11th January 2010

 WIGAN Council has set up a new, locally-managed landlord accreditation scheme aimed at recognising property standards and good management service.

The scheme, introduced in response to requests from local landlords and managed by the Council’s Housing Strategy Team, is free to join and offers a host of benefits, including discounted landlord insurance and free credit checks.

The scheme offers free advertising of vacant properties through the Property Shops as well as discount cards for Jewsons, one of the UK’s leading chains of builders merchants, and plumbers merchants Grahams.

The scheme requires landlords to complete an application form and provide evidence of certain certification, in addition to complying with property inspections to ensure that they comply with Housing Health & Safety legislation.

Cllr. Kevin Anderson, the council's champion for neighbourhoods, says:

“We are responding to requests from local landlords who have told us quite clearly they want a scheme based in Wigan. We want the many Wigan landlords who offer a high quality standard of property with a good management service to be recognised. We also know that letting a property for the first time can be a daunting task so we want to be able to help new or inexperienced landlords so that they can get it right first time. We are hopeful that the many landlords operating in the Wigan area will see the benefits of joining our scheme and gaining the recognition they deserve.”

For those seeking accommodation in the private sector, this scheme means that tenants can be assured that checks have been carried out on landlords with accredited properties - and that they meet minimum standards in terms of property maintenance and housing management.

Overall, this will raise standards in the private sector, as well as increasing access to additional housing options for those seeking accommodation in the borough.

Patricia Wildon has been renting out properties across Wigan Borough for over ten years. She says she’s delighted to be the first landlord accredited on the scheme:

“I think this is an excellent idea! It whittles out the less responsible landlords and recognises the effort and investment that many landlords make to ensure their houses are homely, safe and comfortable. Tenants need to know that the property they rent is maintained to a proper standard, for instance that the electricity and gas supplies are reliable and safe. Inspections also flag up potential problems with damp and drains, and highlight hazards such as open staircases which may pose a risk to toddlers. This accreditation scheme is good for landlords and tenants, and will bring rented accommodation across the borough up to an acceptable standard for all.”

One of Mrs Wildon’s tenants is Andrea Tate. She agrees that the accreditation scheme is a great idea:

“It offers peace of mind. My landlords are very thoughtful and because they are local, I know that day or night, if there is any problem, they will always be there to deal with it. With this kind of scheme, tenants know that the accommodation is kept to a quality standard - so you can sleep at night confident that your family is safe.”

Further benefits include access to the Council’s Private Sector Leasing Scheme which enables landlords to lease their properties to the Council on a long term basis and received a guaranteed monthly rent. The Council subsequently employs Wigan Housing Solutions, a not-for-profit organisation, to manage the properties on its behalf. Wigan Housing Solutions also manage the Bond Scheme on behalf of the Council - another benefit available to landlords who become accredited.

If you have any queries about the Wigan Landlord Accreditation Scheme please contact Jen Martlew on 01942 488478.

11th January 2010

 The Government have announced a further 265 stalled housing developments shortlisted for a share of up to £550 million to help get building work on over 22,400 homes back on track and support up to 12,000 jobs – including up to 1,000 apprentices.

 This is the second round of special Kickstart funding and follows £450m already released to build 11,500 homes, with the first of nearly 10,000 workers already back on site.

 Orrell & Billinge is set to receive nearly £1million to build 50 affordable homes for rent or purchase on the Persimmon Homes site at Billinge.

 Projects in every region could benefit from the second round of Kickstart funding announced today, which comes on tough terms. 50% of funding must be repaid back to Government and every developer must provide schemes for local labour and apprenticeships.  

 And with half of the 22,400 shortlisted homes set to be for affordable rent or sale this is a boost for First Time Buyers and prospective housing association tenants – a commitment made in last week’s Pre-Budget report.

 The projects, including the Billinge site, will now go through a rigorous final assessment by the Homes and Communities Agency to determine which will get the green light. As this funding is intended to support the house building industry when it needs it most the government has made clear that one of the key factors will be the ability to complete building work by March 2012.

 Ian McCartney MP said “This is great news for Billinge. In getting these projects going again, the Labour Government is helping bring new homes, jobs and apprenticeships to our area. These are Labour values in action – in Wigan, supporting hard working families through the recession, offering everyone and not just the privileged few, the chance to succeed in life.”

 The Housing Minister John Healey MP said “Today I am announcing a further 265 projects shortlisted for a share of up to £550 million. This second round of Kickstart funding could build 22,400 homes, support 12,000 jobs, train as many as 1000 apprentices and build a further 11,000 affordable homes.

 “We are using the power of Government investment to build homes and support jobs at a time when the house building industry needs it most.

 On the funding of construction through Kickstart, John Healey said “I’m making it a condition of Kickstart that all builders offer recruitment of local people and apprenticeship schemes. This means opportunities for 1,000 extra apprentices. With this money we’re kickstarting stalled developments, supporting new jobs, training future generations of construction workers and building the quality homes we need.”