SOUTH EAST BOOKLET (Page 1)
THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
South East
What they do, why they matter and how they can help local authorities tackle some of the region’s toughest challenges
TO RENT
FOR SALE SHARED IP OWNERSH
ips tnersh r a P
SOUTH EAST
Communities 360,000 HOMES
CONTENTS Introduction
3
A Quick Guide to housing associations
5
How housing associations help with - Homelessness - Waiting Lists - Private sector housing - Planning - Housing benefit administration - Supported people
7 8 9 10 12 14
Social services - Adults and Older people
16 18
Useful contacts
20
- Young people
THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO HOUSING
WELCOME
INTRODUCTION This booklet highlights how housing associations and local authorities are working together to transform neighbourhoods by providing not only high quality homes but also a huge range of services and specialist support tailored to local people's needs. It aims to encourage councillors to work closely with their local housing associations by outlining the enormous benefits such partnerships can bring to the communities where they operate. As this guide demonstrates, there are numerous ways in which housing associations can help local authorities to deliver their statutory responsibilities, and, in doing so, dramatically improve the lives of the local people they serve.
Housing associations and local authorities are working together to transform neighbourhoods by providing not only high quality homes but also a huge range of services and specialist support
The 300 housing associations working in the South East are also at the forefront of delivering the thousands of new affordable homes that the region desperately needs. The average house price in the South East is now over 12 times average earnings in the region and nearly 200,000 households are on the waiting list for an affordable home. This represents an increase of over 50% in five years. Housing associations - with the support of local councils - may be leading the battle to build more homes, but their relationship extends far beyond bricks and mortar. Throughout the region there are numerous examples of how housing associations have worked in partnership with local councils to find solutions to often complex problems and challenges - such as tackling homelessness and providing specialist support for elderly or vulnerable adults.
03
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS IN THE SOUTH EAST
A QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT THEY DO There are over 300 housing associations working in the South East usually in partnership with local councils. Together they provide 360,000 homes for 900,000 people throughout the region - over one in ten of the population. Most homes are provided for social rent, but housing associations also offer specialist housing to older and more vulnerable people, as well as low cost home ownership, key worker homes and homes for sale on the open market. Housing associations in the region invest millions of pounds annually on neighbourhood services, including: education, training, employment and local business start up initiatives; childcare, homework clubs and social outings; healthily eating classes, crime reduction and many other projects. They are not-for-profit, independent landlords, who reinvest surpluses into new housing and the neighbourhoods where they operate. Housing associations in the region spent over £250 million maintaining people's homes in 2007. Housing associations are an important economic player in many communities. They employ more than 15,750 people directly and many more indirectly through contracting and investing in local services. Housing associations in the South East provide 57,670 homes for older people and those with specialist support needs, a vital resource in a region where one in four of the population is aged over 60. Nearly nine out of ten housing association homes (89%) in the South East already meet the Decent Homes Standard, and all will meet the criteria by the Government's target date of 2010. Housing associations receive public money from the Housing Corporation or local authority for new developments. However, the majority of funding for new homes comes from the private sector, which enables associations to build more houses at lower cost to government.
05
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS IN THE SOUTH EAST
HOW HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS CAN HELP YOU? The following section will highlight how housing associations can help local authorities to deliver their statutory duties and tackle a range of often complex problems and challenges in their local community.
HOMELESSNESS The role of the local authority Unitary, District and Borough Councils have a legal responsibility to assess homeless applicants and to provide a formal strategy on how they intend to prevent homelessness in their area. They are required to temporarily house some applicants, and to find suitable accommodation for families or vulnerable individuals who are classified as non-intentionally homeless and in priority need.
How can housing associations help? Many housing associations provide contracted homelessness services, which offer help and assistance to homeless people searching for accommodation. Housing associations also arrange temporary accommodation, in places like hostels and private sector leasing schemes, for people who find themselves with nowhere to stay. In many instances, housing associations will be the majority provider of permanent housing to homeless households in the area and are often able to help with non-priority needs categories. Through supported housing, associations are also able to work with vulnerable people to prevent homelessness happening in the first place.
