Lockdown update

As you will know, the government has announced a further national lockdown, beginning 5th January 2021. Naturally, this brings with it lots of challenges, worries and uncertainty.

We are optimistic that now the vaccine is here things will slowly start to improve, but unfortunately the first few months of 2021 will be tough.

Need support this winter?

Winter can be a difficult time of year, especially in 2020/21 when we are not able to see friends and family in the usual way. If you are in need of support, please seek help and don't suffer in silence and keep an eye out for any older or vulnerable neighbours.

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing celebrates handing over the keys to new affordable homes for over 55s

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) is delighted to be handing over the keys to 12 new-build apartments for over-55s in Leeds, just in time for Christmas.

The beautifully designed homes have been built by Redrow and are situated on the popular new ‘Hawthorns’ estate in Whinmoor, Leeds. The affordable housing, managed by LYHA, comprises three one-bed and nine two-bed apartments with gardens, parking and lots of open, green space outside. The ground-floor apartments also have walk-in showers and there is lift access to the first and second floors.

Complaints Policy Review

The Housing Ombudsman published a new Complaint Handling Code in July 2020, setting out good practice that all social landlords are considering in order to ensure they manage complaints effectively and fairly. The Code is part of the Ombudsman’s new powers in the revised Housing Ombudsman Scheme. Landlords are expected to carry out regular self-assessment against the code to ensure their complaint handling is in line with the code.

Our new Annual Report to Customers

Our 2019/20 Annual Report to Customers is being posted through letterboxes this week. Read how we've continued to make improvements to our service and invested in your homes and communities over the last year.

You can also read an online copy here: Annual Report to Customers 2019/20

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association retains G1 V1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing following IDA

We are very pleased to announce that the Regulator of Social Housing has today published its regulatory judgement announcing that Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) has retained its G1 V1 rating following an IDA (in depth assessment). This is the highest governance and financial viability rating awarded.

Keeping you safe and providing support in the new lockdown

As you will know, the government has announced a second national lockdown (beginning 4th November). This is a worrying and challenging time for us all and we want to reassure you that we are committed to doing everything we can to support you. The government advice is that we can continue to provide our current services (including repairs and new lettings) and our focus is on ensuring we deliver these services safely. Our customers’ and colleagues’ health will always come first.

IIP Silver Success for LYHA

We are delighted to have been awarded the Investors in People (IIP) Silver Award.  The accreditation recognises the considerable progress we've made over the last two years in improving our service to customers and transforming our working culture. Amongst the comments in the assessor’s report were:

New housing association partnership sets five devolution ambitions for West Yorkshire

A group of housing associations has today published a prospectus outlining detailed proposals on how to provide more homes and improve lives across West Yorkshire as the region prepares to choose its first metro mayor.

LYHA appoints GTD as lead repairs and maintenance contractor

Continually improving our repairs service is very important to us and listening to customer feedback, we know that you agree. We therefore decided to retender our repairs contract, with our Customer Scrutiny Panel playing a key role in the selection process to ensure that customers’ views were taken into account.

New Leeds lockdown restrictions

Leeds has now been placed under stricter restrictions to try and slow the spread of Covid.

Our New Corporate Plan - Together 2023

We are delighted to announce the launch of the new LYHA Corporate Plan - Together 2023

It's called "Together 2023" because our approach is all about collaboration and partnership, listening and acting on what you tell us so that we can improve the customer experience. It sets out how we will continue to improve what we do and our ambitious plans for the future, as well as our new vision, mission, values and objectives. 

We hope that you'll take a look at the plan yourself by clicking on the links below to:

Working towards a greener country #HomesAtTheHeart

Decarbonisation and tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges currently facing housing providers and LYHA is firmly committed to being proactive in this area: both by delivering energy efficient, new homes that don’t rely on fossil fuels, and retrofitting our existing homes to ensure that they are as energy efficient and affordable to run as possible.

Prestigious honour for LYHA board member, Liz Sandwith

We are delighted that Liz Sandwith, LYHA Board Member and Chair of our Audit and Risk Committee, has been awarded this year’s prestigious JJ Morris Distinguished Service Award by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).  The award recognises her outstanding service and dedication to the profession of internal auditing and is made annually by the IIA’s Council of Directors. She commented: “Receiving such an prestigious award is a great honour”.

