New framework will help increase affordable housing in the
South West
4th March 2008
A new partnership between three housing
associations will make it easer to develop more affordable homes in
the region, according to one of its members Somer Housing
Group.
The ‘ASK Framework Charter’ has been set up by three housing
associations – Somer Housing Group, The Aster Group and Knightstone
Housing Association – to achieve better value for money and quality
when building new, affordable homes in the South West.
Somer Housing Group includes Somer Community Housing Trust in
Bath, Redland Housing Association based in Bristol, Bath Self Help
Housing Association and Lantern Homes.
The four-year agreement between the three housing organisations,
nine contractors and eight employers’ agents was signed last
November at The Combe Grove Manor Hotel, Bath. It outlines a formal
way of working together in a co-operative and collaborative manner,
in good faith and in the spirit of mutual trust and respect. It
aims to extend the culture of co-operative working throughout the
supply chain using preferred suppliers and sub-contractors.
Mike Grist, Group Director of Business Development at Somer
Housing Group, said:
‘What is exciting about the new partnership
is the potential it gives us to build more affordable homes in the
area. By working together, we can drive costs down and that will
make a big difference for developments that might not otherwise be
viable financially for us to go ahead with. Ultimately this
means we will be able to provide more homes for people that
just can’t afford accommodation from the open market”’
Somer Housing Group provides
high-quality development and support services to its members: Somer
Community Housing Trust in Bath, Redland Housing Association in
Bristol, Bath Self Help Housing Association and Lantern Homes.
Between them they own and manage over 11,000 homes for general
needs rent, sheltered accommodation and supported housing, and
deliver services for up to 20,000 customers.
Knightstone Housing Association is a
registered social landlord, whose business is managing and
developing affordable homes. Knightstone is part of the Arcadia
Housing Group, a provider of social housing services in the south
west for over 30 years, managing 10,800 homes, and delivering
services to 23,000 tenants and leaseholders.
Aster Group comprises Sarsen Housing
Association, Testway Housing, Mendip Housing, Ridgeway Community
Housing Association and Aster Property Management Limited.
The Group has over 16,000 homes in ownership or management and
40,000 customers.