Case Study - Brighton Housing Trust BHT's mission is “combating homelessness, creating opportunities, promoting change” and it operates a range of services designed to help the homeless find accommodation, employment and lead independent lives. The charity also works to prevent homelessness by offering support and help to ensure people at risk of being evicted remain in their homes. It offers practical help with searching for accommodation, discusses housing options and runs legal advice centres in Brighton and Eastbourne. BHT Supported Housing services provide 316 supported housing units including a 52 bed hostel,
07
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
WAITING LISTS/CHOICE BASED LETTINGS The role of the local authority Regardless of whether a council owns any housing stock, it has a responsibility to maintain a housing register and to ensure homes are let to people who satisfy the criteria. The Government is encouraging all councils to let homes using Choice Based Lettings (CBL) by 2010. CBL allows social housing tenants to search for and apply for any homes they are suitably matched with. The scheme gives tenants more choice and control over where they live and has shown to reduce dissatisfaction.
How can housing associations help? Housing associations work jointly with councils and co-operate on choice-based lettings in most cases. On new homes which are built by housing associations, they usually accept 100% of nominations from local authorities.
CBL allows social housing tenants to search for and apply for any homes they are suitably matched with. The scheme gives tenants more choice and control over where they live and has shown to reduce dissatisfaction.
WANTED
09
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING The role of the local authority Councils assess the standards of housing in their area, including private sector homes, which should be surveyed every five years. Councils have the power to address disrepair and force owners or private landlords to carry out improvements on substandard homes, as well as having the authority to bring empty houses back into use. There is a new duty to license Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) and many councils work with private landlords to ensure there are good quality houses in their area. Councils also offer grants and loans to homeowners to improve the condition of their houses.
How can housing associations help? Housing associations can be useful partners in bringing empty homes into use and some run Home Improvement Agencies, which assist older or disabled people to access funding for home improvements and adaptations.
Case Study - Spelthorne Home Improvement AgencyStaines Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) exist all over the country, and are usually based within a local authority area. They help older or disabled homeowners and private tenants to live independently in their own homes, by offering free advice and support with carrying out improvements. HIAs are not profit making. Spelthorne HIA, which is part of the A2 Housing Group, guides its customers through their options, helps organise finance, as well as arranging and overseeing the building work. Often the costs can be paid for by a council grant. The HIA also helps customers access funds from charities and ensures they are claiming the benefits they're entitled to. It recommends a reputable builder for the work and can organise and supervise the job from start to finish, for a small fee.
10
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
PLANNING The role of the local authority Local authorities are responsible for maintaining a local plan, which sets out how future development and land uses will be guided and controlled. Within this, councillors also have to take into account the local affordable housing policy. Section 106 agreements place conditions on planning consents, forcing developers to make community contributions, such as providing a set percentage of affordable housing within any new build site. Significant numbers of affordable homes in the region are provided this way, which means if affordable housing is to be delivered, there must be an element of private housing on new developments. Housing and planning departments must work together to achieve the right mix of homes. Councillors should also recognise there is a desperate shortage of homes in the region when considering planning applications for new housing.
How can housing associations help? Associations want to build more affordable homes and, if involved early enough in the process, can help to improve build quality and to ensure there is the right mix of homes on new developments. They work hard to ensure essential new affordable housing is provided in rural areas by, for example, working with parish councils, to bring forward rural exception sites, which can help sustain the viability of villages. Associations care passionately about their communities and have a long-term commitment to improving the lives of their tenants.
Case Study - Hastoe Housing Association, Regionwide Hastoe specialises in providing rental and shared ownership housing for rural communities. Working with parish councils and local authorities, Hastoe builds affordable homes which are of high quality, contribute to the architecture of the area, and meet the identified needs of local people. Hastoe homes are not only allocated to people with local connections in the short term, they are also subject to binding agreements which ensure they remain available to the community in the long-run, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the community. All new developments are designed around the outcomes of housing needs surveys.
11
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
HOUSING BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION The role of the local authority Councils administer and deliver housing and council tax benefit. Their aim is to get the right amount of benefit to the right people at the right time. Poor administration of benefits can have major implications for tenants and housing associations, in terms of rent arrears, unavailable finance and lack of cash flow.
How can housing associations help? As many housing association tenants are in receipt of housing benefit, staff are able to ensure that claims are punctual and accurate. Payments in bulk to housing associations create economies of scale for councils administering housing benefit. Some housing associations provide extra services to help vulnerable clients claim what they are entitled. Many employ support workers, who help with benefit claims, or specialist officers who promote financial inclusion, and work to increase benefit take-up.
Payments in bulk to housing associations create economies of scale for councils administering housing benefit. Some housing associations provide extra services to help vulnerable clients claim what they are entitled. Many employ support workers, who help with benefit claims, or specialist officers who promote financial inclusion, and work to increase benefit take-up.
