Download - WMBUS Under Occupation
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Under‐occupationPreparing for the social sector size criteria
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This session explores:
• The key features of the social sector size criteria
• The likely impact
• What you can do to prepare
• CIH’s Making it Fit guide
• Learning from others
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Social sector size criteria (1)
• Applies to working‐age adults claiming HB and ‘under‐occupying’ social rented homes by 1 or more bedrooms
Exempt if 61 on/before 5 October 2012
• HB will be reduced by:14% of eligible rent for one extra bedroom
25% of eligible rent for two extra bedrooms
• Effective from April 2013
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Social sector size criteria (2)
• Bedroom size not considered
• 1 bedroom allowed for:Each adult /couple living as part of the household
Two children under 16 of same sex
Two children under 10 – different sex
Non‐resident overnight carer for disabled tenant/partner
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No exceptions, so implications for:
• Separated parents sharing care –designated ‘main carer’receives the full HB
• Parents whose children visit but are not part of the household
• Foster children ‐ not part of the ‘benefit’household
• Couples using a spare bedroom when recovering from illness
• Families with disabled children (Gorry case?)
• Disabled people, including those in adapted/specially designed properties
Social sector size criteria (3)
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What’s the likely impact (1)?
• Affects c.670k UK tenants530k under‐occupying by one bedroom
32% of existing working age HB claimants in social sector
60k in West Midlands
• DWP impact assessment:Average loss per week of £13
£14 for HA tenants
• Tenants expected to pay the difference from benefit/wage income
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What’s the likely impact (2)?
• More people paying rentIncreased transactions/ costs
• Rent arrearsAlthough many will try to keep up
• People resorting to expensive credit to pay rent?• People struggling to afford to stay in their homes
Increased turnover, family and community instability, FTAs
• Increased demand for smaller units• Some properties becoming difficult to let
Increased refusals and longer relet periods
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The clock is ticking…• Be proactive – you can’t afford to ignore this, it’s not going away
• You have 39 weeks to prepare
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What are tenants’ options?
• Pay the shortfall• Find work/extra hours• Take in a lodger
• Mutual exchange – same/other landlord
• Transfer to a smaller property:Same/ different landlord
• Privately rent
• You can help with all of these
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Things to think about (1)
• Identify tenants affected• Develop your action plan• Good, clear, regular communication and information
With tenants and staffFace to face – with action planClear illustration of what it means ‐ ££££s
• Tenants will be anxiousReassure those who aren’t affected
• Think about vulnerable peopleKnowing your tenants/ their needs is so important
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Things to think about (2)
• Tell prospective tenants about the changes – now• Review your lettings strategy/policy and nominations agreements
Do they permit under‐occupation at lettings stage?Review local lettings policiesPriority for under‐occupationFlexibility on transfers with rent arrears?
• Work with partner providers to offer an enhanced mutual exchange scheme
Proactive matchingEventsFlexibility on arrears?
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Things to think about (3)
• Sharing:Joint tenanciesLodging schemesSafeguarding and risk assessment are important
• Strengthen links with the private rented sector• New housing developments
Increased focus on smaller units?Lettings policies
• Work with partner providers You can’t solve this on your own
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Things to think about (4)
• Open and honest discussions with tenantsNo pressure ‐ it’s their personal choiceExplain pros and cons
• Discretionary Housing Payments• How much help and support will/can you give?
Removal costs? Handyperson support?Dedicate a post to deal with this?Balance cost of this against cost of increased rent arrears
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Making it Fit
• Free download – launched 13 June 2012
• Supported by LGA, NHF and NHC
• Hints, tips and practice examples
• Focus on:Communicating messages
Partnerships
Supporting tenants to pay
Supporting tenants to move
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Learning from others (1)L• Calico Homes: carried out a full tenancy audit in preparation
• Leeds City Council: monthly, multi‐disciplinary, housing‐focused Welfare Reform Operational Group
• Gateshead: working group of housing providers, advice, jobs and training agencies
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Learning from others (2)
• Gateshead: ‘Money Matters’ guide on welfare reform, advice on saving and debt, how to access training and business advice
• Berneslai Homes: leaflet on size criteria giving examples, estimated HB reductions, housing options
• Leicester City Council: reviewed offer letters, developed information sheet for single applicants, and trained staff
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Learning from others (3)
• Halton Housing: Welfare Reform coffee mornings and weekly Budget Buster workshops – focused on budgeting skills and benefits advice
• Tristar Homes/ WorkSTEPS Partnership:helping people to become ‘job ready’ and gain/retain jobs
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• Derwentside Homes: employed a specialist Welfare Rights Officer
• Aspire Homes: increased in‐house money advice staff from one to three
• Walsall Housing Group/Walsave Credit Union: offer a budgeting account which ‘ring‐fences’money for bills
Learning from others (4)
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• RB Kensington and Chelsea: open day for all affected by size criteria
• LB Southwark: speed‐dating coffee morning
• Stockport Homes: offering single people the chance of a joint tenancy
Learning from others (5)
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• Wigan CAB/ Wigan Council: Wigan Housing Solutions – managing agent for private landlords
• Wishaw and District HA: lodger policy• Eastleigh Council: letting out a room guide• Derby Homes: lodging information sheet
Learning from others (6)
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• The clock is ticking…if you haven’t done so, develop your action plan
• Identify all tenants affected and contact them in person
• Work with your partners/other providers to develop appropriate solutions
Key messages
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Need help/ advice?
• Free CIH Making it Fit guide
• Contact the Making Best Use of Stock Team [email protected]
• See our free Practicehub: www.practicehub.cih.co.uk
• [email protected] T: 07950 506692
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Thank you for listening!
Over to you…