Manningham Housing Association wins more national recognition for excellence

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has received glowing praise in two independent reports as its Customer Service Excellence accreditation was re-confirmed alongside its status as the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley.

The Customer Service Excellence quality mark is awarded to public and private sector organisations deemed to provide services that are efficient, effective, and place customers at the heart of the service provision following a thorough external assessment.

National certification body Centre for Assessment (CfA) has informed MHA that it has met all the criteria for the Customer Service Excellence accreditation - and attained Compliance Plus status in 15 separate areas.

In its assessment report, the CfA said: “The organisation was clearly focussed on providing the best service for its customers.  Staff that worked for Manningham Housing Association came across as being firmly committed to the success of the organisation through the provision of effective services to the many people that came into contact with them.”    

In a separate report, the CfA also declared that MHA should again be awarded the British Standard for Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion, known as BS76005.  It was already the first housing association nationally to achieve this. 

The report said: “The assessor felt it was a pleasure to speak to such absolutely committed staff who really were committed to the provision of excellent customer services through valuing inclusion and recognising that people have different needs.”  

The CfA inspections were co-ordinated by MHA Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Operations Ulfat Hussain who said he was especially proud of the association’s efforts given the challenges to service delivery posed by the pandemic.

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Operations

He said: “Our staff have been incredible this year and I am delighted that their hard work and professionalism have been acknowledged by the assessor.

“In his written conclusions, he praises the team for going the extra mile to support people and ensure that our absolute commitment to inclusion was maintained despite the Covid-19 restrictions. 

“We see the renewed accreditations as confirmation that we are continuing to deliver for our customers, stakeholders and communities we serve in Bradford and Keighley.

“With the pandemic likely to dominate everyone’s lives for some time to come, everyone can be assured that MHA’s determination to do the very best job we can is undiminished.”

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield said the fact that the association had been awarded a Compliance Plus rating for so many different aspects of Customer Service Excellence underlined the vast array of skills possessed by his staff.

He said: “The customer always comes first and, over recent times, we have implemented a number of targetted strategies to further enhance the effectiveness of our work.

“Better understanding customer needs, reaching disadvantaged groups, supporting local communities and ensuring our customers receive the information they need -including about our own performance – are just some of the specific areas of activity recognised by the assessor.

“I am proud of every single member of the team.  They should be equally proud of themselves.”

MHA Chair Barrington Billings praised the culture of positivity and high energy at the association which had helped to carry staff and customers through the long months of the pandemic.

He said: “The extra Covid-19 restrictions on Bradford and Keighley have made life particularly tough locally. 

“But because of our cherished position as a community-based organisation, we are succeeding in partnership with those whose needs we strive to cater for

“The award of these prestigious accreditations are accolades to be shared by all.”   

Chancellor must do more to help low wage economies – housing association CEO

The Chief Executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has called on Rishi Sunak not to abandon low wage workers following his statement to MPs earlier today.

LEE BLOOMFIELD

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement that employees would have to work a minimum of a third of their normal hours to benefit from the Government’s new job support scheme, Lee Bloomfield said:

“There are estimated to be up to three million workers currently on furlough, including a significant number in Bradford and Keighley where MHA has around 6,000 tenants.

“In the wake of Mr Sunak’s statement, there is a real fear that many furloughed employees will no longer have a job to return to.

“The furlough scheme, welcome as it has been, still resulted in a significant reduction in income for families who were already struggling in a low wage economy.

“The Chancellor had nothing to say about how the Government plans to support those workers who now appear to be at grave risk of redundancy.

“If he feels unable to keep them in their current jobs, there is a pressing need to establish job creation schemes and a pathway for workers to retrain.

“Bradford and Keighley cannot afford generations, young and old, being left without a decent income and the opportunity to contribute to the economic wellbeing of their families and wider local communities.

“I fully appreciate that Mr Sunak faces unprecedented challenges in the biggest global crisis of our lifetimes, but he needs to do more.”    

Senior British peer seeks UK response to China’s ‘arrogant aggression’ towards Taiwan

LORD ROGAN

A leading member of the House of Lords has urged the UK Government to stand up to Beijing after China continued its campaign of intimidation against Taiwan and its people by invading Taiwanese airspace on two consecutive days last week.

Speaking in the House of Lords earlier today, Lord Rogan, who serves as Co-Chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, said: “I am sure that the whole House is united in its condemnation of China’s incursions into Taiwanese airspace, which are clearly acts of provocation.”

He asked UK Foreign Officer Minister Lord Ahmad: “Have Her Majesty’s Government made their opposition to these actions clear to the Chinese Ambassador in London?”

