Charnwood borough council housing repairs Follow the steps to complete your Housing Application Form online: Press the ‘Get Form’ button to access the The Committee also scrutinised the Council’s Homelessness and Reducing Rough Sleeping Strategy where it identified further concerns for funding of Falcon Support Services but was encouraged that the Borough Council was meeting some of the funding shortfall. You have the option, at any time, to apply to join the council’s housing register and transfer your tenancy to an alternative council or housing association property. 1 Internal Audit is provided through a shared service arrangement by North West Leicestershire District Council. Adaptations to Council homes are funded through the Housing Revenue Account. View Janet Glass’ profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members. SCOPE 3. The following page gives details about Charnwood Borough Council and information in relation to filing a housing disrepair claim against them. Mar 17, 2025 · A council has decided to sell off a number of sheltered accommodation schemes which it says are no longer fit for purpose. Introduction 1. And we commit to strongly listening, talking and engaging with residents as we work together to create a more vibrant and prosperous Charnwood. Are you renting from Charnwood Borough Council? Are they refusing to carry out much-needed repairs in your home? You may be able to seek compensation from Charnwood Borough Council today. Charnwood Borough Council (202120834) REPORT COMPLAINT 202120834 Charnwood Borough Council 5 June 2023 Our approach The Housing Ombudsman’s approach to investigating and determining complaints is to decide what is fair in all the circumstances of the case. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to successfully complete the Housing Application Form for Charnwood Borough Council. Your tenancy agreement is a legal document which explains your rights and responsibilities as the tenant, and also explains the rights and responsibilities of Charnwood Borough Council as your landlord. ⦁ Select applicants for the allocation of Council properties and nomination to Housing Association properties under 1. Additional support includes repair and lease schemes in some districts and property matchmaker Here are a few helpful links for students looking to rent property within Charnwood: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) Private tenants Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms Tenant deposits Students and parties General information Council Tax discounts for students How to rent Model tenancy agreement The government has produced a model tenancy agreement (and accompanying guidance) for use Private Housing Section – Charnwood Borough Council 01509 634937 Council Owned Sewers & Drains Building Maintenance – Charnwood Borough Council 01509 634567 Inspection of new/altered Drainage Building Control – Charnwood Borough Council 01509 634979 Highway flooding inc blocked gullies (surface water) All Areas in Charnwood Why does the Council sometimes place people in emergency accommodation outside of the Borough of Charnwood? Where it is safe to accommodate someone in the borough of Charnwood, we will always try move them out of bed and breakfast accommodation into self-contained accommodation as soon as possible. We are committed to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do and we work hard to ensure that services are accessible to all and great value for money. This is split between the sheltered schemes, via the Senior Citizens Forum (SCF) (£7,500), the rest of the Borough (£20,000) and a contingency fund (£2,500). We are responsible for a range of services and issues to do with housing in both council-owned and privately-rented properties. Equality Action We are delighted to have Equality Action as one of our strategic partners. Assess your current housing situation and work with you to find out what your needs are Agree an action plan with you on the steps you and the council will take to ensure that you find accommodation If there is a local connection to Charnwood we will assess whether you have a local connection to Charnwood. Charnwood Borough Council, which manages about 5,500 residential homes in the borough, has Aug 21, 2023 · A Leicestershire council aims to allocate £860,000 annually to clear a backlog of repairs on dozens of council houses and bring them back into use. View jane dredge’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members. If you are in financial difficulty, please visit our cost of living webpage for help and support for housing and other costs. 