Pathmeads, part of Genesis Housing Group, was invited by French TV programme, Enjeux de Campagne, to appear on Public Senat TV, as the French go to the polls for mayoral elections. Pathmeads was picked by the political programme to represent an EU model of success in tackling homelessness.

The filmed report discusses how UK housing associations and local authorities manage to tackle homelessness and reduce the number of families with children using bed and breakfast accommodation.

Enjeux de Campagne has filmed a series of reports from EU countries considered to represent a model for the respective issue - for example, the environment, security, housing and childcare - to be aired before voters go to the local polls. Programmes can be watched at: www.publicsenat.fr (click on Enjeux de Campagne). The (dubbed) programme will be aired 7 February at 6:45pm.

Pathmeads recently won two stars from the Audit Commission which focussed, for the first time, on temporary housing. Pathmeads is the largest Registered Social Landlord providing temporary accommodation in the UK. It manages around 5,000 units across 14 London boroughs.

Tom McGregor, Managing Director of Pathmeads, said: "We are pleased to be able to move the debate about temporary housing along and show that it often represents a successful response to homelessness. We feel very strongly that families in temporary housing should receive a service every bit as good as those in permanent housing, and have gone to great lengths to develop our Quality Temporary Housing service. The inspection results demonstrated that tenants housed in temporary homes often enjoy a good standard of living, and we are pleased to be acknowledged in another EU country for this success."

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For media enquiries, please contact Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178 / diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Pathmeads is a leading provider of property management services for around 20,000 homes. Its operations cover a number of key areas, including:

• Temporary housing provision whereby Pathmeads manages privately leased homes around London;
• A contracts division which manages homes for other landlords, such as local authorities, housing associations, primary care and NHS trusts, developers and private investors;
  
• Managing a pilot Settled Lettings Agency scheme on behalf of the Communities and Local Government department and five south east London local authorities;
  
• Has developed a range of 'temporary to settled' leasing schemes;
  Works with local authorities across the south of England on refurbishing and managing empty homes;
  
• Provides a range of contract management, block management and mixed tenure management services for local authorities and private investors.

  
  
  

  Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east, with the overiding aim of putting customers first and providing excellent service to all. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. Genesis also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community and is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 40,000 homes.