Lord Rogan continued: “What consideration has been given to supporting Taiwan in strengthening its military defences as a means of demonstrating our revulsion at Beijing’s arrogant aggression?”

Responding, Lord Ahmad said he could offer Lord Rogan reassurance “on any attempt to impact the status quo.”

The Minister added: “The issue of Taiwan is one to be settled peacefully for both sides. It is important for China to sustain and retain its objective of settling any disputes with Taiwan in a peaceful manner and in the interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.”

Homes boost for Bradford and Keighley as Manningham Housing Association seals £50.5 million funding deal

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has secured a £50.5 million financial package to provide affordable homes in Bradford and Keighley.  

The deal, which is made up of £36.05 million of new cash from Royal Bank of Scotland and £14.45 million of existing funds, will enable MHA to increase its housing stock by more than 100 properties over the next five years.

LEE BLOOMFIELD

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said the agreement would add another chapter to the association’s growing success story less than four years after it received poor performance ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing.

“In late 2016, MHA had its governance rating downgraded from G1 to a non-compliant G3, followed shortly afterwards by a financial viability reduction from V1 to V2,” he explained.

“This led to a major organisational review, resulting in the recruitment of a new Chair in Barrington Billings, new board members and my own appointment as Chief Executive in January 2018. 

“Later that year, following rigorous inspections, the Regulator restored MHA’s financial viability rating to V1.  Governance was also improved to G2 before being raised to G1 in March 2020, meaning the association now holds the highest gradings available.

“The team has gelled incredibly well throughout this period and expanded further, including the arrival of Shendi Keshet as Director of Finance and Resources to lead negotiations on the funding deal.

“Having been unable to add to our housing stock for a considerable period, we aim to grow our property portfolio by around 10% over the next five years – taking the total number of units to more than 1,500.

“These are exciting times for MHA, particularly in the wake of the changes made to improve what we do and how we do it.  We can now concentrate fully on our core mission of providing high quality affordable homes to individuals and families in Bradford and Keighley who really need them.”

SHENDI KESHET

Shendi Keshet, MHA Director of Finance and Resources, said the growth in housing stock would be achieved by a combination of new build properties, acquisitions on the open market and a programme of bringing empty homes back into use.

“A Unit Growth Strategy was finalised well in advance of the funding package being agreed,” she continued.

“It equips us with a coherent roadmap to invest in the purchase and refurbishment of existing properties, as well as the construction of new affordable homes.

“This carefully considered approach will help us to reduce any risk to the resources we are putting in and allow MHA to address local housing needs in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

BARRINGTON BILLINGS

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, praised the level of professionalism across the staff team and pledged the board’s full support in delivering the association’s ambitious plans for the future.

He said: “There is a national shortage of affordable homes and it is vital that MHA steps forward to deliver as many as we can.

“On average, we receive over 50 bids within a week of one of our properties being advertised with larger family homes attracting even greater interest.

“The vast majority of MHA homes are in the most deprived areas of Bradford and Keighley with high BME populations.

“We will always be committed to these neighbourhoods and, guided by our Unit Growth Strategy, are firmly focussed on ensuring the new funds are used to greatest effect.”  

Peer seeks Executive protection for people exempt from wearing face coverings

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has called on Stormont Ministers to consider issuing badges for people not required to wear face coverings in designated indoor settings or when travelling on public transport.

Since 10 August, it has been mandatory for people in Northern Ireland to use face coverings in enclosed places.

However, there are exemptions for individuals under the age of 13, shop workers and those with “reasonable excuses” including relevant health conditions as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.

LORD ROGAN

There have been reports of people not required to wear face coverings being confronted by members of the public unaware that they have good reason for not doing so.

Lord Rogan, who suffers from asthma, said it would be helpful for the Stormont Executive to issue badges to individuals exempt from the new legal requirements.

He commented: “The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland are following the rules on face coverings and, quite rightly, want everyone else to follow suit.

“But, as someone not able to wear a face covering because of breathing problems, I have often felt uncomfortable when I’m a shop and am the only person without a mask.

“Not only does it place people like me in an embarrassing position, but it leaves others such as shop workers or fellow shoppers in an equally awkward position.

“The charity Asthma UK has helpfully produced a card which asthma sufferers can download and display when out and about.

“The UK Government has since gone a step further and created a badge as well as a card for people in England to download.

“I would encourage our own Executive to produce Northern Ireland versions of both, perhaps backed up by a metal badge which would be easier for older citizens to access and wear.

“Stormont Ministers have faced bigger challenges since the start of this pandemic.  This is one they could and should easily rise to.”     

Senior peer seeks Stormont support for most vulnerable schoolchildren

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has called on the Stormont Executive to provide “all necessary support” for pupils whose educational prospects have been put at greatest risk by the coronavirus lockdown.

