More than 200 community projects have received funding through a £1.1m social value fund operated by Travis Perkins Managed Services (TPMS) since the start of 2026.
The programme has supported 211 projects for 67 housing association and local authority customers, with funding allocated to initiatives linked to social housing repairs and maintenance contracts.
Projects have included community improvements, skills and employment initiatives, financial literacy programmes and support for vulnerable residents.
Social value funding supports housing communities
TPMS works with housing associations and local authorities to provide materials and products for social housing repair and maintenance programmes.
Funding for social value projects is ringfenced at the start of each contract and can then be allocated to local initiatives based on the needs of individual communities.
Projects supported so far include a schools insight visit in Derby, a financial literacy programme, improvements to a shopping precinct in Northampton and the installation of defibrillators in Southampton.
The programme has also supported youth skills training through delivery partner Volunteer It Yourself.
Michelle Smith, Social Value Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: “It’s absolutely crucial that in our industry we are offering really good, impactful social value within our contracts.
“Social value creates wider economic, social and environmental benefits to a community beyond the building and management of homes. It has positive impacts like improved mental health, local job creation, and enhanced financial resilience for residents.
“We take our responsibility to deliver meaningful social value really seriously, and our account managers are really involved. Our customers are putting a lot of faith in us and we want to help give back to those communities.
“Local authorities and housing associations are really stretched, which makes ensuring meaningful engagement in this area even more important, as social value funding can make a world of difference to a community that otherwise they may not see.”
Social housing repairs support vulnerable residents
One example of the funding being used to support residents is through Cottsway Housing, which manages around 6,000 properties across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
The housing provider has used the funding to carry out smaller repairs for vulnerable customers free of charge.
The work includes changing toilet seats, fitting security chains and installing blinds and curtain poles. While relatively straightforward, these jobs can present barriers for some residents who may be unable to carry them out themselves.
Chris Edeson, Operations Manager at Cottsway, said: “This approach has enabled us to provide practical, customer-focused support and being able to say yes to these requests has made a real difference.
“Tasks that might seem minor can be significant barriers for some customers, and it’s rewarding to know that through this partnership working we’re able to go further to help those who need it to live more comfortably in their homes.”
The projects supported through the fund are aligned with issues including community engagement, food and fuel poverty, wellbeing, social progress, community cohesion and placemaking.
Construction supply chain puts focus on skills and employment
TPMS said employability, upskilling and opportunities for younger people are among the areas receiving greater attention through its social value activity.
Smith added: “Since I took up the post 18 months ago, I’ve worked really hard to try and understand what our customers want, what they need, and what’s going to really make an impact in an area.
“Local authorities and housing providers are stretched really thin at the moment, so we want to make sure that we’re going above-and-beyond and supporting our customers and their communities.
“We’ve seen really clearly that employability, upskilling, and inspiring the younger generation is really important and there’s a lot of emphasis placed on initiatives with those kind of objectives at their heart.”
