Castle Vale Housing Action Trust has helped to slash unemployment in parts of east Birmingham, according to a study of the organisation.

The research, carried out by consultant Ecotec, found the HAT had helped 1400 residents access jobs and had played a part in providing 3500 training places.

Since the HAT began managing homes in 1994, unemployment has fallen from more than 26% to less than 5% in the Kingsbury area of east Birmingham.

The organisation’s success was due in part to its record of securing £93m of private sector investment. Director of economic and community development Donald McIntosh said: “We were able to match-fund many of our schemes through European and other funding to create jobs.”

The HAT’s £270m programme, which has built or improved 3400 homes, will end in March. But the homes and jobs will be transferred to Castle Vale Community Housing Association before the end of 2004.

Source

Housing Today