learn with us. improve with us. influence with us | social sector size criteria supporting tenants...
TRANSCRIPT
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org
Social sector size criteria
Supporting tenants who want to move
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 2
This session:
• Highlights the scope for information sharing with HB teams
• Considers the housing options for tenants who want to move
• Offers examples of what others are doing
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org
Sharing information
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 4
Sharing information (1)
• Key part of preparing for the size criteria Landlords need to know which tenants are
affected HB teams need to make accurate assessments –
number in household, ages and bedrooms• But a ‘mixed’ picture
Some keen to help – others less so IT issues – so some delays
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 5
Sharing information (2)
• Powers are ‘permissive’ Sections 131 to 133 of the Welfare Reform Act
2012 The Social Security (Information-sharing in
relation to Welfare Services etc) Regulations 2012 DWP Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
circular HB/CTB A5/2012 (July 2012) Regulation 6: purposes for which relevant
information may be held Regulation 9: how it may be used
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 6
Sharing information (3)
• Win-win situation Landlords have correct information Tenants receive appropriate support and advice HB teams make accurate assessments…and so
don’t lose subsidy• South East London Partnership has developed
a simple framework
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org
Moving on
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 8
Moving on
• Anecdotally, 30-35% of tenants affected by the size criteria are indicating that they want/need to move…
• …likely to increase post-April 2013• Unlikely to be able to move everyone• Tenants may need support through the process
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 9
Housing options
• Mutual exchange – same/other landlord
• Transfer to a smaller property - same/ different landlord
• Privately rent
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 10
Things to think about (1)• Open and honest discussions with tenants
No pressure - it’s their personal choice Explain pros and cons
• How much help and support will/can you give? Removal costs? Handyperson support to settle in? Dedicated post? Balance cost of this against cost of increased rent
arrears
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 11
Things to think about (2)• Review your lettings strategy/policy and nominations
agreements Priority for under-occupation and unaffordability Flexibility on transfers with rent arrears? Do they permit under-occupation at lettings stage? Review local lettings policies
• Work with partner providers to offer an enhanced mutual exchange scheme Proactive matching Matching events ‘House Doctoring’ Flexibility on arrears?
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 12
Things to think about (3)• Shared tenancies
Consider safeguarding and risk assessment • Strengthen links with the private rented sector• New housing developments
Increased focus on smaller units?• Work with partner providers
You can’t solve this on your own
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org
Recent policy developments
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 14
Flexible tenancies• Localism Act 2011• Local tenancy strategy should explain use• 12 month introductory followed by 2-5 years flexible
tenancy (need good reason if <5)• Broadly same rights including right to exchange• Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for HAs• Existing secure/assured tenants retain that status if
they transfer/exchange• Some drawbacks - but can help to make best use of
stock
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 15
Affordable rents• Aims to raise money needed to develop new
homes• Calculated at up to 80% of local market rent• Flexible, fixed-term 2-5 year tenancy -
followed by assessment of need• Size criteria shortfall will be larger – so may
need to target them for help/support?• May not be able to exchange (depending on
tenancy agreement)
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org
Learning from others
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 17
Learning from others (1)L
Partnership working• West Midlands Best Use of Stock partnership
• Merseyside’s ‘Property Pool Plus’: www.propertypoolplus.org.uk
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 18
Housing optionsSalford Council: speed-dating to match under-occupiers with overcrowded households; increased publicity; displays in supermarkets
Stockport Homes: offering two single people the chance of a joint tenancy
Learning from others (2)
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 19
Housing optionsWigan CAB/ Wigan Council: Wigan Housing Solutions – managing agent for private landlords
Eastlands Homes: under-occupation project officer supported by handyperson service to develop options and support people to move
Learning from others (3)
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 20
• Build effective relationships with HB teams• Make sure tenants understand how they are
affected and what their options are• Work with your partners/other providers to
develop appropriate solutions
Key messages
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 21
Need help/ advice?
• Free CIH Making it Fit guide• Practice note on information sharing (coming
soon!)• Contact the Making Best Use of Stock Team
[email protected]• [email protected] T: 07950 506692
Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | www.cih.org 22
Thank you for listening!
Over to you…