Following the recent easing of some of the lockdown measures by the government, we're looking at restarting some of the services that we had to stop when original lockdown rules were announced.
With 60,000 homes and 140,000 customers, and as one of the largest housing associations in the country, we're delighted that we can write to you with positive news on the next steps on the road to recovery.
We believe that Sovereign responded well to the impact of the crisis when it began in the middle of March, but we, along with our customers and anyone with an interest in Sovereign are keen to get services going again.
We're looking at the whole range of services that we had to suspend or reduce on a case by case basis and we'll only resume them when we're sure this can be done in a way that is safe for both our residents and our people.
This is going to be a step by step process, and it will be some time before we are back to normal, but we have arrangements in place that will ensure we can move quickly and respond positively to government guidelines as they change
And as an established business with strong financial foundations in place we're in a good position to support customers and people as we enter this first stage of the recovery process.
An important part of this process is about doing what we do best: providing homes for people that need them. Now that the government's eased restrictions on moves, we are able to start letting our homes again.
We continued to get our empty homes ready throughout lockdown - within the safety guidelines - and we're now busy with final preparations so customers can move in. Given safety considerations it's likely to take us longer than it used to, but it is good news and a really positive step forward.
With the current restrictions in mind, we have introduced virtual viewings so customers can still have a look at homes they might be moving into. We know this isn't the same as having a walk around in person, but it is a really good alternative.
We are also starting to advertise our homes via local authority lettings sites. Home ownership sales and lettings of new homes are continuing and as construction starts back on more sites we can help lead recovery and get the country building again.
There are more of our teams out and about in our communities now too. Customers will see us carrying out grounds maintenance and works on the outside of buildings. We are resuming estate walkabouts and our concierges are on site in our Housing for Older People schemes.
And with many repairs put on hold at lockdown, we've now started to contact customers to re-book them, carrying out repairs inside and outside of homes where it is safe to do. Of course, considerable constrictions remain, and we will not be carrying out any non-emergency repairs in a home where someone is shielding or self-isolating.
As we have over the last two months, we continue with gas and electrical checks in homes where it is safe to do so too.
We've emailed every one of our customers with online access, to update them with all the latest news and how it affects them. We also continue to offer help, advice, and guidance to anyone who needs it. Our message to our customers remains the same: we are here for you.
The
latest government advice on coronavirus online and this
letter from the Minister of State for Housing gives further guidance for landlords and residents to follow as we resume services carefully.