arrears 538, ,684 Former tenant rent arrears % Former tenant rent arrears 82,376 82,049 We performed strongly despite an increase in current tenant rent arrears. Our housing teams and welfare rights service work hard to support tenants experiencing financial difficulties. Former tenant arrears reduced as a percentage and remain at an acceptable level. Three tenants were evicted for rent arrears, the same as in 2014/ Annual Report 2015/2016

9 Maintenance services Classification of repair Number of repairs carried out in 2015/2016 Number of repairs carried out in 2014/2015 Emergency repairs 3,035 3,202 Non-emergency repairs 8,348 7,855 Total 11,383 11,057 Repairs performance 2015/ /2015 Average time to complete emergency repair (hours) Average time to complete non-emergency repair (days) Our performance remained strong despite an increase in the number of repairs Sanctuary Maintenance was asked to do. The time taken to complete emergency repairs reduced. The average time taken to complete non-emergency repairs increased but 93.9% were fixed completely on the first visit. Sanctuary Scotland - Performance indicators and statistical information 9

10 Sanctuary Cumbernauld Highlights of the year We brought some colour to Cumbernauld during a productive 12 months. This was obvious at Ochilview Court, a modern block of 39 flats built to rehouse high-rise residents in Seafar. The striking red façade is a far cry from the drab grey of the blocks it is replacing. Nearby, in Allanfauld Road, a block of 10 two-bedroom flats was handed over to residents in June Another 111 new flats will be handed over in Allanfauld Road by autumn Project partners North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government are delighted with the regeneration project s progress. Elsewhere, in Westerwood, 10 new houses in Kingsbarns Gardens were handed over in January to Common Housing Register applicants. The high-rise regeneration project continues to create employment and training opportunities. Our contractor Cruden is offering a further eight apprenticeships at Allanfauld Road, plus work placements and pupil visits. Apprentice joiner Nicole Barlow is among the young people being given a helping hand at the start of their career. Our contractor Cruden is offering a further eight apprenticeships at Allanfauld Road. Community groups received support through benefits linked to our development programme. We provided Cumbernauld Living Landscape with new gates and a new fence for the Scottish Wildlife Trust s reserve in Seafar, plus the health trail walking path s missing link. The gates reduce antisocial behaviour, the fence stops litter from being blown into the reserve and the upgraded path allows visitors to stick to a walkway on the health trail. All three measures enhance a habitat for local wildlife where residents also enjoy the outdoors. 10 Annual Report 2015/2016

11 DJ Sports Coaching is delivering a programme of activities for children in association with community volunteers. Our links to local groups were enhanced by the appointment of Anthony Morrow as our Community Development Officer. Anthony forged ties with important partners, including North Lanarkshire Council, and helped the tenant-led Millcroft Action Group become established. The House of Bread, a food bank project in Cumbernauld previously supported by Sanctuary s Grand Ideas Fund, secured third party funding with Anthony s assistance, money that will allow its operations to continue. He was also part of the planning team for January s Fleming House jobs fair which highlighted the opportunities available on our sites. Promoting good health and well-being was the primary reason Sanctuary gave a 2,300 funding award in Carbrain. DJ Sports Coaching is delivering a programme of activities for children in association with community volunteers. The mentoring support that local coaches receive throughout the programme will ensure these skills remain in Carbrain long after our funding is spent. Young people in Kildrum are similarly benefiting from the redecoration of the YMCA-YWCA s headquarters. We spent two weeks transforming the charity s learning centre into a much more pleasant environment, improvements made possible by our new-build programme. Anthony was not our only new recruit during 2015/2016. Sarah Tait became our Welfare Rights Officer in September, replacing Sarah Walker in a role which extended from part to full-time. The 28-year-old joined us from another housing association and has a wealth of experience in the role. Sarah secured funding of more than 360,000 for 348 residents in her first eight months, reducing the financial pressure many face. Sanctuary Cumbernauld - Highlights of the year 11

12 Sanctuary Cumbernauld Performance indicators and statistical information Housing stock at 31 March General needs 1,604 1,587 Not available for letting Total stock 1,987 2,047 We built 49 affordable homes, 32 of which are available for social rent. The remaining 17 homes were sold through the Scottish Government s shared equity scheme. However, our total stock decreased due to the demolition of 135 high-rise flats, a figure reflected in the reduction in homes not available for letting. The properties unavailable to let comprise 347 awaiting demolition, one held for decant and 35 undergoing refurbishment. One property was sold through the Right to Buy scheme, compared to four in 2014/2015. We disposed of four properties. Allocations and voids 2015/ /2015 Number of relets Average number of days to relet Residential rent lost through voids % A number of new-build homes were handed over to tenants. The average number of days to relet and percentage of rent lost through voids increased due to the number of low demand properties that became available and the condition of properties abandoned by tenants. Rent arrears 2015/ /2015 Current tenant rent arrears % Current tenant rent arrears 262, ,747 Former tenant rent arrears % Former tenant rent arrears 59, ,363 We performed strongly despite an increase in current tenant rent arrears. Our housing teams and welfare rights service work hard to support tenants experiencing financial difficulties. Former tenant arrears reduced. Two tenants were evicted for rent arrears, down from seven in 2014/ Annual Report 2015/2016

13 Maintenance services Classification of repair Number of repairs carried out in 2015/2016 Number of repairs carried out in 2014/2015 Emergency repairs 1,808 1,860 Non-emergency repairs 3,980 3,961 Total 5,788 5,821 Repairs performance 2015/ /2015 Average time to complete emergency repair (hours) Average time to complete non-emergency repair (days) The number of non-emergency repairs increased, with emergency repairs decreasing slightly. Our performance remained strong with Sanctuary Maintenance reducing the time taken to complete emergency repairs. While the average time taken to complete a non-emergency repair increased, 93.7% of repairs were completed first time. Sanctuary Cumbernauld - Performance indicators and statistical information 13

