Common housing register

1. Common housing register Introductory presentation to CHFV members Anne Congleton, A/Director, Policy & Strategy Branch Robb McGregor, Project manager, Housing Policy Unit Policy & Strategy Branch Housing & Community Building 11 March 2010

2. Common housing register • Why • What it is • Range of models • H&CB starting point • Example of how it could work • Next steps - the 3 stages

3. Benefits for clients • Easier to know what is available to inform choice • Easy access to all providers • Only have to make one application • Easy to maintain application across multiple providers and locations • Better matches of person/family to housing

4. National housing reform agenda • Housing Ministers have agreed to integrate public and community housing waiting lists by July 2011 unless otherwise agreed bilaterally.

5. What is a Common Housing Register • Multiple providers come together • A single application form • Registration of applications on a common database • All vacancies allocated off the database

6. Range of models • Mandatory model: All subject to the one allocation policy • Flexible model: Agreed common priority criteria supplemented with additional individual provider priority criteria where desirable. • Open model: Central register of basic applicant details

7. H&CB starting point • A common housing register (CHR) • Flexible model • Agreed common priority criteria supplemented with additional individual provider priority criteria if desirable. • Applicants able to state their preferences for one or more providers • Individual providers will allocate off the CHR in accordance with their priority practices

8. How it could work: The application Single application form Applicants indicate preferred providers Priority system still applies. Additional specific provider form where appropriate (local links)

9. How it could work: The register list Applicants listed by segment and application date order on single data base Data base includes information from additional individual provider forms (local links) Additional segment introduced to cover those who fall outside of public housing income eligibility but are still eligible for Housing Associations

10. How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Public housing Standard matching of vacancy to highest segment, earliest application date process 1st Priority Unsuitable Housing 2nd Priority Low Income 3rd Priority H/Assoc eligible only

11. How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Other providers access database to match vacancies to applicants Low Income H/Assoc eligible only

12. How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Housing Provider #1: Opts to allocate off the common housing register using public housing process 1st Priority Unsuitable Housing 2nd Priority Low Income 3rd Priority H/Assoc eligible only

13. How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless • Housing Provider #2: • Has additional priority criteria • Local area links • Age • Rental Housing Coops ? Unsuitable Housing ? Low Income ? H/Assoc eligible only

14. How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Housing Provider #3: Allocates via nomination rights held by support agencies. Support providers advise Provider of the application number of client they wish to place in the vacancy ? Unsuitable Housing ? Low Income ? H/Assoc eligible only

15. How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless • Housing Associations: • 50% of allocations from here • As per OOH? • Own priority system? • Nomination rights? ? Unsuitable Housing ? Low Income ? H/Assoc eligible only 50% of allocations from here

16. Next stepsStage 1 – Information provision • Provision of information to housing agencies on the concept of a common housing register • Determine structure and process to commence and progress consultation

17. Next stepsStage 2: Consultation to determine model Identify and agree on • Principles guiding the model • The model to be used • Common application form design • Design specifications for the model • Administration arrangements • Arrangements for implementation – all at once or staged ?

18. Next stepsStage 3: Development and implementation • IT system design and set up • Operational policies and procedures • Forms, fact sheets and other applicant communication documents • Communication with applicants • Merging of community and public housing applicant information • Staff training and transition to new system

19. Where to from here • How do you want to be consulted over this initial information provision stage • Advise us of what your preferred structure & process is to progress determination of a model (second stage)

20. Questions