1,011 completed surveys were received, giving a good response to draw some clear messages The survey asked questions about residents INTERNAL AUDIT SHARED SERVICE Charnwood Borough Council Internal Audit Progress Report 2024/25 Q2 1. The effect of this notice, which is set out in regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations This policy is the overarching guide to how we deliver, and what we deliver, in terms of the repairs and maintenance service to Charnwood Borough Council’s stock of rented and leasehold properties. Our housing strategy team is responsible for developing the council’s housing strategies and policies and enabling the development of new affordable housing within the borough of Charnwood. If the exchange involves a housing association or another Council, they will also need to visit their tenant to carry out an inspection. A summary of the Service Standards for Charnwood Borough Council's Landlord Service. The council provides a range of services to more than 180,000 residents living in the university town of Loughborough and surrounding Description : Platform Housing is delighted to offer this three bedroom, mid-terrace house that is coming up for rent in Birstall. x · Experience: Charnwood Borough Council · Location: Leicester · 171 connections on LinkedIn. Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX Follow with us Introduction The Council seeks to ensure that all properties let as residential properties throughout the Borough, including those in Private Ownership, are of good quality and are well managed. Make Charnwood Borough Council aware of someone in need, report a fault or problem or make a comment, compliment or complaint. This includes advice on how to manage money and rent payments, reporting repairs and how to report and deal with anti-social behaviour. 00 Start Date : Immediate Start Start Time : 09:00 End Time : 17:00 Salary: £12. - Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, Lead Member for Housing at Charnwood Borough Council. Charnwood Borough Council (the Council) is a district council in Leicestershire. DASH Landlord Accreditation Scheme Charnwood Borough Council works in partnership with the DASH landlord accreditation scheme. This includes the fixtures and fittings and internal decoration, any broken windows and all additions, Feb 1, 2023 · Tenants to lose out on new upgrades planned for their homes. Just over one third of the 155,000+ population live in the thriving university town of Loughborough. For more information, please visit the Reporting a new repair to your council property webpage. New contractor appointed for council house repairs Charnwood Borough Council says the firm will also help refurbish its empty properties in the borough. May 9, 2025 · Each year, to comply with the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaints Handling Code, the Council, in its capacity as a social landlord, must produce an Annual Complaints and Service Improvement report which must be reported to the Council’s governing body, which must respond to the report. We have plenty of online forms for a variety of services across the Council, including recycling and waste, council tax and benefits, housing, street management and more. Peter Oliver, based in Leicester, GB, is currently a Director of Housing and Wellbeing at Charnwood Borough Council. Repairs For repair issues – If you are a private tenant: You must firstly contact your Landlord or your lettings agents to report the issue and allow them time to resolve the issue. They also run The council is responsible for maintaining the structure of the building, but we require an annual service charge from leaseholders to cover the costs of such repairs (planned and responsive) and improvements. Tenant satisfaction survey 2024/25 Charnwood Borough Council worked with an independent company called Service Insights to carry out surveys with council tenants on our behalf, to fulfil our regulatory obligations to carry out annual tenant perception surveys. Apr 7, 2022 · The complaint is about the Council’s handling of a Right to Buy (RTB) application; including its failure to disclose the Pre-Cast Reinforced Concrete (PRC) construction of the building in the early stage of the RTB process. Ashfield District Council have an exciting opportunity for a Housing Surveyor to join the team based in Ashfield. If you are May 30, 2025 · There are a number of grants available to private sector housing tenants and owner-occupiers to help with things such as disability, home repairs and bringing empty homes back into use. The council provides a range of services to more than 180,000 residents living in the university town of Loughborough and surrounding villages. Charnwood Borough Council has a large number of online forms that customers can access 24/7. In 2023/24, they dealt with 1,300 different cases, helping people from all backgrounds, particular from BAME communities, with matters relating to welfare, immigration, debt, housing, employment and education. This policy is the overarching guide to how we deliver, and what we deliver, in terms of the repairs and maintenance service to Charnwood Borough Council’s stock of rented and leasehold properties. The Policy aims to: Frequently asked questions about housing applications in relation to the future of sheltered accommodation can be found below. Our council tenant editorial panel allows you to get involved in the content of our newsletters, leaflets, magazines and other promotional materials. The complaint is about: How the landlord handled the resident’s concerns regarding the condition of the property when it was first let. This is set out in the Housing Act 1996 and the Housing Ombudsman Scheme (the Scheme). As the tenant you are responsible for keeping of your home and garden in good condition. We employ around 500 staff across a number of service areas. Do I need to move? The council is not asking residents to move out of their homes now. Can you make a housing disrepair claim against Charnwood Borough Council? Yes, the council is responsible for most repairs to your home, this includes things like small leaks as well as emergency repairs. The landlord’s handling of repairs to the ceiling of the property below. 