Contributing to a Sustainable Future

Vision: Environmentally sustainable communities for generations to come with customers thriving in low-energy homes

In our pursuit of a sustainable future, our goal is to ensure that both new and existing homes are future-ready and achieve net-zero emissions.

We are committed to consistently adopting sustainable practices into our daily operations while advancing our data-driven approach to manage carbon emissions effectively. We believe in empowering our customers and we are committed to opening up job and training opportunities for our customers in green industries, helping them to get well-paid employment and enhancing their financial capabilities. Additionally, we will prioritise environmental initiatives that revitalise neighbourhoods and assist communities in becoming more sustainable.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create a greener, more resilient future for all.

Objective 6: Develop the next phase of our approach to ensure new and existing homes are fit for the future and achieve net zero

To do this we will:

Identify the optimum technologies and timing of investment required for the large-scale replacement of fossil fuel heating systems

Objective 7: Consistently adopt sustainable day-to-day operations and expand our data led approach to stabilise carbon emissions

To do this we will:

Enhance waste audit accuracy using real time data to ensure the HQ complies with the new recycling protocol from April 2025
Introduce smart technologies to accurately track electricity, gas and water usage
Share best practice and sustainability performance to make employees more aware of their impact on the resource consumption

Objective 8: Deliver and enable environmental initiatives that improve neighbourhoods and support communities to be more environmentally sustainable

To do this we will:

Deliver environmental interventions to increase biodiversity within open spaces in our communities and improve the perception of place

Find out more about Plan A in the sections below

Background

Consistently Delivering Excellent Customer Experience and Digital Services

Excellent services that are consistent, reliable, innovative and influenced by customers

Contributing to a Sustainable Future

Environmentally sustainable communities for generations to come with customers thriving in low-energy homes

Supporting Balanced and Sustainable Communities

Sustainable and thriving communities that meet residents’ needs and nurture a sense of pride and belonging

Supporting Sustainable Tenancies

Empowered tenants living in comfortable and manageable homes in sustainable communities

Providing Quality Sustainable Homes

Tenants living in warm, safe, high quality, and sustainable homes in which they are proud to live

Building and Acquiring Sustainable Homes

Additional high quality, sustainable homes, which meet the needs of customers, in balanced communities

Maintaining Strong Finances

Financially strong and resilient, investing in the future of social housing for our customers and their communities

Maximising the Talent and Contribution of our People

A professional, engaged and empowered workforce, working together to deliver excellent services

Plan A Priorities

How do I apply for a Livin home or bungalow?

We advertise all of our available homes on our Find A Home page, simply visit this page for more information.

Before you can place a bid on one of our homes, you must first have an active account with the relevant Choice Based Lettings Scheme. Almost all our homes are located in County Durham and therefore are allocated through the Durham Key Options scheme. Durham Key Options (DKO) is a partnership between Durham County Council and landlords across County Durham.

We have a small number of homes which are located outside Durham, these are all advertised through Tees Valley HomeFinder, Hartlepool HomeSearch and Darlington HomeSearch; They are similar to Durham Key Options but we do not process applications registered for these schemes. If you wish to register an application for homes advertised in this area, please apply directly.

Once your application is approved, you will then be able to bid on homes that meet your needs. You can access the application form directly by visiting the relevant Choice Based Lettings system.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

We aim to start processing your application within 10 working days. If we require any further information after this point, we will contact you to ask for this. Once we have received all the required information we will notify you of our decision within 20 days, and if accepted we will activate your account. You can also check your application status online by logging into the DKO portal.

How can I get involved with Livin and help to shape services?

To find out more about the different ways you can get involved, please visit our getting involved section.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Buy?

Tenants who have been with Livin since before the transfer from Sedgefield Council in 2009 may have the “Preserved Right to Buy” their property. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Buy website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Acquire?

If you have been a tenant for 3 or more years you may have the right to buy your property under the Right to Acquire scheme. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Acquire website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.