Following the recent UK Government announcement that £650 million was to be shared by schools in England to help children who had missed out on teaching time, Lord Rogan told a ‘virtual’ sitting of the House of Lords that coping with the mental health impact of being away from the classroom was also an issue for pupils in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

He then wrote to UK Education Minister Baroness Berridge seeking guidance on how much money would be allocated to children in the devolved nations in need of extra help.  

In her reply, just received, Baroness Berridge said the Treasury would provide “a further £4.1 billion through the application of the Barnett formula to public services spending, including schools.”

She continued: “This comprises £2.1 billion for the Scottish Government, £1.3 billion for the Welsh Government, and £0.7 billion for the Northern Ireland Executive.

“That additional funding for devolved administrations includes funding to reflect, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the £650 million for schools in England that the Department for Education announced in June. It will be for devolved administrations to decide how best to spend this funding to support recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

LORD ROGAN

Lord Rogan said it was vital that a significant proportion of the £700 million allocated to the Northern Ireland Executive was used to help children most severely impacted by being out of school.

He commented: “Having spoken to teaching professionals, I know there are deep-seated worries about children’s resilience levels being eroded following such a protracted period away from the classroom

“In some cases it will take a significant amount of time for levels of self-confidence to be restored and that will necessitate enhanced volumes of teaching, coupled with extra pastoral support.        

“I commend Stormont Ministers for their efforts to help teachers and pupils make a safe return to schools in the coming weeks.

“But the needs of those pupils who have suffered most must also be at the forefront of the Executive’s thinking.

“Tailored assistance is will be essential and headteachers will require additional staffing resources to deliver it.

“The £700 million of new money from the UK Government must be spent wisely and with the futures of our most vulnerable children a top priority.”  

Housing Association concerned as delivery of affordable homes is placed in jeopardy

The Chief Executive and Chair of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) have criticised a Government proposal to scrap the mechanism which enables almost half of the country’s affordable homes to be delivered each year.

Section 106 agreements currently compel developers to provide affordable properties as part of a new housing scheme.

LEE BLOOMFIELD

However, in a consultation document, Planning For The Future, published yesterday by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, the Government has advocated the replacement of Section 106 agreements with a new flat-rate charge on housebuilders for each development.

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield has described the decision as “shortsighted at best, blinkered at worst.”

He commented: “We share the Government’s ambition to oversee the building of many more homes.  But for the national housing crisis to be properly addressed, a significant proportion of these must be genuinely affordable properties.

“Whilst the Section 106 process is far from perfect, it facilitated the delivery of 49% of all affordable homes in England in 2018/19.

“There is no comparable mechanism in the Government’s White Paper which is a cause of deep concern for housing associations such as MHA and, more particularly, the communities we serve in Bradford and Keighley.”

BARRINGTON BILLINGS

MHA Chair Barrington Billings said: “Cutting red tape to simplify the planning process, as the Government is also proposing, is to be welcomed.

“But the housing needs of people from all social and economic backgrounds must be catered for if Ministers are serious in their aim to ‘level-up’ society and assist communities that have been left behind.

“Scrapping Section 106 agreements and effectively depending on the goodwill of developers to provide the many thousands of affordable homes the country needs is foolish and irresponsible.

“Manningham Housing Association will play an active role in the debate and formal consultation on the Government’s proposals.  We will do so on behalf of those individuals and families who want to live in a high quality affordable property and whose ambitions are now in jeopardy.”  

Peer accuses UK Government of disrespect for care workers over ‘badge of honour’ gimmick

A senior member of the House of Lords has accused the UK Government of using social care workers for cynical propaganda purposes after failing to distribute a special badge to 99 per cent of those eligible to receive it.

Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh

On 15 April, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street news conference that social care workers would be given green badges emblazoned with the word ‘CARE’ to allow them to access the same "recognitions and benefits" as NHS staff.

He said: “This badge will be a badge of honour in a very real sense, allowing social care staff proudly and publicly to identify themselves, just like NHS staff do with that famous blue and white logo.”

However, in response to a Parliamentary Written Question tabled by Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan, Health Minister Lord Bethell admitted that only “around 15,000 badges have been distributed” in the 10 weeks since Mr Hancock’s high profile announcement.

This amounts to just one per cent of the current 1.5 million adult social care workforce.  

Lord Rogan said he was “appalled” by the UK Government’s “cynical and shallow tactic” which demonstrated “total disrespect” for social care workers.  

He commented: “The sight of Matt Hancock brandishing a ‘CARE’ badge at that press conference in the early weeks of lockdown was regarded by many at the time as a cynical exercise designed to distract from the UK Government’s failure to protect care home professionals and residents from Covid-19. 

