Welcome to Housing Matters

It has been a number of years since we issued a newsletter of this type and we are thrilled to launch this new digital-only magazine.

As I write this, we are in the midst of the Coronavirus lockdown. Over the last six weeks, Broadland has had to suspend its kitchen, bathroom and replacement windows work as well as, sadly, our everyday repairs service.

We are continuing with emergency repairs and gas servicing, and we have taken every precaution to protect our staff and tenants. Of course, this is a familiar story around the country. We do feel lucky that we have only had to furlough a small number of staff.

On a more positive note, we have redeployed some of our repairs operatives and they are now helping with the daily cleaning of our sheltered housing schemes and other communal areas. We have also been able to offer a collection service for prescriptions and groceries for those tenants most at risk from the virus, who are unable to get out.

We have resumed building, although limited, at Canary Quay Phase 3. Phase 2 market sales, before lockdown, were going well. Surpluses from open market sales are essential to help fund our new affordable homes. We have also been able to provide homes in King’s Lynn for a number of families, some of whom had been homeless for 2 years.

There has been a hugely positive response to our calls to older (aged 70+) and vulnerable tenants living in some of our general properties. I am incredibly proud of how my colleagues have supported their needs and the way we have all pulled together as a team.