Housing associations

Housing associations are increasingly looking to deliver low carbon, energy efficient housing for tenants. As such, the refurbishment, retrofit or new build landscape for housing associations requires continual evaluation.

A combination of government net zero targets and the cost-of-living crisis, fuelled by high energy prices, means the pressure is on for social housing providers to find solutions to the growth of people living in fuel poverty. Yet, in doing so, the sector also needs to remain compliant with the changing legislation demands, which are designed to create a low carbon housing future for all.

James Clack, Sales Director of Victorian Sliders, makes the case for vertical sliding sash windows in housing association properties.

Howard Trotter, business manager of window and fire door manufacturer Shelforce, discusses stricter regulations and controls for property improvement and maintenance – and why landlords must meet them.

Howard Trotter, business manager of window and fire door manufacturer Shelforce, discusses whether housing associations are getting value for money for crucial products – and how they can successfully balance both cost and quality.

The social housing landscape is constantly evolving; but what is not, is a commitment to the safety and quality of life for residents.

As housing associations strive to provide comfortable and secure homes for their residents, a critical aspect involves the maintenance and enhancement of properties, with replacement windows and doors, including fire doors, essential components for both safety and energy efficiency.

In our digitally driven society, it is easy to forget that there is still a meaningful proportion of homes that are not connected to the internet or have easy access to a laptop, tablet or smartphone. A recent Ofcom report found that six per cent of households were unconnected – not a huge percentage, but one that equates to about 1.7 million households.

By far the largest proportion of these homes without internet access had residents aged 75 and above, and included those households in the lowest income bracket and most financially vulnerable. It is not a far stretch to consider that a large majority of these are probably in social housing.

Ian Williams, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned property services companies; is delighted to report significant growth in the last financial year, increasing its sales from £92m to £122m with an improved net profit margin of 3.0%. This financial performance further demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to growth in a difficult market. The order book has also seen improvement thanks to the long-term nature of contracts secured, and now exceeds £500m. Importantly, future growth will be achieved, sustainably, through a strategic commitment to People, Planet and the Community.

With growing focus on sustainability, Daniel Weait, National Accounts Manager and CCPI Project Lead at Marley, highlights how the new Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) means housing associations can have total confidence in the construction product choices they make.