“That is precisely what it has turned out to be. 

“Social care workers did not ask for a badge all of those weeks ago, they asked for adequate supplies of PPE and access to proper tests.

“It’s now clear that the vast majority of social care workers received none of these.

“This should be a matter of shame and embarrassment for the UK Government in general and Mr Hancock in particular.”

New affordable homes development brings cheer for Leeds residents

Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has handed over the keys of 30 brand new properties for affordable rent in the north-east of the city.

The scheme at Beckhill Grove in Meanwood includes 24 three-bed houses, two four-bed houses, two two-bed houses, and two two-bed bungalows.

All homes have been let and the final residents have just moved in.

The site was previously owned by Leeds City Council, which chose Unity as its preferred development partner.

Planning permission was granted in March 2018 with Esh Construction beginning building work shortly afterwards following a tendering process.  

The new properties will complement the 125 homes Unity owns and manages in the nearby Stonegates estate.

The completion of the development takes the BME-led housing association a further step towards its goal of delivering 220 new homes in the five-year period to 2021 under the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme.      

Ali Akbor OBE, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said he was delighted to see the impressive red brick properties being occupied.

And he paid tribute to the efforts of Unity staff and project partners to ensure tenants could move safely into their new homes despite the ongoing coronavirus restrictions. 

He said: “The past four months have been challenging for everyone and housing associations are no exception.

“Despite Unity’s head office being closed and most staff working at home, all essential services have been delivered to our tenants including urgent repairs.

“We have placed the wish of our prospective tenants to move into their properties in Beckhill Grove as a priority.  I am thrilled that this task has been completed safely and they can now begin the process of settling in.

“The 30 new affordable homes are of the characteristically high standard that tenants rightly expect from Unity. 

“They have significantly enhanced our presence in Meanwood, taking the number of Unity properties in the area to 155.

“We are proud to be providing so many first class homes in the heart of a wonderful local community.”

Chancellor has wasted a golden opportunity to build new affordable homes

The chief executive of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has expressed his disappointment that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak did not include renewed investment in genuinely affordable homes in the Government’s package of economic measures announced today.

Ali Akbor OBE said: “The Chancellor had the chance to place a new house-building programme at the heart of the Government’s pandemic recovery plan, but he failed to take it.

“The housing association sector has never been shy in calling on successive Governments to tackle the national housing crisis by building the many genuinely affordable homes the country needs.

“Given his desire to keep people in work and create more jobs in the wake of the economic damage inflicted by Covid-19, the timing was never more appropriate than now. 

“It was a golden opportunity that the Chancellor has wasted.”  

NI peer seeks fair funding allocation to support pupils adversely affected by lockdown

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has sought urgent clarification from the UK Government on how much of a £1 billion fund to help children “catch up” with lost learning because of the coronavirus pandemic will be allocated to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  

Last week it was announced that £650 million is to be shared across primary and secondary schools to help children from all backgrounds who have missed out on teaching time.

An additional £350 million will enable primary and secondary schools to access “heavily subsidised tuition” from an approved list of organisations.

Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh

Speaking during a virtual sitting of the House of Lords on Tuesday, Lord Rogan said there was “widespread acceptance that coping with the adverse impacts of the lockdown on children’s mental health will be a particular challenge when all pupils across United Kingdom return to school later this year.”

He continued: “This will include a need to ensure that each child’s resilience levels are sufficiently strong to enable them to learn effectively.”

Lord Rogan asked Education Minister Baroness Berridge: “What discussions are taking place on a four-nation basis to ensure that teachers can use their professional judgment in delivering the curriculum without pushing these vulnerable pupils too hard and too fast?”

Responding, the Minister said there were “regular meetings across the four nations, both at ministerial and official level.”

And she added: “£650 million will be given to schools because we know that schools know their students best.”

Lord Rogan has now written to Baroness Berridge seeking details on where this money will go.

He wrote: “There is an expectation that some of this funding allocation may be distributed through the Barnett formula but, as I am sure you understand, headteachers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales require more than hearsay as they plan for the full return of pupils.

“I therefore request urgent clarification from you on how much of this additional funding will be diverted to the devolved administrations, broken down by nation, and when they can expect to receive it.”   

Lord Rogan has said he will publish the reply as soon as he receives it. 

Smashing news for Bradford as health and wellbeing project is backed by Sport England

A Bradford community initiative aimed at encouraging local women and girls of South Asian origin to become more active has been awarded almost £10,000 of Sport England funding following a successful grant application from Manningham Housing Association (MHA).

‘BAME Ladies Smashing Boundaries’ is a health and wellbeing project devised by MHA to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of participants and help to prevent the development of damaging long-term conditions such as diabetes, obesity and depression.

