Decent Homes
In June 2004, an exciting programme of housing refurbishment began across the borough. Since Berneslai Homes began the modernisation process, over 11,000 homes have been brought up to the Decent Homes standard. As we approach the end of the Decent Homes programme, which will conclude in December 2010, we would like to update you on the final list of properties that have been identified as requiring Decent Homes work. These addresses can be viewed by downloading the Decent Homes 2009-10 address list and the Decent Homes 2010 Address List.
To help you understand the process of how we have selected properties for the programme and what works are to be undertaken, we have provided answers to a number of questions.
Why has my homes not been identified as requiring work?
This is not an 'everything for everybody' programme. The Berneslai Homes Board, working on your behalf, needs to make this money go as far as possible so that all our homes are in a 'reasonable state of repair'.
This means the range of work that will be done will vary depending on what sort of condition your home is in at the moment. The government says that we must spend the money on things like windows and doors, central heating, electrical rewires and insulation, kitchens and bathrooms.
It may be that your property needs to have works or repairs carried out, however only properties which constitute a full Decent Homes failure are included in the programme. Should you require repairs to your property, these should be reported directly to the Repairs Hotline on 01226 787878.
We will be surveying identified properties to find out just exactly what we need to do. Some homes will need more work than others and we have to do what is needed to bring each home up to standard.
I've heard everyone will get new kitchens, bathrooms and double-glazing - is this true?
This is not true. Using Decent Homes finance, the Government has stated that we can only carry out works on properties that are identified as failing the Decent Homes Standard. However, even on those properties identified, we need to undertake a survey on your home so we can tell you what work, if any, needs doing.
If your kitchen is less than 20 years old and in decent condition it won't be replaced. If your bathroom is less than 30 years old and in a decent condition again we probably won't replace it. The standard set by the Government does not insist on double glazing or PVCu windows, but if your doors and windows don't meet the standard we will replace them. If you haven't already got cavity wall insulation, loft insulation or central heating that meets the standard, then we will do this work if we can.
When the work starts who will be doing it?
As well Berneslai Homes Construction Services we also have Inspace Partnerships carrying out the majority of works. Other contractors will be employed for specialist works and these will be identified before works commence.
Why did Berneslai Homes get this extra cash?
The government realised that not enough money had been spent on council houisng over the past 25 years and a huge backlog of work had built up. To make sure that you have a home that is fit to live in they set a standard called the Decent Homes Standard and Berneslai Homes agreed, in common with other housing providers, that all its houses meet this standard by 2010.
Useful information
- A Decent Home - Government definition and guidance for implementation
- Decent Homes - A guide to what you need to know