New apartments for over 55s

LYHA is working with Redrow to build 12 fantastic, new apartments for over 55s  which will be available for social and intermediate rent later this year. The one and two-bedroom apartments will be located at Redrow’s popular 'The Hawthorns' development just off the Outer Ring Road in Leeds.

Tender opportunity for repairs and planned maintenance contractor

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) is tendering their responsive repairs and planned maintenance services for its housing stock in Leeds and surrounding areas. These services will be delivered to around 1,550 homes and will include:

Free skills training

LYHA has joined up with Interserve to offer free computer skills training to LYHA customers & their families, friends and neighbours (even if they are not customers themselves).
The course teaches a range of IT and employment skills and is available to start online now. At the end of the course you will receive a certificate in Social and Personal Development Level 1. For further information, please email toni.easter@interserve.com or call 07525 902643.

What makes us different makes us stronger

Recent events, in particular the Black Lives Matter Movement, have shone the spotlight on the continuing prejudice and inequalities facing people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, both here in the UK and throughout the world. I believe that we as an organisation, and as individuals, have a duty to speak up; to take a stand against racism and injustice and ensure that nobody faces discrimination because of their skin colour, race or religion. This extends to our customers, communities, employees and society as a whole.

Delivering Services Safely

As you know the government has recently relaxed some of the lockdown restrictions and has issued guidance to landlords about restarting services. Customers' health and wellbeing will always be our top priority and we are sending out a newsletter to all customers this week to outline how we intend to provide services safely going forward and how to access support if you need it.

Please click here to read it online.

 

Repairs update

Following the government’s announcement today that routine repairs can recommence (see Letter from the Minister of State for Housing), we will now be moving towards reinstating our routine repairs service. 

May 2020 Customer Bulletin

Read all the latest LYHA news and service updates in our May Customer Bulletin: 

Gardening update

Everything's growing so fast in this lovely spring weather.
You may notice our gardening team is back out grass cutting this week to help keep our estates looking tidy.
They are following social distancing advice and wearing protective equipment. Please help everyone to stay safe and maintain your distance from them too.

We value your feedback

We are committed to continually improving our service to customers and to do that we need your feedback.

From the end of this month an independent research agency (MEL Research) will be contacting a sample of our customers every quarter to ask a selection of questions about your experience of our service.

Coronavirus update - current changes to our service

We recognise that this is a very concerning time for everyone with regards to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our daily lives. We strongly encourage all our customers to follow the latest government guidance to stay at home (wherever possible) and follow the latest NHS health advice which is continually updated here.  

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association recognised as a 5 Star Employer

LYHA has been recognised as a 5 Star Employer after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from our employees through independent employee engagement experts WorkBuzz.

In March 2020, WorkBuzz invited all employees at LYHA to provide confidential feedback about their experience working for LYHA, including feedback on Wellbeing and Recognition, the relationship with their manager and day-to-day responsibilities.

Delighted to welcome our newest customers

We're delighted to welcome our new customers who are getting their keys to their new Barnsley homes this week. We hope they'll be very happy. 

Our 54 home Catherine's Walk scheme is now complete, comprising 40 houses, 8 apartments and 6 bungalows. For full details please see our press release.

Blog Post from Niesha Martin - LYHA Housing Officer and Housing Futures Insight Leader

We are thrilled that one of our Housing Officers, Niesha Martin, has been selected by the National Housing Federation to be an Insight Leader for their new 'Housing Futures' innovation campaign. 

Here, in her first blog, she takes us through her hopes for the project and journey to date.

 

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association and partners celebrate the opening of new affordable housing development in Barnsley

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) and partners have celebrated the official opening of the new Catherine’s Walk affordable housing development in South Athersley, Barnsley, with the new residents excited to get their keys and move in over the coming weeks.

 

Rent reviews explained - what does it mean for me?

We are currently writing to all our customers with their new rent and service charge schedule for the next fiancial year, beginning April 2020. We have produced this customer leaflet to help explain the changes.

Spacious, new 2-bedroom homes available now for shared ownership

We have three spacious and beautifully presented new homes now available for Shared Ownership in Athersley South, Barnsley.