It will be targetted at up to 120 females aged 16 or over and resident in Manningham, one of the most deprived wards in Bradford district.

MHA sought Sport England support after a volunteer-led steering group, set up to examine the viability of the project, launched a consultation exercise to discover the views of potential recruits.

The study found that, of the 75 individuals who responded, 90% said they wanted to improve their lifestyles, 85% were keen to be more physically and socially active, and 74% reported tackling stress as one of their key areas of need.

As a means of achieving these goals, 80% stated a preference to take part in women’s cricket sessions.    

The Sport England award of £9,989 will be used to fund cricket equipment, coaching and other associated costs such as the hire of indoor net facilities at Manningham Sports Centre.

It is hoped that the project will get underway later in the year, subject to progress in loosening the Government’s coronavirus restrictions.

Nas Hussain

Nas Hussain, MHA’s Community Partnerships and Investment Manager who put together the grant application, said he expected a flurry of willing participants to sign-up.

He commented: “We will be working with a range of local partners – including youth groups, business organisations, mosques and GP surgeries - to help us get the message out, especially to individuals who might be socially disengaged and most likely to prosper from what we’re trying to achieve.

Lee Bloomfield

“As well as providing a vehicle to improve physical and mental wellbeing, those who choose to become involved with also be given a pathway into volunteering, employment and training.”

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We regard this as a pilot project.  It all goes well, as we have every confidence that it will, we intend to seek funding from other sources to enable the benefits to be enjoyed by others in the community. 

Barrington Billings

“To enhance the long-term sustainability of the project, several of the initial users will be trained as coaches and mentors to allow them to take charge of future sessions.”  

Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, said: “There is no downside to becoming involved in sporting activity.  It enables you to get fit, meet new people and feel good about the world around you. 

“Bradford is also famous for its love of cricket.  It is the perfect choice of leisure activity for women and girls in Manningham to come together, have fun and broaden their social networks.”

Unity shows enterprise to help Leeds businesses deal with pandemic

The not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has deployed a series of wide-ranging measures to enable its commercial tenants to operate during the Covid-19 outbreak - and hopefully flourish afterwards.   

Unity Enterprise (UE), which provides 142 affordable units for more than 80 businesses near Leeds city centre, was established two decades ago to support local entrepreneurial activity.

Alongside the challenges posed by social distancing, the organisation has been acutely aware of the financial vulnerability of many of its tenants which are mostly small businesses running on tight budgets.

UE Manager Adrian Green explained the immediate challenges and actions taken in the early days of lockdown.

“We launched a three-way partnership with Iota Business and Apple Box to offer swift support to UE tenants,” he said.

Adrian Green

“This included details on available funding streams, initially shared via email and displayed in our centres. 

“Shortly afterwards, we launched a website carrying emerging details of the Government’s Small Business Rate Relief grant, Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

“One-to-one Zoom meetings were set up to enable tenants to seek bespoke advice and, so far, more than 50 UE tenants have received grants with our support.”

Adrian said that arrangements were also made to allow tenants safe access to UE premises.

“Our centres have remained open throughout the lockdown, with more than 20 tenants working there at various times,” he explained.

“The buildings have been subject to a deep clean, we have wall-mounted hand sanitiser stations at every entrance to every building and a screen at our main reception at Unity Business Centre, which also has a one-way system.  

“Signs and fixed-floor graphics encouraging two-metre social distancing have been placed around all buildings.

“We have limited the lifts to one person at a time, toilets are restricted to two people maximum, hand dryers have been replaced by paper towels and all bins are now foot-pedal operated.  

“And all health and safety checks – including tests on fire doors, drinking water, fire alarms, emergency lighting and lifts – have continued, with UE staff given personal protective equipment sourced from one of our own tenants.”

Corrine Lapierre

Corinne Lapierre, who runs her own business which makes high quality craft kits and textile accessories, initially halted production at Unity Business Centre and furloughed staff when the Government’s lockdown restrictions were announced.   

“However, within a few weeks it became obvious that I should reopen as customers kept asking for my kits,” she said,

“I was rather worried about coming back to the centre while we were still in lockdown. It was so reassuring to see that Adrian was there, coming in every day to accept our deliveries and putting new measures in place for our safety.”

Corinne added: “I have been able to talk to Adrian about ideas to welcome my team back in a safe way and, again, I have received very patient and practical advice.  I could not be happier and more grateful for how things are at Unity Business Centre.”

Ali Akbor OBE

Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Ali Akbor OBE, who established UE in 2000 - shortly after taking the helm at the BME-led housing association - praised the efforts of Adrian and his team, together with partners Iota Business and Apple Box.

