Latest News from the Board

At the December 2011 board meeting, the board agreed amongst other things:

2012 rent increases

Will on average be 6.1% based on the September 2011 RPI of 5.6% plus 0.5%.

Following extensive consultation with sheltered residents, their rent increases will on average be £2 per week higher than this, to protect the Scheme Manager service they value so much.

Future plans

Main feedback from the board and staff away day was that:

• Colne should remain independent for the foreseeable future, but pursue partnerships to increase value for money for residents
• We want to continue to develop to meet pressing housing needs in the area, but recognise we may need to look at completely new ways of funding this
• We intend to build on our work in the community. We already have a number of projects on the go, and we need to see these through to a conclusion. Next steps include focussing on employments and training partnerships to maximise residents' access to the job market.

Almshouses

Plans to merge a number of almshouses into a single independent charity were discussed.

Consultation has now taken place with residents at Fullers Almshouse, and it is likely that the property would be sold, with the proceeds being invested in a new almshouse. .

Society performance

Colne is outperforming its targets for everything except:

• Development handovers - some of which have been delayed, but will catch by year end
• Staff sickness - mainly as a result of long term sickness
• Repair costs - although expenditure has slowed down in recent months

Particular congratulations to everyone involved in income management - arrears net of housing benefit is at the lowest level ever - a remarkable achievement in these challenging times.

Everest Way, Heybridge

The village green enquiry is taking place in late January. If Colne wins at the enquiry and the Homes and Communities Agency agreement to restart after all the delays, we can get back on site and build the scheme.

Society Chairman

We will shortly be advertising for a new chairman to take over from Bill Frame when he steps down at next year's AGM.