Housing Association’s Chair awarded MBE

Housing associations are under a large amount of pressure recently due to the fact that the current economic climate and housing crisis have created so many families in need. Many have been criticised in the news recently for not keeping up with demand, however one chair of a housing association has recently been awarded a massive accolade when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to community relations, social housing and diversity.

Janet Storar became chair of the Nottingham City Homes (NCH) in 2009 after she was unanimously elected by other members of the board, even though she had only been elected to the board two years previously. Furthermore, Ms Storar is the first ever chair of the NCH who is also a tenant of the association, showing that her knowledge of living in a social housing project has proved invaluable. Ms Storar has been a tenant with the association for thirty five years, and became involved with her local tenant and resident association back in 2005 after the running of the 28,500 homes was taken over by ALMO from Nottingham council in 2005.

Discussing her MBE, which she received as part of last years’ Queen’s Birthday Honours, Ms Storar said: “It was a very proud day for me when I received my MBE from the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John Peace. He’s the Queen’s representative in the county and it was a fabulous occasion. I was awarded the honour for my services to housing and diversity in our great city. But really it’s just as much an award for all the hard working employees of Nottingham City Homes – and the massive contribution tenants and leaseholders make to creating ‘homes and places where people want to live.’”

“My proudest moment up to now was becoming chair of the board but this is even more of an honour. Together we work to improve council housing in Nottingham and make sure our tenants and leaseholders have the best possible service.” Landlords will be interested to see the praise that housing associations are currently receiving for their work, and it may hopefully sway their opinions when it comes to social and council housing. Many landlords are wary of letting their properties as council houses, however by working with the right housing association and landlord insurance providers it can prove beneficial for all.

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