Effective from 1 April 2022, social housing properties managed by The Pioneer Group will be subject to a 4.1% rent increase. The rent change ensures we can continue to invest in our homes, in services to our tenants and across our communities and continue to build new homes. More information, including a helpful Q&A, can be found on their website here: www.pioneergroup.org.uk/your-rent
Tenants of The Pioneer Group, will have recently received a rent review letter to notify them of the increase. The letter outlines changes and the support available.
Simon Wilson, CEO, The Pioneer Group said:
“We understand the cost of living has seen a sharp increase which has put a lot of pressure on residents and community organisations alike. While prices continue to rise, we are working hard in the background to get the best value for money for the rent you pay. All rent is reinvested into our core mission to provide great, safe homes and help build resilient communities where people can thrive.”
“It can feel particularly tough making ends meet right now, which is why we have invested so heavily in our support services, ranging from employment support, to health & wellbeing initiatives, a debt advice service and more. We also know the demand for more affordable housing is high, which is why we are dedicated to providing more affordable homes to rent, such as the 24 newly developed properties on Farnborough Road.”
Please note a small number of market rent properties whose tenancies started after 1 October 2021 do not have a rent review this year due to having fixed term tenancies.
If the Q&A section does not answer your questions, please call the housing team on 0121 748 8100.
Help and advice for rent change
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact The Pioneer Group immediately and we will do our utmost to help you. In partnership with Spitfire Services, there is also a confidential, independent money advice service to support all clients with free benefits, debt and budgeting advice. A crisis fund is also available for those facing immediate financial crisis. Reach the team on 0121 747 5932.
Compass Support’s Employment Team also offer several support programmes to help people get back into work, from 1-1 information, advice and guidance, training, help with confidence building, CVs, applying for jobs, computer skills and interview skills.
While the Independent Living Support and Family Support Teams provide assistance to people who are experiencing challenges within their home related to relationships, health, financial concerns, education or employment.
You can find out more by dropping into The Sanctuary on Tangmere Drive, contacting a member of the team on 0121 748 8111 or emailing contactus@compass-support.org.uk
Investments in better housing
The Pioneer Group invests more than £2 million a year on day-to-day maintenance, with further investments in future planned works. This includes programmes such as its kitchen replacement scheme, which has seen 73 fitted kitchens this financial year, and the upcoming window replacement scheme in 2022/23.Additionally, significant investment has been made in electrical testing this year to keep homes safe.
Furthermore, The Pioneer Group’s £2.5 million Castle Vale Pledge 2020-2025 delivers a range of community services including the upkeep of Castle Vale’s open spaces and community safety initiatives (including CCTV) to keep the estate clean and safe as well as directly supporting the large range of charitable activity undertaken by Compass Support .
For general queries about the letter, please call the Customer 1st team on 0121 748 8100 or at contactus@pioneergroup.org.uk