He continued: “Unity’s ethos is that the revitalisation of communities is not just about providing high quality affordable homes, but also stimulating social and economic regeneration, improving life opportunities and addressing inequalities within sustainable neighbourhoods.

“Everything that UE does is geared towards helping commercial tenants achieve a positive economic and social impact for the benefit of local people, businesses and communities.

“We need their excellent work to continue and, to that end, we will do all we can to help these enterprises survive the economic tsunami caused by Covid-19 and prosper when the storm has passed.”

UK Government must act now to source PPE for NI dentists

Senior peer Lord Rogan has called on the UK Government to ensure that Northern Ireland dentists are supplied with sufficient quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE) in advance of local practices being given the go-ahead to open.

Yesterday the UK Government announced that dentists in England will be allowed to accept patients for regular appointments from Monday 8 June.

This has prompted some English dentists to warn that they may not be able to reopen on that date because of problems sourcing PPE.

Dentists in Northern Ireland are yet to be given a date when they can return to normal service.

Speaking during a virtual sitting of the House of Lords last week, Lord Rogan called on the UK-Government to adopt a four-nation approach to saving the dental sector from disaster.      

Lord Rogan (courtesy of UK Parliament)

In his reply, Health and Social Care Minister Lord Bethell said that he and colleagues were “working on a UK-wide national plan,” adding, “it is a massive priority for the Government.”   

However, speaking earlier today, Lord Rogan  - a Deputy Lord Speaker - warned:

“I see no evidence of a UK-wide national plan for the dental sector.  And if there is such a plan, Northern Ireland does not seem to be part of it.

“Boris Johnson’s Government has been thrown into chaos over recent days and it is about time that they got something right, starting with the implementation of a national plan to allow dentists in all four nations to reopen safely.

“Numerous UK Ministers have said this week that there is no longer a shortage of PPE. 

“If that is indeed the case, there can be no reason why dentists either in Northern Ireland or Great Britain should be asked to reopen without ample supplies of personal protective equipment in place.

“But there is no time to waste.  Boris Johnson and his beleaguered Ministers must act now.”   

Northern Ireland peer wins Government assurance on UK-wide effort to save dental sector from Covid-19 crash

Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh has called on the UK Government to ensure that the concerns of Northern Ireland’s dentists and their patients are at the core of Ministers’ efforts to save the national dental sector from “disaster” because of coronavirus.   

Speaking during a virtual sitting of the House of Lords, Lord Rogan said: “The United Kingdom’s dentists are also heroes and heroines of this pandemic.

“In Northern Ireland, 100 dentists were sought to run emergency clinics but over 400 stepped forward, and dozens more have volunteered to work in care homes.”

He informed peers of a recent British Dental Association survey which warned that three quarters of Northern Ireland’s dental practices could collapse by the summer because of Covid-19.

Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh

Lord Rogan asked Health and Social Care Minister Lord Bethell: “Can I urge you to urgently consider adopting a UK-wide approach to saving our dental sector from disaster?”     

Responding on behalf of the Government, Lord Bethell assured Lord Rogan that his points were “well understood.”

The Minister acknowledged that dental practices dependent on private income were particularly vulnerable, “because the NHS has guaranteed the income to NHS practices for their NHS work.”

Lord Bethell continued: “We are working on a UK-wide national plan.  It is a massive priority for the Government.”  

Commenting afterwards, Lord Rogan – a past President of the Ulster Unionist Party -said he was pleased that his fears about the future of Northern Ireland dentistry had been accepted by the Health and Social Care Minister.

But he added: “Whilst I would not question the integrity of Lord Bethell, I have much graver reservations about accepting the word of those further up the chain inside the current UK Government, for which Northern Ireland seems to be the least of their priorities.

“Our dentists and patients must be at the heart of the now promised national plan to save the dental sector.

“This must include a guarantee that Northern Ireland’s dentists have full access to the high volume of personal protective equipment that will be essential for them to do their jobs safely when the time comes to reopen practices.

“Let’s hope, on behalf of local dentists and their patients, that this moment is not too far away.”     

Lord Rogan said he also intends to table Written Parliamentary Questions on the issue.   

Funding boost for young people in Bradford as local associations join forces

Two Bradford-based community organisations have come together to secure significant new funds to support youth initiatives in the city.

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) and Hollings Youth Association (HYA) combined their expertise to apply to the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme for money to deliver an array of targeted activities for young people.

It has now been confirmed that the bid for the maximum available grant of £10,000 was successful.

Founded in 1986, MHA has a proud track record of providing high quality homes and other services to communities in Bradford and Keighley.

Last month MHA was awarded the highest achievable gradings by the independent body responsible for overseeing the performance of housing associations in England.