The newly built homes offer fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and downstairs WC, along with a private lawned garden and off-street parking. Located in a quiet, residential location, close to local schools and amenities.

You Said, We Did

We are committed to listening to the views of our customers and always value your feedback. We hope these "You Said We Dids" highlight some of the ways we have recently acted on what you've told us to make improvements to our service.

Our latest Annual Report to Customers

Read our Annual Report to Customers 2018/19. Our chance to demonstrate how we have performed over the last year and looked after our homes and communities.

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing appoints Mark Pearson as permanent Chief Executive

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) has appointed Mark Pearson as permanent Chief Executive, with immediate effect.

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association regains its G1 V1 rating

The Regulator of Social Housing has published its regulatory judgement announcing that Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) has regained its G1 V1 rating.  The judgement acknowledges how LYHA’s approach to health and safety and risk management has been strengthened over recent months.

Proud to become a dementia friendly organisation

LYHA has pledged to become a dementia friendly organisation and support people with dementia to live well in their communities.

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association creates Forest Classroom for local children

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) has created an outdoor ‘Forest Classroom’ for pupils at Horsforth Featherbank Primary School in Leeds.

Gas Safety Week

It's Gas Safety Week this week.

Help protect your loved ones by checking your carbon monoxide alarms regularly and always allow our engineers access to your home to carry out our annual landlord gas safety inspection. For further information, please see our Gas Safety Guide for Customers.

August 2019 Customer Bulletin

Read all the latest news from Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association in our August Customer Bulletin.

Change of repairs contractor

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed GTD as our new lead maintenance contractor. From this week they will be undertaking all day to day repairs to our properties.

Fire Risk Assessment Programme 2019/20

As part of our longstanding commitment to protect the health and safety of our customers, we recently carried out full Fire Risk Assessments of all our schemes with shared, internal communal areas (such as an entrance lobby). 

Our new Community Investment Strategy

We have just launched our new Community Investment Strategy, focused on making a positive impact within the communities we serve.

We support UK Housing Fast 2019

We're delighted to come together with other housing providers to support UK Housing Fast 2019, raising money for the Trussell Trust whose nationwide network of foodbanks provide emergency food and support to people experiencing poverty.

Here's our team with our plate pledges and all their generous donations that we've delivered to our local Trussell Trust foodbanks. Three of our managers even went the extra mile and fasted for the day!

April 2019 Customer Bulletin

Read the latest news from LYHA in our April newsletter, please click here. 

Please complete our annual customer survey

Our annual customer STAR survey will go out to customers from today. Your feedback is really important to us, so please take 5 minutes to complete it. Everyone that responds will be entered into a free prize draw to win up to £125 of high street vouchers. 

We had a really good response rate last year so it would be great to get the same again.

 

Meet our new Health & Safety Block Inspectors

We take our customers' safety very seriously at LYHA and our Health & Safety Block Inspection service starts this week. Andy & Graham will be carrying out weekly fire safety inspections of all our homes which share communal areas. This will include testing fire alarms, safety and detection equipment.

Housing Diversity Day 2019

Diversity has always been at the heart of LYHA’s philosophy.

Our parent organisation was founded back in the 1950s when Britain was still suffering from the effects of World War 2: rationing was still in operation; many areas were devastated from bombing and there was a shortage of homes to house the fast growing ‘baby boom’ population.

Barnsley school children create street names for our latest development

Pupils from Laithes Primary School in Barnsley have named the streets for a new development of affordable housing in Athersley South. The Catherine’s Walk scheme is being developed by Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) and their construction partner, energy and regeneration specialist, ENGIE. Once completed later this year, it will provide 54 affordable, new homes for families and older people.
 

Cold weather's here: make sure you're prepared

Get yourself prepared for the cold weather with these simple tips. Especially keep a look out for neighbours who are elderly or vulnerable. 

Foodbank donations

Throughout the Christmas period the LYHA team collected over £1,000 of donations for our local Trussell Trust foodbanks. We then did an incredibly 'big shop' and have handed over all the donations to the Leeds North and West foodbank team.

Both staff and Board have contributed generously to making this happen. A big thank you to everyone involved.

