Back On The Map - Hendon, Sunderland

Overview

• The New Deal for Communities (NDC) Programme was created in 2001 by the Government to regenerate severely deprived communities by investing in Education, Employment, Health & Housing
• £54M was invested in the Hendon New Deal For Communities programme over ten years
• Back on the Map is the successor body to the NDC programme and is a community-led and controlled local initiative. It has used £2.4m from a £3.5m renewal programme to buy 64 “at risk” properties from private landlords and departing owner occupiers
• The Board established a charity in 2010 to continue the NDC legacy and agreed new goals to address residents’ concerns about deteriorating housing & the poorly managed private rented sector
• Back on the Map now have unencumbered assets of  £4.4m and the 72  wholly-owned properties which generate an annual revenue stream of around £330,000
• Back on the Map has joint ownership of a local land bank with two housing associations - Thirteen & Home. It aims to secure the whole site and redevelop it for housing. Negotiations are also in hand with Thirteen to manage their stock of 130 properties with a view to a possible stock transfer
• In 2017, Back on the Map, Sunderland City Council and Virgin Money Foundation put in place a £1m House Purchase Fund to buy, refurbish and let homes to local families
• Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Housing and Adult Services, Councillor Graeme Miller said: “We all welcome this grant from Virgin Money Foundation which will be put to good use, and show just what can be achieved when the public, private and voluntary sector all work together to improve housing. Working together with Back on the Map has helped create a new sense of community in this part of the City"

Key Messages

• Asset ownership provides a secure long-term revenue stream for small community-led organisations and “security” against which further funds for affordable homes can be raised
• A cluster approach to management has a catalytic effect on neighbourhoods, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime, making it possible to successfully manage properties from which mainstream housing providers want to withdraw
• Detailed local knowledge of a specific geographical area informs sound investment decisions and has led to financial support from the local authority and a major Foundation
• A strong local board and staff/volunteer team promote good networks/relationships with the local authority, housing associations and the wider community

Useful links 

More information about Back on the Map is here.

Published in February 2018