Tenants will benefit from £200,000 funding bonus

Sheffield Homes has received a £200,000 bonus for its excellent performance in reducing the amount of rent lost on empty properties.

The introduction of the Choice Based Lettings system has helped Sheffield Homes let properties more quickly. The system puts tenants and prospective tenants in the driving seat, and gives them a greater choice of properties across the city. Previously applicants had to put their name down for an estate rather than an individual property, then wait for a suitable property to become available.

The bonus will be spent on tenants’ priorities. Each of the five Local Boards and five Area Housing Meetings (see notes to editors) will decide how £10,000 will be spent in their area.

Early ideas for spending the money include local anti social behaviour initiatives, environmental issues, security lighting to older people’s flats and bungalows, and help for Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations to finance 'welcome packs' for new tenants.

The other £100,000 will be split between the central Anti Social Behaviour Team and Sheltered Housing. The Anti Social Behaviour Team will use the money for additional surveillance equipment such as CCTV.

Peter Morton, Chief Executive of Sheffield Homes, said: "We are constantly improving our performance and the services that we provide to tenants. It is great that we are able to pass on the benefits of our bonus to tenants, and allow them to decide how we should spend this extra money."

Notes to editors:

Sheffield Homes now manages the 53,500 council owned houses in Sheffield. Sheffield is split into ten housing areas. The five areas that have voted for an ALMO to bring in the extra funding needed to improve their homes have elected a local board. These meet every two months. The other five areas have chosen a mixture of an ALMO and stock transfer to bring in the necessary funding; tenants in these areas are being balloted on the proposals. These areas have Area Housing Meetings. The allocation of the money will be agreed at the next set of board and area housing meetings.