In February 2011, the Government confirmed its plans to reduce the amount Decent Homes funding. For Sandwell Homes this meant a reduction of £26 million in the funding available to complete the remaining low rise programme. This has had a big impact on our plans, and we are now working with Sandwell MBC to develop a revised Decent Homes programme. The new programme will detail when tenants in those homes yet to benefit from improvements can expect to have Decent Homes work carried out.

The severity of the funding reduction was not anticipated and it is regrettable that those tenants whose homes were positioned towards the end of our programme will suffer further delay. As soon as the revised programme is agreed by Sandwell MBC we will circulate this widely and notify those affected of the planned timings for work to their homes. In the meantime, should any customers require urgent repairs we request that they contact the repairs contact centre in the usual manner.