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield

Also based in the Manningham area of Bradford, HYA is a not for profit organisation which has been helping and developing young people since March 2009 through personal, social and educationally focused interaction.

The ‘Awards for All’ grant will be used to launch a programme of activities to empower local residents from 10-25 years old.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said he hoped the monies would kickstart an exciting new beginning for many younger members of the community in Manningham.

He continued: “The Board of Manningham Housing Association recently approved a Community Investment Strategy which lays out our continued commitment to support, engage and invest in community sustainability.

“We have previously collaborated with HYA and are firm admirers of the wonderful work they do. 

“It was a pleasure to partner with them in putting together the Big Lottery Fund application and I am delighted for the young people who will benefit directly.

“However, we must view the ‘Award for All’ as merely the beginning of a longer-term approach.  Other funding streams are being explored because sustainability is key.

“The coronavirus lockdown has been tough for everyone, including young people.  The new activities will be worth waiting for and I look forward to these being rolled out as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

HYA Chair Imran Khan

Imran Khan, HYA Chair, said he was thrilled that the application had been approved, and revealed that a delivery plan was being jointly finalised with MHA.

He commented: “HYA began working on the application with MHA last year, long before the present difficulties relating to coronavirus.  

“The programme we are putting together will range from bespoke skills development projects through to anti-obesity initiatives to promote health and wellbeing.

“It is vital that everyone feels they have a stake in their local community, particularly young people.

“There is no doubt that the next few months will be tough, but I firmly believe that areas like Manningham will emerge from these challenges stronger than ever before.  

MHA Chair Barrington Billings

“Exciting times lie ahead.” 

Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, added: “Partnership working is incredibly important to us as we seek to play our part in building stronger communities, advocating healthy living, improving educational attainment levels and enabling residents to better access training and jobs.

“HYA has a deserved reputation for helping young people in Manningham to achieve their potential at the heart of one of the most richly diverse parts of Bradford.  They are ideal partners.

“The funding will allow us to provide a pathway for young members of the community to broaden their experiences and meet new friends.”  

Fairydogmother to spread happiness with magic of technology

A Leeds dog trainer and behavioural expert forced to postpone a special canine happiness event because of the coronavirus outbreak has arranged for the show to go on for free via a video link.

Kerry Lawson, known as the Fairydogmother, was due host the inaugural ‘Happy Dog Project’ clinic in Yeadon for owners with dogs prone to anxiety or aggression.

A webinar will now take its place on Saturday 4 April from 3pm.

Kerry said the numbers signing up to take part in the original event, coupled with a sudden surge in people willing and able to use modern technology to cope with the current COVID-19 movement restrictions, had encouraged her to set up the webinar.  

She commented: “I’ve used video technology for some time to resolve behaviour problems, as me being in the room can mean the dog behaving differently.  It can often work better than in-person visits.

“I’ve been supporting many more current clients via video link over the past couple of weeks and have also gained new clients after they asked if I could help them too.

“I provide consultation, normally on Zoom which has become particularly popular in recent weeks.

“We chat through their struggles, I get all the information I need about their dog’s current routine, food, previous experiences, training and much more, before coming up with a tailored plan to help.

“We then catch up on a regular basis, including me watching dog and owner practice on video to make sure they are making progress.

“I can also send training plans and instructional videos.”

Kerry explained that she intended the webinar to be fun as well as educational.

She said: “People need a bit of a lift at the moment, and I want to help put a smile back on dog owners’ faces.

“Also, owners have been asked to walk their dogs just once a day for the next few weeks.  That has created an opportunity for extra training in the garden, which will be good mentally and physically for dogs and owners alike.

“I want as many people as possible to join the webinar, hopefully learn some new ideas and then let me know how they get on.”  

Instructions on how to join the webinar, together with details of Kerry’s bespoke canine services and dog training classes, can be found at fairydogmother.co.uk 

Top marks for Manningham Housing Association

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been awarded the highest achievable gradings by the independent body responsible for overseeing the performance of housing associations in England.

Following a rigorous inspection process known as an In Depth Assessment (IDA), the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has upgraded MHA’s governance rating from G2 to G1.

The Bradford-based association’s financial viability rating has also been confirmed as V1, having been raised from V2 in December 2018.   

RSH praised MHA in its formal judgement published this morning.

The report says: “Strategic objectives are clear, and we have assurance that the Board is monitoring performance effectively. Compliance and risk management have been further strengthened and the Board has effective oversight of the risks associated with the delivery of its strategy.” 

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield

It adds: “Based on evidence gained from the IDA, the Regulator has assurance that MHA’s financial plans are consistent with, and support, its financial strategy. The provider has an adequately funded business plan, sufficient security in place, and is forecast to continue to meet its financial covenants under a wide range of adverse scenarios.”

