A new year, a new chairman to build on housing success in Warwickshire
12/01/2009
He said: “I was a founder member of the housing association back in September 1989. At that time I had no grey hair and was young and enthusiastic - I am still enthusiastic and believe one out of three is not bad!”
Derrick, of Dorridge, Solihull, said addressing the lack of affordable, rural housing for local people was at the top of his list of priorities.
He is committed to the objectives of the specialist housing provider and is looking forward to tackling some of the issues around the provision of such homes; from inadequate public finance and complex planning policies, to a lack of understanding within some communities that local housing needs can be addressed.
Derrick said: “I can do little about planning policy, and we do get a lot of support from district councils, but I would hope to influence other agencies when it comes to their role in delivering the housing so sorely needed.
“On a more ‘grass roots’ level, I want our tenants, leaseholders and other customers to know the small size of our organisation does not mean the service we provide is any less than that offered by larger associations.
“We offer a specialised and rurally sensitive service and long may that continue.”
Derrick said the board had already developed the techniques and policies necessary to work with local communities and deliver housing when there was a proven need.
“My main hope as chair is that we face the challenges ahead and continue in our role, not just as a provider of housing and a landlord, but as a rural champion.”
“I want all tenants to know that we value their opinions and ideas and we’d like their help to deliver services that will be valuable to them.”
Derrick succeeds Matthew Dick while Rodney Perry becomes vice chairman.
Matthew, executive director of Dales Housing, based in Matlock, Derbyshire, has been a WRHA committee member for two decades and chairman for seven years.
He said: “I have greatly enjoyed the variety of work and what we have achieved in the housing sector over the past two decades. I proudly and firmly believe we are at the forefront of the provision of affordable, rural housing and feel confident this will be maintained with Derrick.
“I wish Derrick and Rodney the best of luck in their roles as chairman and vice chairman.”
Rodney, of Kenilworth, joined the board five years ago. Before retirement, he worked in the building and building services industries and his experience in the management and maintenance of properties has already proven beneficial to the association.
Rodney has helped to monitor property performance and develop energy efficient designs.
Contact WRHA on 01530 278080 to find out more about the work of the board and how to get involved.
Ends.
Notes to editors:
Warwickshire Rural Housing Association manages more than 450 homes in 29 villages and small towns across the county. The majority are let at affordable rents, while a small number have been made available through shared ownership schemes. The association works closely with local authorities and parish councils to address the needs of rural communities by developing sustainable housing and providing a professional management service for residents.
Dales Housing was formed in 2002 following a stock transfer from Derbyshire Dales District Council.
For further information about the news release, please contact Lyndsey Hunt, of Word Association, on 01455 614333 or lyndsey@wordassociation.co.uk