Peabody and Catalyst have merged under the Peabody banner, encompassing around 104,000 homes and 220,000 residents across London and the Home Counties.
Following the merger Peabody pledged to prioritise investment in homes, including retrofitting projects to ensure more homes are energy efficient – something that’s become increasingly important thanks to the rising cost of energy.
Peabody homes have rents that average at £122 per week in London and the South East, which is significantly lower than the overall market.
Ian McDermott, chief executive of Peabody, said: “Today we are setting out our absolute commitment to our residents. We know we need to improve and have detailed plans to do so. I have been closely involved in the Better Social Housing Review and the priorities in our refreshed group strategy are closely aligned with this.
“We need to be better at getting the basics right, get closer to our communities, and continue to invest in safety, services and a sustainable Peabody. Our increased scale will help us do that.
“By combining a new locally focused operating model with better technology and data driven services, we’re determined to boost resident satisfaction for the long-term.
“Beyond that our commitment to supporting councils and communities will continue. We’ll seek to do our bit in providing social and economic support for people as well as providing quality new homes in partnership.”
Peabody said it is looking to foster economic inclusion, tackle inequality and poverty and embed wellbeing through: An energy advice service saving residents money; Food pantry networks and partnerships with food banks; Family focused programmes through Children’s Community partnerships; Apprenticeships and other learning opportunities through a new Peabody Academy; Incubating small businesses and enterprise through funding, facilities and support; and 20% social value weighting in procurement of goods and services.
Elly Hoult, Peabody’s newly hired chief operating officer, added: “Our new ways of working will allow us to foster a truly people-first culture, with every team focused on helping residents, their families and communities.
“I will be focused on transforming our services, supporting regional managing directors in their local areas and ensuring that residents are at the heart of every decision we make. This means listening to them, learning from them and delivering what they need.
“We are designing our whole organisation on these foundations and will continue to put residents front and centre, whether we’re investing in our existing homes and services, delivering a quick, reliable repairs service, or working towards a more sustainable future.
“We are determined to make the most of this huge opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives.”
