A new scheme that aims to drive up housing standards and strengthen support for residents has been launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The new preferred partner scheme marks a step change in how the council works with registered housing providers, such as housing associations, and sets out clear objectives and standards it expects them to meet.

With nearly 30 registered providers currently operating in the borough, the new scheme aims to strengthen partnership working to improve housing quality.

Developed with housing associations and using national best practice, it will support work to drive up standards by giving the council a space to collaborate with providers and share best practice, and a clearer and faster route to raise issues with them.

Putting residents at the heart of their work, the new arrangement aims to ensure there is stronger support for tenants, including help for people affected by domestic abuse and measures to prevent tenants becoming homeless. 

It will also play a key role in shaping affordable housing across the borough, with developers of new affordable housing required to approach housing partners signed up to the scheme first.

Subject to signing final agreements, the housing providers set to join the scheme include Abri, Aster, SNG, VIVID, English Rural and Anchor.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We want our residents to feel proud of the homes they live in and this scheme is a really important step in making sure that happens.

“By bringing together housing providers that share our commitment to strong communities and high-quality homes, we’re building a more joined-up system that puts our residents’ needs first. We look forward to working more closely with our housing partners and housing associations are welcome to join the scheme at any time.”

New housing providers will be able to apply for the preferred partner scheme at any time and the council can also remove providers if they fail to meet their commitments. The list will be reviewed after five years to ensure it is still meeting the objectives of the scheme.

Find out more at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/preferred-partners