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, praised his team for their “unstinting efforts” in delivering such a positive outcome.

He said: “The regulatory judgement is testament to what can be achieved when the Board and staff work together for the benefit of our customers and the long-term future of the association.  They’ve been at the forefront of all this. 

MHA Chair Barrington Billings

“We also have a shared determination to ensure the association has great standing in the community.  MHA only exists because our customers are supportive of us.  We’re here because of them.

“I am immensely proud to know that we’ve earned the confidence of the Regulator and been restored to the highest ratings possible. 

“It is vital that we retain this momentum, strengthened by a properly-funded and robust business plan that supports growth and the delivery of more affordable homes in Bradford and Keighley.”

Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, said: “This is an excellent result.  I commend everyone who helped us to achieve it.  

“There is a wonderful togetherness at Manningham Housing Association which I feel every time I meet with Board colleagues or chat with staff.

“Looking ahead, the coronavirus outbreak has raised challenges for all organisations, but housing associations such as MHA are particularly close to the communities we serve and will have a crucial role to play in the difficult weeks and months ahead.”

MHA Customer Panel Chair Cath Bacon

Cath Bacon, Chair of the MHA Customer Panel, said: “Alongside the association’s professional staff and Board members, tenants have helped to guide MHA to such worthy recognition.

“The Customer Panel allows MHA tenants to have their say on how services are run and evaluate how these might be improved. 

“As one would rightly expect of people from Bradford and Keighley, they have not wasted this opportunity.  That level of frank input has been beneficial to the association’s success.”   

Affordable homes scheme boosts Cleckheaton regeneration

A former derelict site close to Cleckheaton town centre has been transformed into an impressive affordable housing development by Unity Homes and Enterprise.   

Tenants, project partners and Unity representatives celebrate the completion of the Northgate affordable housing development in Cleckheaton

Seven brand new two-bed homes have been built at the location previously occupied by the Albion Works and Northgate Mills complex, which had been purchased by Tesco.

After Tesco’s plans changed, the site was bought by retirement communities developer McCarthy & Stone and Darrington Healthcare Ltd.     

Unity, a BME-led housing association based in Leeds, acquired a portion of this land to build seven properties for affordable rent. 

Torpoint Construction commenced work in January 2019 and, thanks to a combination of excellent site management and Timberframe construction, the scheme was finished in November - two months ahead of schedule.    

Unity hosted a small gathering for residents and project partners to celebrate the completion.     

Ali Akbor OBE, Unity Chief Executive, thanked everyone involved – including Kirklees Council and Homes England – for their support in delivering the new properties.

He said: “This is our third development in Kirklees.  We are delighted at the part it has played in helping to regenerate Northgate and attract investment into the town. 

“Encouraged by the partnership work that we have with the local authority, this won’t be the last of our schemes here and we are already working on a number of other developments within the district.

“Unity has always been focused on more than providing homes.  We deal with inequalities and try to give people an opportunity to develop and help create sustainable, cohesive communities.  That is our mission, that is what guides us in everything that we do.”

Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “We’re a relatively small association but we punch above our weight.  This sort of development epitomises what we’re all about, trying to do the right things by our tenants and the community, because it’s not just about the bricks and mortar – it’s about much more than that. 

“It’s all about partnership, because we’re never going to be able to deliver this kind of scheme by ourselves.”

Baroness Pinnock, who has represented the Cleckheaton ward on Kirklees Council since 1987, said: “We are very pleased to see this great new development here - and welcome to the new tenants. 

“Thank you to Unity housing.  I have read and heard what their values are and what their intentions are regarding new homes and new communities.  That is exactly what we seek – building diverse communities that work together and are happy together.

“We would love to have more Unity developments here with the Council.  These are much needed houses for social rent or shared ownership.”

James Hinchliffe, Housing Growth Manager, Kirklees Council, said: “Addressing housing needs and driving and promoting the place, design and quality standards are critical.  Working with partners, including Unity, to deliver our housing growth ambitions in Kirklees is essential to securing further investment, pace of delivery and good quality affordable housing that can change people’s lives for the better.

“This scheme was achieved through the planning and legal frameworks with Unity and Homes England.

“It’s been really rewarding to watch the development progress from the initial drawings to what we see today, and to meet residents and hear the difference that it’s making to their lives.”

Tenant Mehdi Chehrehgoshaei, who attended the celebration with his daughter Pariya, said: “I like it here.  It is a very good area.  We are happy with the property.”

Fellow resident Jade Lockwood added: “I love it.  It’s close to all the shops and easy to get to everywhere.”