Improvement Programme

We have produced a short film which gives an overview of our Home Improvement Programme. You can view a short video clip about our Improvement Programme here.

We are investing significant resources into the improvement of council homes across the Borough.

You can find out what's involved, the priorities and which homes will benefit here.

Better Homes - Brighter Future Programme

We have produced a short film of the proposed work in our "Better Homes - Brighter Future" works which is available to loan in VHS video or DVD format. The film lasts around 15 minutes and explains the work that is planned and what's involved.

You can view a clip from the film here.

• "Better Homes - Brighter Future" 3.7Mb

• "Better Homes - Brighter Future" 1.3Mb

You can download the latest windows media player 9 FREE here

Decent Homes

The Government has introduced Decent Home Guidance for Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords, which has set a target to ensure that all social housing meets set standards of decency by 2010.

A decent home is one that meets all of the following four criteria:

• It meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing
• Is in a reasonable state of repair
• Has reasonably modern facilities and services
• Provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort

You can view the Government's Decent Homes Guidance here.

We have over 5,500 homes in the Borough that do not meet the Decent Home standard.

We aim to bring all of our homes upt to a decent standard by April 2007 with the benefit of additional investment provided through the Government's Arms Length Housing Management programme.

Planned Improvements for 2003/04 up to 2006/07.

Following the succesful inspection of our services we have been awarded an additional £49m to invest in the housing stock and to bring all our homes up to the Decent Home standard by April 2007.

You can view our planned improvements over our four year "Better Homes Brighter Future" programme here:

• "Planned improvements for 2003/04"
• "Better Homes Brighter Future" Programme 2003/04
• "Better Homes Brighter Future" Programme 2004/05
• "Better Homes Brighter Future" Programme 2005/06
• "Better Homes Brighter Future" Programme 2006/07

Information on Improvement Work

We have produced a series of information leaflets which provide further information on each type of work planned in each home.

The information in the leaflets provides general information on the standard improvement works. This provides you with a good guide to what is involved. The actual work in each home may vary slightly due to individual design considerations depending on the type of property involved.

Helping People with a Disability

We also adjust the standard design of our improvement work in our programme to cater for the specific needs of households which include a family member with a physical disability on the recommendation of an occupational therapist.

We employ our own Occupational Therapist who is able to advise us on the adaptations needed. If you would like to know more about this service contact us. See contact details at the foot of this page

Information Leaflets

Bathroom Replacement Scheme [PDF 831k]

This leaflet tells you about what is planned when your bathroom is due to be replaced. This work is normally carried out with a kitchen replacement and should be read in conjunction with this leaflet.

Electrical Rewiring Scheme [PDF 760k]

This leaflet tells you about what is planned when your home is due to be rewired. If your wiring is in good condition we may be able to carry out an electrical upgrade instead to reduce the upheaval in your home.

Electrical Upgrade Scheme [PDF 738k]

This leaflet tells you what is planned when your home is due to have its electrical circuits upgraded. If the wiring in your home is in good condition we may be able to carry out an electrical upgrade rather than a full rewire to reduce the upheaval in your home.

Kitchen Replacement Scheme [PDF 756k]

This leaflet tells you about what is planned when your kitchen is due to be replaced. This work is normally carried out with a bathroom replacement and should be read in conjunction with this leaflet.

Roof Replacement Scheme [PDF 890k]

This leaflet tells you about what is planned when your roof is due to be replaced. If your roof is in good condition we may be able to carry out repairs to your instead of a roof replacement to reduce the disturbance to you.

Window Replacement Scheme [PDF 689k]

This leaflet tells you about what is planned when the windows in your home are due to be replaced.

Further Information

You can obtain further information from the following:

Procurement Unit, Blyth Valley Housing, Cowley Road, Cowpen Industrial Estate, Blyth NE24 5TF.

Telephone: Procurement Unit Hotline 01670 542484

Typetalk service prefix number 18001

EMail: Procurement Unit