Knowle Green Estates transforming lives - 27 November 2023

Knowle Green Estates Ltd (KGE) has issued its latest annual report for the period 2022/23. To read the full report, visit: www.spelthorne.gov.uk/annualreport

The last year has been turbulent for our residents with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to have a severe impact. Despite this, the headline remains that KGE continues to demonstrate it is possible to be a housing business with a commercial head and a social heart, finding ways to increase the availability, affordability and quality of housing in our Borough. Our team have committed to helping our residents as much as we can and have implemented a package of support for families across our communities to overcome pressures, both financial and social.

Examples of this work include; signposting residents to available support including food bank referrals, warm hubs and the Spelthorne Jobs and Skills Hub, advising tenants on the Council Tax Support local scheme and Household Support Fund and launching cost saving and waste reduction initiatives for residents.

One of our tenants said: "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable assistance I received from you during a difficult situation I have recently been facing. Your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to help have exceeded my highest expectations. Thanks to you, I truly felt supported and reassured that I am not alone in my struggles."

KGE Ltd has also committed to becoming a Net Zero company and we are confident that we will deliver our objectives for the benefit of present and future generations.  This year our environmental measures have included:

• solar panels for conversions and refurbishments
• positive biodiversity impact through suitable planting
• sustainable procurement
• recycling initiatives and information for tenants

Terry Collier, Deputy Chief Executive at Spelthorne Borough Council and KGE Board Director, added: " The lack of affordable housing in Spelthorne continues to be the driving force behind our aspirations and ambitions but the focus has shifted to encompass how we can best serve our tenants, ensuring that they have the appropriate opportunities and support network in place so they can live fulfilling lives. We take immense pride in being responsible for the day-to-day management of 101 homes in the Borough and the pivotal partnership working we have undertaken with Spelthorne Borough Council in securing homes for our Afghanistan refuges. We are immensely proud of what the team has achieved this last year."