City in the running for housing award

Sunderland City Council is in the running to scoop an award for its £59m housing investment programme.

The council has made the national shortlist of the housing award category of the Local Government Chronicle Awards, which aims to highlight outstanding achievements of local authorities.

The council has been recognised for its Housing Delivery and Investment Plan

(HDIP) which saw the authority become a registered provider for the first time in 20 years.

Being in the running for the LGC Awards – which attract competition from councils across the UK – highlights the strides made by the council, only 18 months since it launched its HDIP with the aim of improving Sunderland’s housing provision for vulnerable people and those seeking quality affordable homes for rent.

Already more than 100 homes have been acquired, built or are under construction. By 2025 the council is aiming to bring 362 empty properties back into use, deliver 117 new build bungalows and create 95 new supported accommodation properties by 2025.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, dynamic city portfolio holder, said: “The council’s efforts to rent properties to residents in the city for the first time in 20 years, and build the first council houses in 40 years, has been an important step for us, and one I am proud we have taken.

“The LGC Awards nomination is significant because it measures us against local authorities across the country and shows just how far we have come in less than 18 months.”