14 Tenants First Highlights of the year 2015/2016 was another year of progress in the North East of Scotland. Former First Minister Alex Salmond formally opened Sanctuary s first Aberdeenshire homes in his home village of Strichen. The 1.9 million School Park project has 10 houses and two flats for social rent, increasing the availability of affordable homes. The development brought 12 families to Strichen in August 2015, breathing new life into the community. School Park shows the positive impact attractive, quality, affordable housing can have and sparked community benefits for Strichen over and above the housing boost. The bowling club now has a kitchen fit for the 21st century after the installation of new units and worktops. The bowling green looks better thanks to the installation of two artificial grass banks, which have also reduced the maintenance needed. A basket swing we funded for a nearby play park is hugely popular We also built another 42 homes neighbouring Newell Lane which were handed over to Aberdeenshire Council in April. Sutherland Avenue s play park is getting a new lease of life, with equipment, seating and security lighting all being installed as a benefit of our development. We are working with Aberdeenshire Council and the park s owner to complete the work this calendar year. The revamped facility will give local children a safe place to play. Sutherland Avenue s play park is getting a new lease of life, with equipment, seating and security lighting all being installed as a benefit of our development. In Peterhead, we built 20 houses in Newell Lane which have been occupied by local families since November 14 Annual Report 2015/2016

15 The new age kurling set bought for Roanheads sheltered scheme in Peterhead has made coffee mornings even more fun. Progress in Aberdeenshire was mirrored elsewhere, including Aberdeen. Yasmine Davidson became our latest apprentice, joining the housing management team in Donside Village. The former Peterhead High School pupil is studying for an SVQ level 2 in business administration on top of her on-the-job learning. The 18-year-old started in October following two years at North East Scotland College and is popular with staff and residents. We are currently building 124 key worker homes in Aberdeen on the site of the former Craiginches prison. We are also looking to progress a second phase of homes in Donside Village. Our most recent build in Donside Village, a 150-metrelong wooden walkway, has made a new route to Seaton Park along the River Don s south bank. Scores of people use the walkway each week, enjoying glorious views as they do so. Several projects benefited from grant funding during 2015/2016. Health and well-being road shows were held in our sheltered schemes to support independent living and reduce isolation. The Lord Provost joined local elected members at Donside s summer gala, an event which nurtures community spirit and one our staff helped organise. The new age kurling set bought for Roanheads sheltered scheme in Peterhead has made coffee mornings even more fun. Tenants play in the common room, an activity that boosts their general fitness. Aberdeen s Aboyne Terrace sheltered scheme received 500 for a Christmas meal for 22 residents plus musical entertainment, a grant which provided some festive cheer while reducing tenant isolation. Tenants First - Highlights of the year 15

16 Tenants First Performance indicators and statistical information Housing stock at 31 March Total units in management 1,505 1,509 Our stock has seen a small decrease due to properties being sold or converted to office space. Allocations and voids 2015/ /2015 Number of relets Average number of days to relet Residential rent lost through voids % The turnover of our homes remained at a similar level but relet times increased slightly. As a result, the percentage of rent we lost through voids increased marginally. Rent arrears 2015/ /2015 Current tenant rent arrears % Current tenant rent arrears 207, ,836 Former tenant rent arrears % Former tenant rent arrears 48,232 28,858 We performed strongly despite an increase in current tenant rent arrears. Our housing teams and welfare rights service work hard to support tenants experiencing financial difficulties. Former tenant arrears increased partly as a result of a higher number of evictions and abandonments. One tenant was evicted for rent arrears, compared to none in 2014/2015. Six properties were abandoned. 16 Annual Report 2015/2016

17 Maintenance services Classification of repair Number of repairs carried out in 2015/2016 Number of repairs carried out in 2014/2015 Emergency repairs 1,775 1,433 Non-emergency repairs 4,809 4,003 Total 6,584 5,436 Repairs performance 2015/ /2015 Average time to complete emergency repair (hours) Average time to complete non-emergency repair (days) Both emergency and non-emergency repairs increased significantly, with Sanctuary Maintenance operatives having to make more than 1,000 additional visits. Although this impacted slightly on the average time taken to complete repairs, 91.5% were fully fixed on the first visit. Tenants First - Performance indicators and statistical information 17

18 Contact details Registered address Sanctuary House 7 Freeland Drive Glasgow G53 6PG Tel: Anderston office 24 Little Street Glasgow G3 8DQ Tel: Ardler office 185 Turnberry Avenue Dundee DD2 3WN Tel: Beechwood office 10 Maplewood Drive Dundee DD2 3GF Tel: Cumbernauld office 8th Floor Fleming House 2 Tryst Road Cumbernauld G67 1JW Tel: Aberdeen office 2 Donside Village Square Aberdeen AB24 2PL Tel: Peterhead office 27 Slains Court Peterhead AB42 2YF Tel: Sanctuary Group Chamber Court Castle Street Worcester WR1 3ZQ Tel: Annual Report 2015/2016

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20 If you would like this publication in an alternative format or language, please contact Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Limited Sanctuary House 7 Freeland Drive Glasgow G53 6PG Tel: Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Limited Registered office: Sanctuary House, 7 Freeland Drive, Glasgow G53 6PG A Registered Social Landlord - HEP 302 and a property factor registered in Scotland No. PF Registered Society No. 2508RS and a charity registered in Scotland No. SC Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity. Published: August Annual Report 2015/2016