Key Points
- Havering Council marked a milestone with a visit to one of its newly acquired properties through a partnership with Chalkhill, part of the borough’s housing strategy.
- The property is one of 150 homes acquired by the Council across Havering and surrounding areas on 10-year leases to support affordable housing needs.
- The investment helps reduce reliance on temporary accommodation such as hotels and supports families, individuals, and vulnerable residents.
- Council leaders Cllr Ray Morgon, Cllr Natasha Summers, and Cllr Paul McGeary attended the visit.
- Councillor Natasha Summers highlighted the Council’s determination to meet housing needs with high-standard, ready-to-use homes.
- Stewart Booth of Chalkhill emphasised the partnership’s aim to expand housing options and implement technology to monitor environmental conditions remotely.
- This initiative is part of the Council’s wider strategy to increase affordable housing availability and reduce homelessness reliance on temporary accommodation.
What did Havering Council showcase in their new Chalkhill home visit?
As reported by Havering Council, the visit marked a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to addressing housing need in the borough. The property visited is one of 150 homes purchased through a scheme with Chalkhill, a real estate investment trust that provides properties on 10-year leases to councils. This acquisition supports Havering’s housing strategy by delivering much-needed accommodation to local people, especially those in temporary housing situations. The scheme aims to reduce long-term costs by limiting the use of expensive hotel stays or other short-term accommodations.
The visit was attended by key council figures including Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Housing Need, and Cllr Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property, alongside council officers. They highlighted the quality and suitability of the homes being secured through this partnership for families, individuals, and vulnerable residents requiring stable housing.
How does the Chalkhill partnership help Havering Council address housing challenges?
Chalkhill works in partnership with councils like Havering to help meet housing demand by providing properties under long-term leases, thereby supporting local housing strategies. This approach helps to reduce homelessness and the reliance on temporary accommodation by offering immediate solutions in the form of ready-to-use homes. Stewart Booth from Chalkhill explained that their partnership with the council and Halo involves implementing remote monitoring devices within these properties to track environmental conditions such as damp and mould. This technology also measures energy consumption to assist tenants and landlords in managing fuel poverty risks.
Booth said, “This Chalkhill property will soon welcome its new tenants, offering them a fresh start, and a stable foundation for their future. Each property we bring into the portfolio is a step forward to creating more housing for Havering”.
What strategy does Havering Council follow for increasing affordable housing?
Councillor Natasha Summers stated that the investment in 150 properties through Chalkhill is part of a broader strategy to boost affordable housing and reduce the borough’s dependence on temporary accommodation. She emphasised the Council’s close working relationship with Chalkhill to acquire homes that meet high standards and are ready for immediate use. Summers commented, “This investment reflects our determination to meet the housing needs of our community and ensure that local people have access to the homes they deserve”.
This strategy also includes establishing a wholly-owned management company to manage these leased properties to house homeless families affordably. This move aims to save the Council millions of pounds over the next decade while providing better housing options that offer security and stability compared to previous arrangements involving non-secure tenancies or direct lets by the Council.
What broader housing regeneration projects are underway in Havering?
Alongside the Chalkhill home initiative, Havering Council is leading other significant housing and regeneration programmes. The Council, in partnership with Wates Residential, is regenerating 12 council estates to deliver around 3,500 new local homes, doubling the availability of council-rented properties and affordable housing in the borough. This includes the demolition of outdated buildings at sites like Chippenham Road in Harold Hill to create new one- to four-bedroom homes with shared green spaces to encourage community engagement and wellbeing.
Moreover, the Roe Wood Park development on the former Havering College site in Harold Hill is progressing with 120 new homes, including affordable housing options through low-cost rent and shared ownership. Council Leader Ray Morgon and Bellway representatives have praised these developments as instrumental in building high-quality homes and new communities for residents.
How does the Council’s housing strategy impact local communities and families?
The new Chalkhill properties and broader regeneration efforts aim to provide families and vulnerable individuals with stable, affordable homes, improving their quality of life and reducing homelessness. By offering assured shorthold tenancies through a dedicated management company, Havering Council is providing more security and financial advantages compared to previous temporary arrangements.
The environmental technology integrated into the Chalkhill homes further protects residents from common issues such as damp, mould, and fuel poverty, enhancing living conditions. These measures demonstrate the Council’s commitment to sustainable and tenant-centred housing solutions.
Leader Ray Morgon expressed optimism about these projects contributing positively to community cohesion and wellbeing. “We’re excited to be starting work on new developments and gradually transforming areas to provide much-needed affordable homes that bring neighbours together”.
What future steps are planned by Havering Council in housing development?
The Council plans to continue its acquisition and regeneration programmes as part of its 12 Sites Regeneration Programme and other initiatives designed to meet increasing housing demand. This includes expanding the management infrastructure to efficiently handle the growing portfolio of affordable homes and maintaining high standards for tenant support and housing quality. Continued partnerships with organisations like Chalkhill and contractors like Wates Residential will be instrumental in sustaining momentum in housing delivery for Havering.
