Two housing associations in the North East have set up a cost-sharing company in a bid to drive down their spending.

According to Inside Housing:

“Byker Community Trust (BCT), which owns 1,800 homes, and 17,000-home Isos Housing Group, have set up cost-sharing vehicle (CSV) Isos Complete Support. As part of the vehicle Isos will deliver grounds maintenance, environmental services, repairs and maintenance, income management and sheltered housing on behalf of Byker.

The CSV will supply services to its members at “open book” costs. The associations hope this will save money and VAT on these services. The first services to be delivered through the CSV started this week, and include grounds maintenance and rapid response environmental services.

BCT is also bringing tenancy and estate management services in-house so the association can have more control over service standards and get better value for money.

Isos Housing set up another CSV with Two Castles housing association last year to deliver heating services.”