We’ve received a couple of return visits this month. Tim Loughton MP and Minister for Children and Families came to see us for an update about Gold Service. He first visited Irwell Valley in 2002, when Gold Service was in its infancy – and when he was Shadow Minister responsible for urban regeneration and housing.
We were happy to report to the Minister that since its launch in 1998, Gold Service can demonstrate:
- Improved housing management performance and lowered costs
- Reduced empty properties
- Improved relet times and reduced turnover
- Improved rent collection and reduced outstanding debt
- Faster repairs
- Changed negative behaviour into positive behaviour
- Improved neighbourhoods and community spirit
- Over 70% of residents have clear rent accounts [40%] 1998 and over 80% are Gold Service members.
Paul Goggins MP for Wythenshawe and Sale met residents and colleagues at Shore Green, our flagship development in South Manchester, which provides extra care housing support for elderly people affected by dementia and other memory loss conditions.
In its good practice case study (February 2009), the Department of Health concluded that our Shore Green model efficiently diverts its residents away from expensive nursing home placements - costing the wider health and social care system less than traditional nursing and residential support options
Paul attended the official opening of Shore Green by The Duchess of Gloucester in 2003 and we’re grateful for his continued support of a truly unique scheme.
The Home Secretary, Teresa May, is launching a review of Anti Social Behaviour Orders. She’s reported as saying "We need a complete change in emphasis, with people and communities working together to stop bad behaviour escalating."
Well, that’s precisely one of the issues Gold Service was set up to address. I’d be interested in your views. Do you think ASBOs should be abolished?
Post your comments to Tom using the form below.
Look forward to hearing from you – and thanks for your comments on my previous blog.