Lincoln housing estate secures funding for 'real-world fixes'

The Ermine housing estate in Lincoln has secured funding from the new Social Housing Innovation Fund to deliver real-world fixes for tenants. It is one of 20 projects nationwide receiving a share of £2 million, with the Ermine grant totaling just over £100,000 to fund community activities. The 12-month programme will involve working with primary schools and creating a new digital hub at Ermine Library, in partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University. Council executive member Donald Nannestad said the aim is to empower tenants to share their views and influence future decisions. The funding bid was submitted by Lincoln City Council on behalf of the Ermine Community Partnership. The Inside Out photography training will be offered, with about 300 portraits to be captured across the neighbourhood. The digital hub at the library, created in partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University, will help residents publish a newsletter, a website and social media content. The government describes the fund as delivering real-world fixes to issues such as ignored repairs, slow responses and miscommunications between services. The plan also emphasizes sustained engagement and transparent reporting to residents.