Welcome to this edition of Thrive’s newsletter – keeping you informed with the latest updates
We are at that point in the year where we set budgets based on what our income will be for the new financial year.
At the end of February, you will receive a notification about your rent from 1st April 2023. The level of increase is decided by government and there is further information about how this may impact you in this newsletter.
The cost-of-living increases are a challenge for everyone and Thrive is no different. Over the last year we have seen price increases across the board and my colleagues are working hard to ensure we continue to keep repairs on track and prioritise where we spend money on improvements. You can read more about this in my full update further down in this newsletter.
I hope that you find the topics covered by the newsletter interesting and please let us know if there are things that you’d like us to feature next time.
Best wishes,
Elspeth Mackenzie
Chief Executive
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Your home and services
Acting on your feedback, we've made it easier for you to access general information about your home, tenancy and our relationship with you.
- who's responsible for repairs
- key terms on your tenancy
- ways we keep your home safe together
- and much more!
Read about other actions we're taking at thrivehomes.org.uk/yourfeedback
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Hundreds of customers have recently updated their records with us
Understanding who lives in your home and any needs they may have helps us tailor our services to you and means we can keep you informed about things to do with your home and tenancy.
We've been contacting customers to share this information with us and it's quick and easy to do. Simply head to thrivehomes.org.uk/my-info or click the button below.Want to know how we use your information?Read our latest news update on this.
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Are you passionate about the environment?
We’re keen to know if you have an interest in the environment and want to hear about our green agenda in housing. Whether you’re serious about recycling, energy efficiency or are active in other ways, let us know by clicking the button below.
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Thrive Customer Voice
Almost 50% of our customers are working with us to make sure you receive a fair deal.
You can be a part of this too!
- let us know what's important to you when it comes to our cleaning service
- look at ways of making it easier for you to manage your appointments with us
- explore ways of raising awareness of safety communications.
Read about the latest changes happening and how to get involved at
thrivehomes.org.uk/getinvolved
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Your service update
- We’re recruiting new cleaning staff
- 91.7% of customers are satisfied with our repairs service
- how we're bringing grounds maintenance up to standard before the busy growing season
- and more!
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Cost of living support
Our tips are there to help you save money, reduce energy use, access a range of support with cost-of-living and more.
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Share your energy use with us
Last year hundreds of our properties received energy efficiency upgrades. Your meter readings help us to understand how well our homes are performing and where further improvements are needed.
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The full update from Chief Executive, Elspeth Mackenzie
In her latest update, Elspeth talks about the rent increase, how Thrive is working to make every penny count and plans to make homes more energy efficient.
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New fire safety laws
On 23rd January 2023, the Fire Safety Regulations (2022) came into effect, outlining our obligations to keeping your building safe. One of the key requirements is to keep you informed with the latest safety advice.
In these newsletters you'll always find a safety update and in this edition, we have included a video on how to check your fire door is in working order.
Find out about the ways we are meeting the new regulations to keep your building safe below.
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Check your fire door is in working order
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Rent and service charge increase
In line with government guidance, rents will increase by 7% from April 2023.
We know this may be a concern, especially when cost of living continues to rise.
Usually, rents increase by inflation plus 1%. This year inflation is currently around 10-11%, so with the rent increase capped at 7%, there will be a large gap in our income. It’s important we are able to deliver the same fair services to you despite our rise in costs, and this wouldn’t be possible without increasing rents.
We will be writing to all customers to inform you of any increased amounts, including service charges in the coming weeks and you can find out more about what this could mean for you below.
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Getting on top of damp and mould
Our Home Plan visits help identify issues - such as damp and mould - early on so we can deal with it before it becomes a problem. In addition to this, we have some handy tips on our website on how to reduce condensation and prevent mould.
Where this doesn't work, there are steps we will take to investigate and tackle the issue.
"Thank you for the brilliant work completed regarding inside mould treatment in my home. Your engineer was more impressive and conducted himself professionally"
- Thrive Customer
Dates for your diary!
- Keep an eye on your letterbox at the end of February for a letter detailing your rent and/or service charge increase
- We'll be closed for the Easter weekend from 5.30pm Thursday 6th April until 8.30am Tuesday 11th April