92 ACTUAL RATE £15. If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant: You must firstly report the issue to your Housing Officer, or report online if your Council/Housing Association has this option. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis (37 hours per week) and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £32,061 - £34,434 per annum. Emergency out of hours telephone service If you have an emergency for the following services outside of Council opening hours*: Housing repairs and gas Tenancy services Lifeline Homelessness or if you need to make a payment Please call 0333 200 8811 This number is a local rate number meaning you will only be charged for a local call. Jun 12, 2023 · Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Charnwood Borough Council | 3,962 followers on LinkedIn. The housing register applicants guide will tell you: How to apply Who can join the Housing Register How applications are prioritised How the Choice Based Lettings system works How do I apply? If you would like to join Charnwood Borough Council’s Housing Register, you will need to complete an online application form. Director of Housing and Wellbeing · Housing management · Experience: Charnwood Borough Council · Education: De Montfort University · Location: Leicester · 193 connections on LinkedIn. Charnwood Borough Council (202215660) REPORT COMPLAINT 202215660 Charnwood Borough Council 10 November 2023 Our approach The Housing Ombudsman’s approach to investigating and determining complaints is to decide what is fair in all the circumstances of the case. Peter Oliver brings experience from previous roles at Charnwood Borough Council and North West Leicestershire District Council. Equality Action has served communities in and around Loughborough since 1969. Jan 31, 2025 · 1749 Charnwood Borough Council in Leicestershire is searching for the latest member of #TeamCBC! We are looking for a passionate individual who is customer focused, a team player and wants help improve our local communities in Charnwood. rates@charnwood. We are unable Introduction This Housing Allocations Policy outlines how Charnwood Borough Council will assess applications for housing, determine eligibility, qualification and housing need, prioritise applications and allocate accommodation. Councillor Sarah Maynard, Chair of the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee 2023-24 The Council distributed a survey for completion by sheltered housing residents, residents aged over 60 in the general needs stock and other older people living elsewhere with a prize draw to encourage completion. Role will include home working and office working. It works with other district and borough councils, local parish and town councils and Leicestershire County Council (which includes Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service) in a two-tier local government system. The landlord’s handling of works to board up the windows and the quality of these works. The complaint is about the landlord’s handling of repairs following a fire at the property below the resident. This Policy is written in accordance with The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002, the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and the Housing Act 2004 and details how the grant budget will be used by Charnwood Borough Council addressing these issues and meeting local needs. Charnwood Borough Council's Social Lettings Service might be able to help you secure a tenancy with a private landlord in Charnwood. Pages Council tenants Emergency accommodation Information and advice for homeless people Housing - general information and advice Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Landlord Services is writing to council tenants to inform them that property surveyors Savills has been commissioned by Charnwood Borough Council to undertake a stock condition survey of their property. We are seeking two skilled and motivated Housing Repairs Surveyors to join our Responsive & Void Maintenance team. Tenant satisfaction survey 2023/24 Throughout the summer of 2023, Charnwood Borough Council worked with an independent company called Service Insights to carry out surveys with council tenants on our behalf, to fulfil our regulatory obligations to carry out annual tenant perception surveys. Jul 15, 2024 · A round-up of other grants available can be found below: Voluntary Community Sector Grants and support Various support, grants and funding initiatives to help the voluntary sector organisations and other community led projects provide support to Charnwood residents. Following a fire at the property below on 17 June 2020, the resident complained about the landlord’s delay in carrying out repair works at the property and the property below, as well as its communication with him about the works. Our repairs and investment service provides day to day repairs for your property as well as planned maintenance, major