Wrekin Housing Group generates nearly £56m of social value in face of cost-of-living crisis

The significant contribution is outlined in the organisation’s first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report and marks an increase of almost £6.6m compared to the previous year.

During the 12-month period, Wrekin reinforced its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving significant energy savings for residents as it received handover of 38 affordable homes at Malinslee, Telford.

Around 30 per cent of the properties are installed with solar panels and battery storage systems.

The group’s Money Matters Team successfully secured £3.58m in extra income for tenants – up from £2.4m in 2020/21 - by obtaining Discretionary Housing Payments, writing off debt, reducing people’s utility bills and securing charitable grants.

Other highlights of the report show how the organisation delivered more than £2.1m of social value by creating employment opportunities, developing skills and stimulating economic growth.

Wrekin also supported local community and voluntary activity via its community fund, distributing almost £49,000 to 31 groups and projects.

Meanwhile, the group is also working with tenant engagement experts TPAS to ensure good governance and further develop ways to give customers a voice and improve services.

Wayne Gethings, Chief Executive of The Wrekin Housing Group, said: “As a socially-minded organisation, making a difference to people’s lives is at the heart of everything we do.

“This report highlights how we are delivering positive outcomes for both our tenants and the communities we serve. 

“We do this not only by providing homes that are the best in terms of safety, energy efficiency and sustainability, but also maximising the social value of our services, delivering wider community benefits and listening to our customers to understand their current and future needs.

“It’s more important than ever that we continue to have a positive impact on our customers and communities in light of the threats posed by climate change and the hardship brought by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Members of our Money Matters team have made a huge difference to the lives of Wrekin tenants by providing advice to those facing financial difficulties.

“I’m very proud of what our organisation has achieved in the last 12 months and excited about our plans for the future” 

You can read the report in full by visiting www.wrekin.com/Docs/ESGreport_2021_2022.pdf