ERoSH launches good practice on decommissioning
A good practice guide about how to decommission a scheme has been published by ERoSH.
The guide has been produced in response to requests from ERoSH members for advice on managing the decommissioning process.
The decision to decommission a scheme may follow a strategic review by a local authority. It may also be initiated by a landlord because of insufficient demand or because the costs of repair and improvement are not sustainable.
The guide stresses the point that the need to decommission puts enormous pressure on the relationship between tenants and their landlord. Planning to close a scheme is a highly sensitive issue, and must be handled carefully. It advises that early consultation and involvement with tenants and their relatives is essential.
"In these days of Supporting People, decommissioning a scheme has sadly become a fact of life," explains Dave Morris, chair of ERoSH's Collaboration and Development Group. "Whatever the reasons may be, there are certain guidelines that must be followed if the decommissioning process is to run smoothly. The guide signposts housing providers to the main issues to consider in managing what is an extremely complex process, such as support for tenants, financial arrangements, who needs to be involved and of course, how to handle the public relations aspect."
The guide includes references to further guidance from a number of ERoSH members who have undertaken the decommissioning process in their own organisations. These documents can be obtained by emailing info@shelteredhousing.org
The guide can be downloaded free of charge from Publications ERoSH hopes to encourage its members to add to the guidance by sharing good practice. ERoSH will therefore review and update the guidance to keep up to date with latest knowledge, and welcomes comments from its members.
