Thousands of homes across Blaby district have benefited from a £34 million investment following the transfer of all council properties to Three Oaks Homes in November 2008, according to a Scrutiny Commission review.

The report, which was accepted by Blaby District Council’s Cabinet Executive on Monday April 11, said more than half of all 2,200 Three Oaks Homes properties now meet the decent homes standard compared to just 25 per cent in 2008, with the housing association predicting all homes will comply with the code by 2013.

A number of other benefits were identified since the housing transfer including the installation of 743 kitchens in homes across the district and the introduction of a boiler replacement scheme which has seen 547 new heating units fitted. The report also cited a major rewiring programme which has begun to help bring all properties up to the decent homes standard.

The housing transfer enabled Three Oaks Homes to access funding which was not available to the Council and allowed them to carry out the extensive improvement programme.

Steve Beard, director of operations at Blaby District Council said:

“Huge improvements to former council properties since the stock transfer have improved the quality of life for hundreds of residents, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our community.”

Three Oaks Homes were also praised for working with partners to promote community safety, quality environments and local services.

Bruce Kerr, managing director at Three Oaks Homes said:

“We’ve made great progress against the promises we made to tenants when we took on their homes back in 2008. Just under half way through our investment programme we’ve completed more than half the work, so we’re well on track to complete all homes by 2013.

“The report recognises there is still work to be done to improve customer service and communication with residents but an action plan has been agreed to resolve these issues.

“We’re pleased to have a strong working relationship with Blaby District Council which has been an important factor in our success.”

To view the full report visit www.blaby.gov.uk