The casual reader of Housing Today may conclude from the recent article on the starter homes initiative that it doesn't work ("Low take-up may force landlord to hand back key worker cash", 11 July page 9).

This is not the case. All of Knightstone's allocation for teachers has now been taken up and, following a relaxation of the tight definition of health workers, this allocation is also being delivered.

After a slow start, our publicity is now reaching the right people and confidence by the consumer in the product is being gained. The signs are that we will deliver our joint programme with Sovereign Housing Association and we will not be asked to hand back allocations.

As one of the largest providers of homeownership across the South-west we have found the initiative a useful option alongside conventional shared ownership, Homebuy and other initiatives as part of regeneration work we are pioneering in Bristol.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Mike Day, director of property services, Knightstone Housing Association, Somerset