KTP leads to landmark study into social housing programme

A KTP between Nottingham City Homes (NCH) and Nottingham Trent University has conducted a landmark research study into the impact of Nottingham's Secure Warm Modern programme, part of the national Decent Homes scheme. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Technology Strategy Board, the research looked at the overall impact of the social housing programme to the local residence.

Nottingham's Secure Warm Modern programme has enabled new windows to be fitted in almost 16,000 homes in the region, along with the installation of over 10,000 central heating systems, 9,000 kitchens and 7,200 bathrooms. Many other research studies have been carried out on individual benefits of the scheme, such as tackling crime or health issues, but this study is the first to take a holistic view.

The study has shown that, in areas where the window programme was completed, burglaries were reduced by 42%. An additional cost benefit was that by fitting the double glazed windows can save each tenant between £95 and £223 a year in fuel bills, a collective saving of £3.5m each year.

Improved heating systems were estimated to have reduced respiratory illness for over 1,000 children in NCH properties. It is also believed to have saved two lives each year by reducing excess cold conditions. Nottingham's Secure Warm Modern programme employed 560 people in 2010-11 alone. and created more than 100 apprenticeships.

Mark Johnson, Director of Property Services at Nottingham City Homes, said: "We can see from this study that the benefits go far beyond the fabric of a building - this is about people, communities and quality of life. Quite clearly the programme has already had a significant impact on the people living in the homes we manage."

Dr Néstor Valero-Silva, Principal Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University and KTP academic supervisor, added: "This project highlights our commitment to the development of the city by working together with local organisations and local communities.

For more information visit http://www.nottinghamcityhomes.org.uk

For more information about the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) visit http://www.ktponline.org.uk/funders/