Worried about debt?

If you are experiencing money struggles, please don't suffer in silence and let your rent payments lapse.

You can contact one of our Income Officers, Katy Horrigan and Chris Radcliffe, on 0113 278 3335. They will be able to answer your questions and signpost you to sources of support.

Investors in People success

Following the outcome of our recent Investors in People assessment, we are delighted to have been successfully IiP reaccredited. Great to see the report praise the efforts of our whole team in the significant progress we've made this year, and our open & inclusive working culture.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Did you know if you or a friend or family member are on a low income, you could be eligible for the government's Warm Home Discount scheme and receive £140 off your electricity bill this winter. To find out more visit: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Watch our Burley Lane development take shape

Great time-lapse footage of the building of our Burley Lane development from start to finish: https://youtu.be/JRxpyEcRl7Y

Changes to our telephone system

Following customer feedback, we have worked with our Customer Scrutiny Panel to upgrade our current telephone system. We hope that this change will improve the experience customers receive when making calls to LYHA.

Our contact number remains the same 0113 278 3335. If all of our advisors are busy when you call, you will be placed in a queue and notified of your position in the queue. We will also give you an estimated waiting time.

Universal Credit Advice

Universal Credit (full service) is now live in all the areas where our customers live. If you are unsure about what this means for you, we have produced a short guide and claimant journey map to help you.

There are lots of sources of support including:

www.citizensadvice.org.uk 

Come and tell us what you think

Can you spare an hour of your time next Thursday 11th October from 12.30 – 1.30pm. Lunch is on us!

We’re developing a new IT strategy and would really value customers’ input on how we can best use IT to improve our services; including digital channels of communication, customer service, website etc.

No IT knowledge is required. We will provide lunch and as a thank you for your contribution, each person who attends will receive a £10 high street voucher.

Helping to reduce homelessness

The Homelessness Reduction Act comes into force this week. We've signed up to the National Housing Federation's Commitment to Refer to help ensure anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can access help. If you know anyone at risk, please contact your local authority Housing Options and Support Service.

Ground breaking ceremony marks the start of new affordable housing development in Barnsley

Construction of a new affordable housing development in Barnsley has got underway with the breaking of the first ground off Catherine’s Walk in Athersley South.

The honour of breaking the first earth at the site went to Mike Gaskell (Chair of the Board) and Joanna Chambers (Head of Home & Growth) at Leeds & Yorkshire Housing; Councillor Robert Frost (Cabinet Support Member for Place at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council); Nathan Brough, Regional Director for ENGIE’s Places & Communities division; and Richard Panter from Homes England.

Our response to this week's government green paper on social housing

This week’s government green paper on social housing recognises the urgent importance of creating a new supply of affordable homes. National Housing Federation research earlier this year revealed that between 2012 and 2016, nearly 36,000 too few homes were built in Yorkshire and Humber. Housing associations are doing lots of great work to alleviate that. In 2016/17 housing associations delivered over 2,000 new affordable and market-priced homes in Yorkshire and started a further 2,557. Here at LYHA we have an ambitious new-build strategy.

Our latest Customer Bulletin

For all the latest news from Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association, please view our most recent Customer Bulletin here.

If you would like to subscribe to receive this by email, please contact georgina.thompson@lyha.co.uk

Statement - 25th July 2018

As a result of the discovery of past failures in relation to evidencing checks on health and safety matters affecting our tenants’ homes (principally electrical safety testing), Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association has today been formally downgraded by the Regulator of Social Housing from G1 to G2.

 

Planning permission granted for new Barnsley development

We have announced plans to build 54 new homes in Athersley South, in Barnsley.  Planning permission has been granted and work will begin on site in the Summer.  Once completed this will be the largest new-build development that LYHA has undertaken for a number of years and will provide much needed affordable homes for families and older people in an area of acute housing need.

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association appoints Interim Chief Executive

Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association, announces that Mark Pearson has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive.

Mark has worked at the LYHA as Deputy Chief Executive for 6 months and was previously Assistant Director of Communities and Customer Service at Muir Group Housing Association, having worked in the social housing sector for 21 years. Mark takes over from Chief Executive, Lisa Pickard, who leaves the organisation after 6 and a half years. 

