Over two thousand residents turned out at the Town Hall on 21 October to decide how homes in Hackney will be modernised as part of the Decent Homes programme.

Showcasing products and services on the day were five kitchen suppliers and two bathroom suppliers and residents had the chance to speak to them, test out the products on display and make a choice on which ones they preferred. The information will be used to help us choose the preferred supplier of kitchen and bathrooms.

Mrs Barkey who lives in Stoke Newington attended the event as she is due to have Decent Homes works carried out in her home in the next few years.

As her home is over thirty years old, work needs to be carried out to comply with the Decent homes standard to ensure that her home has reasonably modern facilities and is in a reasonable state of repair. This will mean a modern kitchen with new worktops, sink and cupboards and bathrooms with replacement bath, wash hand basin, and WC.

Mrs Barkey said This has been a very interesting event. It’s a great idea to be able to see samples of the different kitchen units and compare them for quality as well as look and feel.”

Charlotte Graves, Hackney Homes Chief Executive said: It is important for tenants to have a say about their homes. That is why we brought all the suppliers under one roof and have given tenants a real say in deciding what products will be installed in their homes”.

Hackney Homes is currently awaiting funding from the Government to continue the works to kitchens and bathrooms from April 2009. We are expecting to hear a decision on this in early 2009, following an inspection of Hackney Homes by the Audit Commission in November 2008.