Pathmeads Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group, has won a contract with Thames Gateway South Essex (TGSE) to renovate and refurbish empty homes to bring them back into use for tenants identified through local councils' housing registers. Affordable rent levels will be set for all properties in this scheme.

Over the next two years, the TGSE sub-region will receive a regional government investment of £1.5 million, to be used to pay for improvements to empty homes.

Pathmeads (the managing agent), property owners and local authorities will identify properties that would benefit from renovation and then agree terms, usually with a five-year lease.

Pathmeads will then be loaned the money from the regional pot to bring the homes to Decent Homes standard. This loan will then be repaid from the rent revenue when a tenant in housing need has been placed in the property. This will ensure that the scheme is self-funding beyond 2011

The Thames Gateway South Essex sub-regional housing group comprises Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock Councils.

A spokesman for the Thames Gateway South East, said "This scheme will improve the housing choices of families waiting for housing and will provide a long-term contribution to meeting the sub-regions' housing need. All the partners are keen to be proactive and improve accommodation standards to provide a greater range of available properties. The scheme has the added value of reducing the eyesore of empty homes and will help increase the sustainability of housing options in the area."

Feargal Ward, Managing Director of Pathmeads, said "Through winning this contract, Pathmeads is pleased to be recognised for its expertise in a wide range of housing services. We look forward to working with the councils in the region to provide homes for people in housing need by renovating and bring back into use empty properties and refreshing their contribution to local life."

Photo caption (l-r):

Louise Biddiss - Policy and Private Sector Officer, Basildon District Council),

Rebecca Begej - Business Development Manager, Pathmeads,

Linda Swinnerton - Housing Strategy Officer, Rochford District Council,

Cllr Frank Tomlin - Basildon District Council,

Cllr Gwen Horrigan - Southend Borough Council
Helen McCabe Housing Strategy Manager Thurrock Borough Council
Richard Chew - Strategic Housing Manager, Castle Point Borough Council

Nick Caprara - Senior Business Development Manager, Pathmeads

- Ends -

For media enquiries contact Diana Evans on 020 7563 0028 / diana.evans@ghg.org.uk or visit www.ghg.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Pathmeads is a leading provider of property management services for around 20,000 homes. Its operations cover a number of key areas, including:

· Temporary housing provision whereby Pathmeads manages privately leased homes around London;

· A contracts division which manages homes for other landlords, such as local authorities, housing associations, primary care and NHS trusts, developers and private investors;

· Managing a pilot Settled Lettings Agency scheme on behalf of the Communities and Local Government department and five south east London local authorities;

· Has developed a range of 'temporary to settled' leasing schemes;

· Works with local authorities across the south of England on refurbishing and managing empty homes;

· Provides a range of contract management, block management and mixed tenure management services for local authorities and private investors.

Genesis Housing Group is a social investment business. It provides homes and services, supporting customers and communities to build futures. Genesis provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east of England. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads, Springboard and St Matthew housing associations. Genesis also has in its group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. It is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 40,000 homes. Its overriding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service.