LYHA Chair, Mike Gaskell said:

Celebrating the opening of our latest affordable homes for over 55s

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) today celebrates the completion and official opening of a new affordable housing development off Burley Lane, in Horsforth.  The £1.8 million scheme comprises thirteen new homes: two 3-bedroom family houses and eleven 2-bedroom apartments for over 55s. These have all been let to local people who were delighted to receive their keys today. 

Annual customer satisfaction survey

Please help us improve our service by completing our annual customer satisfaction survey. This has been emailed out to customers with a reply link. Paper copies have also been sent out by post. All answers are anonymous and confidential.
Complete it and you could win up to £125 in our free prize draw.

 

LYHA awarded Diversity Network Accreditation

We are delighted that Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association has been awarded the Diversity Network Accreditation by the Housing Diversity Network. This recognises our efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

New gas servicing & repairs contractor appointed

We are pleased to announce that our new Gas Servicing & Repairs Contractor, Robert Heath Heating Ltd (RHH), has been appointed and they will take over the contract from IDM Contractors Ltd on Tuesday 3rd April. The number for you to call in the event of a repair remains the same on 0113 278 3335.

When your boiler is due for a service, RHH will contact you direct to make an appointment. All RHH operatives will carry ID badges and their vehicles and clothing will have their logo on it.

Help us improve event

We know we're not perfect and we are working hard to improve; getting the basics right is our core priority.
You have told us that we need to improve on:

  • Repairs   
  • Customer Service 
  • Communication

We want to make sure we are doing it in a way that works for both you and us. That's why we are inviting customers to take part in a series of 'How to improve' events.
The first one will be held on:

LYHA Settle Scheme Celebrated at Industry Awards

A £750,000 refurbishment project by Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA), Leeds-based architects, Woodhall Planning and Conservation and Ilkley-based contractor, Dobson Construction Ltd, to create nine affordable apartments within a former Victorian family home in Settle was recognised as a finalist in the Best Affordable Rural Housing Development category at the prestigious Inside Housing Development Awards in London last night.

Value for Money Statement and Self-Assessment

Our latest Value for Money Statement and Self-Assessment for the 15 months from 1st January 2016 to 31st March 2017 has been published on our website.

Click here to read / download the PDF.

Customer Board Membership

As part of our commitment to ensure customers are central to what we do and the decisions we make, our LYHA Board of Management includes one specific position for a customer; either a tenant or resident of an LYHA home.

If you would like to learn more about, or have an interest in becoming a Customer Board Member - then click here to read more details

Fire Safety Announcement

21st June 2017

We have and continue to share our sincere condolences and support to all those affected by the terrible fire that happened in Grenfell Tower. Our heart goes out to those who lost their lives, their friends and loved ones and their homes and possessions. Our thanks go out to the many people who helped and supported from the fire fighters and emergency services to the wonderful community that has rallied to show immense support and resilience during the toughest of times.

Join our Customer Committee and make a real difference!

LYHA is looking for customers who want to work with us to make a real difference to the communities they live in, are you that person?  If the answer is “yes” then our Customer Committee could be perfect for you!

Customers Undertake Community Safety Review

Following the successful ‘Journey of the Call’ review, our Scrutiny Panel have undertaken their second review of 2017, which was all about community safety and anti-social behavior (ASB). Three customers took an in-depth look at our policies and processes and met with staff who manage ASB at Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association.
 

St. John's House Officially Opened

St. John’s House, providing 23 high-quality affordable homes within walking distance of Leeds City Centre, has been officially opened by our Chief Executive ​and Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities at Leeds City Council.

Waiting list now open!

You can now apply to be on our waiting list online. Click here for the application form. Once we send you a bidding number, you'll be able to start bidding on available properties straight away.

Homes for Cathy

We are proud to be part of the Homes for Cathy steering group; a group of housing associations who have come together to mark the 50th anniversary of Cathy Come Home and to highlight the continuing needs of homeless people. 

Former Victorian family home in Settle now houses nine modern apartments

Leeds & Yorkshire Housing Association (LYHA) has officially reopened Sutcliffe Buildings in Settle, North Yorkshire, following a six month refurbishment project to provide nine apartments for affordable rent.