improvement works and adaptations for tenants with a disability. gov. The team provides services which seek to ensure that the Borough’s private housing stock is maintained to a decent standard. Will be allocated as a sensitive let with applications subject to Representatives from our Repairs Team will also attend to identify any issues which require a repair or replacement and to identify any items which are not standard Council fixtures and fittings. The Sheltered Accommodation Strategy Framework sets out the approach to achieving this aim, whilst also having regard to broader intentions set out in the Corporate Strategy around delivering excellent services, achieving value for money through reviewing how we work, engaging with residents, and exploring all options for service delivery to achieve the best results for our communities. 1,011 completed surveys were received, giving a good response to draw some clear messages The survey asked questions about residents The Council may consider advertising hard to let properties more widely, for example to applicants on other Council’s Housing Registers or to local residents who do not qualify for Charnwood Borough Council’s Housing Register. Aug 21, 2023 · An emergency injection of cash is in the pipeline to fix more than 130 empty council homes and bring them back into use. If you are concerned about the standard of the privately rented accommodation you live in, Charnwood Borough Council can provide advice and work with you and your landlord to address problems such as: Purpose of decision: To enter into a contract for support for the responsive and voids section including window repairs to Charnwood Borough Council stock. The following Key Decisions, to be taken by the Cabinet, were not publicised in accordance with regulation 9 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012. Housing advice services Advice to tenants and landlords in the private sector on housing related matters such as tenancies, welfare benefits, rent, repairs etc. You’ll be Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. uk) Telephone Main Switchboard Contact Number: 01509 634666 Out of Hours Emergency Number: 0333 200 8811 (This number is a local rate number meaning you will only be charged for a local call. By following these detailed instructions, you will ensure that your application is thorough and minimizes potential delays in registration. Housing officer at Charnwood Borough Council · Experience: Charnwood Borough Council · Education: Chartered Institute of Housing Uk · Location: Leicester · 135 connections on LinkedIn. You can make a council tax enquiry via the online form below: Make an online council tax enquiry Business rates Email: business. Charnwood Borough Council will consider all grant applications on their merits and each case will be assessed to ensure that: 3. Head of Landlord Services Charnwood Borough Council · Experience: Charnwood Borough Council · Location: Greater Nottingham · 355 connections on LinkedIn. Introduction This Housing Allocations Policy outlines how Charnwood Borough Council will assess applications for housing, determine eligibility, qualification and housing need, prioritise applications and allocate accommodation. Why have a customer engagement strategy? Our customers and what they think are important to us, and we recognise that to develop our services, the feedback we get from our customers is key to our future success. Currently, 6 out of 34 East Midlands councils offer empty home grants or loans. For full details on the range of grants available, please see the Private Sector Housing Grants Policy. We send content by email or post for your comments, and there are occasional meetings in person. Most schemes require properties to be empty for 12+ months and in council tax bands A-D. Jan 14, 2024 · A Leicestershire council has appointed a new contractor to carry out improvements to council houses. 1 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT This report presents Charnwood Borough Council’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM’s) performance for the year 2023-2024. Applicants who do not have a confirmed “Housing Need” as defined within Charnwood Borough Council Allocations Policy Applicants who are below the age of 16 years. 3. Introduction This policy outlines how Charnwood Borough Council will assess applications for housing, determine eligibility, qualification and housing need, prioritise applications and allocate accommodation. 