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Social sector size criteria

Learn about sharing information with HB teams, housing options for tenants desiring to move, and successful examples. Discover the importance of proper information sharing and consider key factors when supporting tenants through the moving process. Explore various housing options and essential considerations when assisting tenants. Gain insights from recent policy developments and successful partnership practices.

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Social sector size criteria

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  1. Social sector size criteria Supporting tenants who want to move

  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

  3. Sharing information

  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

  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

  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

  7. Moving on

  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

  9. Housing options • Mutual exchange – same/other landlord • Transfer to a smaller property - same/ different landlord • Privately rent

  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

  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?

  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

  13. Recent policy developments

  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

  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)

  16. Learning from others

  17. Learning from others (1)L Partnership working • West Midlands Best Use of Stock partnership • Merseyside’s ‘Property Pool Plus’: www.propertypoolplus.org.uk

  18. Learning from others (2) Housing options Salford 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

  19. Learning from others (3) Housing options Wigan CAB/ Wigan Council: Wigan Housing Solutions – managing agent for private landlords EastlandsHomes: under-occupation project officer supported by handyperson service to develop options and support people to move

  20. Key messages • 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

  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 mbus@cih.org • melanie.rees@cih.org T: 07950 506692

  22. Thank you for listening! Over to you…

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