Saffron Housing formed in 2004, Saffron Housing is (according to them) a dynamic and successful housing association that is committed to providing quality homes and services. Saffron Housing operate in four counties across the Eastern Region, delivering affordable homes to those in housing need, including specialist homes for older and vulnerable adults. Saffron Housing provide housing services to customers in over 6,000 homes throughout the area, with a focus on Norfolk and Suffolk. Saffron is a not-for-profit organisation where the surplus from their activities is reinvested back into the business to further improve our performance and the quality of services they offer our customers. Saffron Housing operate from a strong financial base and employ almost 200 members of staff who are committed to the vision of ‘quality homes for positive futures’. As part of their drive to develop new affordable homes in Norfolk and Suffolk, Saffron Housing are committed to helping solve the housing crisis. Saffron Housing have ambitious plans for the future, with a focus on continually improving their services, creating greater efficiency and improved performance in our processes, and helping to shape and support local communities. Saffron Housing believe in clear two-way communication with their customers and providing tenants with a voice. Saffron Housing are an Early Adopter of the National Housing Federation’s ‘Together with Tenants’ initiative, demonstrating our commitment to tenant representation and improving housing services. Saffron Housing recently-refreshed Board and enhanced Executive Team are leading the company in an organisation transformation programme that will provide their staff with the tools, knowledge and skills to deliver on their aims. With unprecedented demand for affordable housing, Saffron Housing have the opportunity to deliver better services for their existing customers and build the new homes that the people of Norfolk and Suffolk need.
RSH Narrative Regulatory Judgement
Provider: Saffron Housing Trust Limited
Regulatory code: LH4412
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Governance grade: G1
Viability grade: V2
Reason for publication: Viability regrade
Regulatory route: Stability Check and Reactive Engagement
Regulatory judgement
This regulatory judgement regrades our previous published assessment of Saffron Housing Trust Limited’s viability from V1 to V2 and confirms its G1 grade for governance.
The regulator has assurance that Saffron Housing Trust Limited (Saffron) complies with the financial viability elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and that its financial plans are consistent with, and support, its financial strategy. Saffron has an adequately funded business plan, sufficient security and is forecast to continue to meet its financial covenants.
Saffron’s development and sales programme gives rise to risks and exposures that it needs to manage, including housing market volatility. Saffron is also increasing investment in its existing homes and this places pressure on financial performance. These factors, together with the current economic uncertainty in relation to inflation and interest rates, reduce Saffron’s capacity to respond to adverse events.
The regulator’s assessment of Saffron’s compliance with the governance elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard remains unchanged. On the basis of the Stability Check, the regulator has concluded that there is no evidence to indicate a change to Saffron’s current governance grading.
Housing Ombudsman
Saffron Housing Trust Limited (202008332)
The resident complains: That she and her late husband were not informed and consulted before a development project commenced. About the landlord’s response to reports of noise disturbance and vibration from construction work at an adjacent development site, and the level of support provided. That allocated parking was not provided at the time the property was allocated in 2014. A representative for the resident acted on her behalf when dealing with the landlord. The resident’s husband suffered from a degenerative, terminal condition and sadly passed away in May 2021.