3 Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) provides funding each year from the Housing Revenue Account (from tenants’ rent money); the annual budget is currently £30,000. An emergency request for repair following a water leak on 17 January 2022. Find out how our expert disrepair solicitors can help. Job Purpose To ensure Charnwood Borough Council Landlord Services achieves its vision and business objectives to drive and develop the Repairs & Investment section to achieve and maintain top quartile performance in all categories. View Eileen Mallon’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members. Our Housing Strategy (2015 – 2020) is currently under review. The purpose of the survey is to assess future repairs and maintenance requirements. Dec 22, 2022 · Charnwood Borough Council Emergency numbers: Over the Christmas period the following numbers can be used in an emergency outside of opening hours, and from 1pm on Friday December 23, 2022 until Social tenants currently living in council or Housing Association accommodation within the borough can apply to join the council's transfer list on our Housing Register by completing the Housing Application form. You can apply for a tenancy with a Council or other Registered Provider of Social Housing. Our customer services team is often the first contact you will have with us, whether that is face-to-face at our Southfield Road offices in Loughborough, or over the phone through the contact Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Nov 5, 2024 · The Disrepair Works programme (the 'Programme') comprises an on-demand repair and maintenance service to occupied properties in the Council's housing stock which are the subject of a housing disrepair claim initiated by the tenant. Charnwood Borough Council said delays caused by Benefits and Council Tax If you are contacting us about benefits and council tax please call 01509 634666 (calls charged at local rates). Charnwood Borough Council housing tenants are not going to get new installations of kitchens and bathroom planned for this year. At the time of allocation we will consider a household of up to a maximum of six people, with at least one child and have an assessed three bed need. Reporting A Repair As a tenant it is your responsibility to report a repair as soon as possible. The online forms cover the majority of services and are listed in alphabetical order below. Job Category : Housing & Planning Location : Charnwood Borough Council Hours Per Week : 37. Feb 21, 2025 · Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. These include mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing, investigations of Health and Safety concerns Teign Housing (Templer Homebuild) Under a long-term asset management contract, we oversee East Devon District Council’s residential homes, delivering planned works, cyclical redecorations, 24/7 responsive repairs, and void works to the entire housing portfolio of EDDC. Peter Oliver has a diverse work experience in the public sector, starting with their current role as Director of Housing and Wellbeing at Charnwood Borough Council since September 2022. Nov 25, 2022 · The Private Sector Housing team are responsible for enforcing the Council’s statutory functions in respect of Part one and two of the Housing Act 2004. How the landlord handled the resident’s reports of outstanding repairs. The Corporate Complaints Policy at Charnwood Borough Council has been updated from April 1, 2024 to bring it in line with the revised Local Government Ombudsman and Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Codes. 60 PAYE job description. We manage around 5,500 council properties in the borough and offer a range of services to support tenants. The main changes to the Policy are: All complaints will now be investigated under a two stage process. Charnwood and Rutland provide the most substantial funding with grants up to £15,000, while South Derbyshire offers up to £9,000. Charnwood Borough Council, which manages about 5,500 residential homes in the borough, has Jan 14, 2024 · A Leicestershire council has appointed a new contractor to carry out improvements to council houses. Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) Housing Advice Housing Advice The Housing Options Team can provide anyone in Charnwood with free information and advice about preventing homelessness and finding accommodation when homeless. If you are interested in the scheme run by Charnwood Borough Council, please visit the Home contents insurance webpage. If you have a local connection to Charnwood you may be able to join Charnwood Borough Council's Housing Register. Find housing Retirement housing Assisted living/extra care housing Retirement villages Close care housing Available to rent Available to buy New sales Housing and care home providers HousingCare abroad Featured accomodation Other property directories Find Home Services Small repairs and odd jobs Domestic help Meals delivery All services Find A Customer Service policy explained. You can make an application by completing the online Housing Register Apply for a council house (District) Housing advice directory (District) Housing associations and affordable housing (District) Housing homepage (District) How to pay your rent (District) Information for private landlords (District) Information for private tenants (District) Mutual exchange and transfers (District) Repairs and maintenance Mar 22, 2024 · Peter works at Charnwood Borough Council as Director of Housing and Wellbeing. The Council is recruiting for a Repairs & Maintenance Team Leader (M250). Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Applications are placed in Band 1 for an initial period of 8 Charnwood Borough Council has the power to issue informal cautions as an alternative to prosecution, where a person admits an offence and consents to the informal caution. 