Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo Group has today confirmed it will continue to provide vital core services for its tenants and residents under new nationwide restrictions.

In line with the Government’s guidelines for the property and construction sectors, the Group will continue to deliver vital core services, including allocating its properties to new tenants, continuing to deliver its routine repairs service and continuing with its property improvement and construction work. Local offices and depots will remain operational, however public access to Gentoo’s offices will be restricted to pre-arranged essential appointments only.

The housing association, which provides a home to more than 60,000 people in Sunderland, will also continue to carry out vital compliance and safety checks in its properties including gas servicing, electrical testing and fire risk assessments.

The Group and its contractors will continue to deliver all property improvement schemes, covering everything from lift refurbishments to window, roof and boiler replacements.

Gentoo will also support the Government’s re-emphasis on its ‘stay at home’ message, with staff encouraged to work from home where possible.

Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Office at Gentoo Group said:

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our tenants, residents and colleagues is our priority and in line with the Government’s guidance, we will continue to provide our key core services under existing robust COVID-19 Safe Systems of Work that have been in place over the last few months.

“It’s important that we continue to support our tenants, and we will review our arrangements in line with the timescales outlined for the new restrictions by the Prime Minister.”

Gentoo Homes, the groups commercial housebuilder, will continue to build homes with all constructions site remaining fully operational although sales offices will only open for pre-arranged appointments.

Gentoo employees who are required to attend properties will notify tenants prior to their arrival, maintain a social distance from the occupant and use all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when they are required to.

In line with the timescales outline by the Government these changes will be in effect until Wednesday 2 December.

If Gentoo tenants have any concerns, they are advised to contact their Neighbourhood Coordinator directly.