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Best Value gives Better Value for Residents - 05/06/02
In the first transfer of its kind, Thames Valley Housing has completed the transfer of all of its high dependency supported housing to three specialist housing associations. The decision to transfer was taken as part of TVH's Best Value review, which concluded that residents would be better cared for by an organisation that specialises in this field.
The transfer involves a total of over 150 units of supported housing across seven local authority areas in Surrey, Hampshire and London. The units provide support for people with a diverse range of needs including learning disabilities, care leavers and single homeless. They are being transferred to three housing associations, Central & Cecil Housing Trust, Stonham Housing Association and Surrey Community Development Trust, each taking on units in their respective areas of operation. They will also be taking on the staff currently working at the units.
Michael Barrott, Chair of Thames Valley Housing, said, "In evaluating the bids, a key consideration was that the new provider would sustain and improve the services provided to residents and that there will be no disruption to residents as a result of these changes. Local authorities, managing agents and residents have been consulted throughout the process."
"We are confident that the organisations that will be taking these schemes on will be able to provide high-quality care, and will be able to ensure continuous improvement. The transfer is a key strategic decision, as Thames Valley Housing will now be better able to focus on developing and managing homes in our core businesses of rent, shared ownership, market rent and key worker accommodation."
The first of the transfers to complete was the transfer of units in London and Chertsey to Central & Cecil Housing Trust (CCHT), Geoff Brighton, Chief Executive of CCHT, said, "CCHT was pleased to work in partnership with TVH to ensure that the transfer happened smoothly and the highest quality service can be provided to some very vulnerable people."
Thames Valley Housing will still develop and manage "low-care" supported housing for single people and those whose needs can be met by providing floating support to what is otherwise a standard self-contained dwelling.
Further Information
Miranda Oakley, Marketing & PR Manager
020 8607 0622
miranda_oakley@tvha.co.uk
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