1 This policy covers the responsive repairs and maintenance service to all properties and communal areas owned and/or managed by Charnwood Borough Council. Charnwood Borough Council’s decision-making cabinet gave the green light The Council distributed a survey for completion by sheltered housing residents, residents aged over 60 in the general needs stock and other older people living elsewhere with a prize draw to encourage completion. Please note: Counts The repairs and investment team has developed a fencing and boundary policy for council-owned homes, which was recently approved at a recent meeting of the Housing Management Advisory Board (HMAB). uk Housing Housing needs enquiries Housing needs enquiry Aug 21, 2023 · A Leicestershire council aims to allocate £860,000 annually to clear a backlog of repairs on dozens of council houses and bring them back into use. The budget for the Capital Programme for such works is determined on an annual basis and funds the following works: Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Voluntary and community sector support Private Sector Housing / Owner-occupier Grants Help with disabled facilities grants, home This complaint is about the landlord’s handling of: The resident’s report of mould on 6 January 2022, and the associated complaint. Specifically, the complaint relates to: The landlord’s handling of works to the resident’s floorboards. DASH promotes good housing so tenants of DASH accredited landlords can expect a responsible landlord with better housing standards, quick repairs and maintenance and fair tenancy agreements. Aug 21, 2023 · More than 130 empty homes in Charnwood are in need of work to bring them back into use. ) Address Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX Opening times 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) Start your housing compensation claim today! Are you a Charnwood Borough Council tenant suffering with persistent damp, dangerous mould, leaking roofs, faulty heating, or structural issues? Has the Council failed to properly address your repair requests despite multiple reports? You don’t have to continue living in poor conditions. Charnwood Borough Council (202222678) REPORT COMPLAINT 202222678 Charnwood Borough Council 18 November 2024 Our approach The Housing Ombudsman’s approach to investigating and determining complaints is to decide what is fair in all the circumstances of the case. Charnwood Borough Council has the power to issue informal cautions as an alternative to prosecution, where a person admits an offence and consents to the informal caution. The council has a number of approved policies and strategies which can be accessed by clicking on the headings below. May 15, 2024 · Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Charnwood Borough Council said it had identified five complexes built in Online Enquiry Form Forms (charnwood. Results from the survey A summary of the results can be found in the table below, with a comparison between the results from the There are a number of grants available to private sector housing tenants and owner-occupiers to help with things such as disability, home repairs and bringing empty homes back into use. How the landlord handled the resident’s request for a rent adjustment. Our policies and procedures help define what our organisation does and how we do it. Information and advice for Charnwood tenants on changes to their tenancies. My Charnwood allows you to enter a postcode and find out information relevant to your area, including refuse, recycling & garden waste collection dates. The council also offers the following discretionary grants: Energy Efficiency Grant Top Up Empty Homes Partnership Grant. Charnwood Borough Council have utilised EEM Framework EEM063 Communal Entrance Doors for dppr entry servicing, responsive repairs and maintenance and new instillations. Results from the survey A summary of the results can be found in the table below. The housing options service can provide anyone in Charnwood with free advice relating to preventing homelessness and finding accommodation when homeless. The Charnwood sits centrally in the triangle formed by Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. Peter is based out of Leicester, England, United Kingdom and works in the Government Administration industry. . Homeless Duty For example: You are homeless and are owed the Main Housing Duty under Section 193 (2) of the Housing Act 1996 by Charnwood Borough Council You are homeless and are owed the Accommodation Duty under Section 193C (4) of the Housing Act 1996 by Charnwood Borough Council. View Peter Oliver’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members. Sep 23, 2024 · Charnwood Borough Council is one council that has already published its results, indicating poor satisfaction levels; only 58% of respondents are satisfied that their home is well maintained, and as little as 28% of respondents are satisfied with the approach to complaints handling. Including Housing Needs, Housing Strategy, Private Sector Housing, Tenancy Management, Repairs and Investment, Leaseholders, Lifeline, Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme. Jun 17, 2025 · Attendees will be able to meet officers from Charnwood Borough Council and ask questions and find out more about the services available. The previous strategy committed to supporting the Council’s corporate vision through making best use of existing stock.