Sutton Housing Partnership’s Board has agreed to extend their relationship with local repairs and maintenance provider the KNK Group until 2013. The contract, which is delivered on behalf of SHP, provides day to day repairs, works to empty properties and specialist services to over 6000 council homes across the borough.
The contract, which is worth in excess of £4.5 million over its term, has been agreed ten months before the contract expiry date, demonstrating the strength of the relationship between the two organisations.
As part of the extension KNK will deliver a range of improvements to increase both service to residents and value for money. Importantly the contract will also continue to make a positive contribution towards local employment opportunities and the borough’s economy.
The KNK group has been working in partnership with Sutton Housing Partnership since 2006 and played an instrumental role in helping the organisation achieve its two star with 'promising prospects for improvement', Audit Commission rating in January 2010.
Residents who were involved in the decision to extend the contract are relieved as news of social housing contractor Connaught’s collapse has left around 200 housing associations and councils facing uncertainty and extra costs as they seek to ensure repairs and maintenance services are not disrupted.
Jean Crossby Chair of SFTRA commented “SHP has listened to residents and together they have made the right decision to extend the contract. In these uncertain times it is important that we have the peace of mind that our repairs will be carried out by a contractor we can trust”.
Derek Vaughan, Head of Repairs and Allocations for SHP said: "This contract extension represents a great deal for both parties, both in terms of value for money and quality of service for our customers”.
"Agreeing this contract extension ahead of time enables both parties to continue to invest in the important job of delivering service excellence to residents. We now look forward to working with KNK to deliver even greater improvements and true value for money
Posted on Friday 17th September 2010