News

YOUR SUMMER NEWSLETTER IS OUT NOW - WITH MORE MERGER NEWS

Customers should be receiving copies of SDR’s Summer Newsletter in the post around the middle of July. Your newsletter is packed with helpful information about our exciting merger proposals, as well as the usual features like gardening hints, a simple recipe and a brain-teasing puzzle.

Have your say as we plan closer links with merger partners Places for People

In December 2023 we announced a proposed merger with Places for People Group. In the New Year we carried out a consultation exercise with residents and on 20 March 2024 SDR officially joined Places for People Group.

We’re now proposing a full ‘Transfer of Engagements’ to Places for People Living+ Limited, which will further solidify the partnership and ensure its full potential is realised. Places for People Living+ Limited is part of the social housing arm of the Places for People Group.

SDR in compliance with Housing Ombudsman’s new Complaints Code

The Housing Ombudsman has recently updated its Complaints Handling Code to reflect the requirements of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.

The Ombudsman consulted on its updated Complaint Handling Code and their intended approach to the duty to monitor the code in late 2023. This statutory Code took effect from 1 April 2024 and the Ombudsman’s duty to monitor compliance with the code commenced at the same time.

Spring issue of your newsletter is out now

The Spring issue of your regular newsletter has been published and paper copies have been mailed to all our customers. You can also read or download a copy HERE

This newsletter will inform you about all the latest developments up to the completion of our merger with Places for People Group on 20 March. This includes around four pages of answers to the questions that some of you asked during our seven-week consultation exercise earlier this year. These are also available online.

SDR merger with Places for People Group now complete

 SDR completed its merger with the Places for People Group * today (20 March, 2024) after receiving regulator approval. 

WE NOW HAVE ANSWERS TO YOUR MERGER SURVEY QUESTIONS

SDR’s proposed merger with Places for People has now been approved by both Boards and the formal announcement of the decision was made on 14 February, with an integration period scheduled to start on 1 March.

SUMMARY OF YOUR FEEDBACK TO OUR MERGER SURVEY

We want to thank all those tenants who took the time to fill in the survey forms we sent you about our merger proposals. Please click HERE to see a summary of the results.

South Devon Rural Housing Association to join Places for People

WELCOME BOOST FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCKS IN SOUTH WEST

South Devon Rural Housing Association, which owns and manages 357 homes in the South-West of England, is set to merge with the Places for People Group after SDR shareholders approved the plans.

Places for People and South Devon Rural announce merger plans

Places for People and South Devon Rural Housing Association (SDR) have announced that they are in merger discussions which, if successful, would enable greater investment in affordable homes in South Devon.

It IS possible to keep your home warm and dry on a tight budget

 Aware of the strain that rising energy costs are putting on everyone’s domestic budgets, SDR has produced a leaflet containing guidance for our tenants on how to keep your home warm and dry without costing the earth.

Our leaflet has been posted to all tenants in time for the worst of the winter weather and it’s also available HERE.

Just click on the link or go to the For Tenants tab, where you will also find a link to our winter energy guidance.