12
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
SUPPORTING PEOPLE The role of the local authority Supporting People is a government-funded programme which helps vulnerable people to live independently in their own homes by offering a range of specialist services. Supporting People is administered by county or unitary authorities, in partnership with district councils, primary care trusts and probation departments, who all sit on the Commissioning Body. From 2009, these services are expected to be commissioned through the Local Agreement Area (LAA). Housing associations and the voluntary sector deliver about 70% of all Supporting People services including sheltered housing, hostels, community alarms, domestic violence refuges and and support to help people with learning disabilities to live independently. Government analysis has shown that all these services can deliver significant savings in health, social care and community safety budgets. Clarity on commissioning decisions and a dedication to consultation with service users and providers is seen as particularly important.
How can housing associations help? Housing associations are key service providers for a range of support solutions, and many exist solely to provide supported housing. Housing associations get involved with provider forums and maintain a dialogue with commissioning bodies to ensure good quality services. Housing associations are at the forefront of delivering value for money services to help people live independently.
Case Study - Southdown Housing Association, Sussex Southdown works with 1500 vulnerable people across East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Most tenants and those who use their services have mental health issues or learning difficulties. A small number have addiction problems, physical disabilities or were once homeless. Southdown provides a wide range of supported housing for 550 vulnerable people. Accommodation includes individual flats and bed-sits, all of which are either owned or leased by Southdown.
14
How can housing associations help? As landlords, housing associations are key stakeholders in interagency working and protection. Some also provide specialist accommodation and support such as women's refuges or homes for care leavers. Housing associations play a key role in tackling antisocial behaviour, using both support and enforcement as tools to improve lives and neighbourhoods. In addition, housing associations provide a range of services and activities for children, including youth clubs, sports sessions, social outings and crèche facilities.
Case Study - West Kent Housing Association West Kent Extra (WKE), the community development arm of West Kent Housing Association, runs a scheme aimed at keeping children in deprived areas out of trouble. The 8-12s Projects supports 350 children every year and is run in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council. It works with children aged between the ages of eight and 12, living in areas of need, who have been identified by teachers, social workers and others as needing extra provision. The scheme was introduced in response to concerns about the lack of provision for pre-teen children, who were thought to be at risk of copying the anti-social behaviour of older children in their neighbourhood. The projects offer low-cost weekly club sessions, workshops and excursions. There is strong emphasis on positive behaviour, with staff and children using the Charter of Rights (written by the children) to reinforce the rules. A 2006 evaluation, showed the scheme helped to improve the behaviour of the children who attended. WKE and West Kent have also worked together to support families during the summer holidays by offering free activities and play opportunities right on their doorstep.
17
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
KEY WORKERS
The role of the local authority It is the responsibility of councillors to ensure the delivery of a whole range of services, many of which are dependent on local skilled people living close to where they work.
How Housing Associations can help? Many local authority employees, such as teachers and fire service workers, qualify for assistance under the Government's Key Worker Living Initiatives. A range of accommodation is available and can be accessed through a single point of contact. All Homebuy agents are housing associations and they help key workers to find affordable accommodation near their workplace.
Homebuy Agents operating in the South East include: Hampshire - Homesinhants managed by Swaythling Housing. Telephone: 023 8062 8004 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homesinhants.co.uk Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire - Homebuy managed by Catalyst Housing. Telephone: 0845 601 7729 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homebuy.co.uk Kent, Sussex and Essex - Homebuy managed by Moat Housing. Telephone: 07002 662 846 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homebuy.co.uk Surrey - Homebuy managed by Thames Valley Housing. Telephone: 0845 600 6699 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homebuy.co.uk
19
SOUTH WEST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
USEFUL HOUSING CONTACTS National Housing Federation Telephone: 020 7067 1010 Web:www.housing.org.uk Web:www.inbiz.org.uk Housing Corporation Telephone: 0845 230 7000 Web:www.housingcorp.gov.uk South East Regional Assembly Telephone: 01483 555200 Web:www.southwest-ra.gov.uk South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Telephone: 01483 484200 Web:www.southwestrda.org.uk Shelter Telephone: 0845 458 4590 Web:www.shelter.org.uk Age Concern Telephone: 0800 00 99 66 Web:www.ageconcern.org.uk
Making a difference together Produced by the National Housing Federation, South. Written by Nick Foley. Tel: 0117 970 4641 Email: [email protected] Copyright: National Housing Federation. No part of this document may be copied without the express permission of the National Housing Federation.
South East
What they do, why they matter and how they can help local authorities tackle some of the region’s toughest challenges
TO RENT
FOR SALE SHARED IP OWNERSH
ips tnersh r a P
SOUTH EAST
Communities 360,000 HOMES
CONTENTS Introduction
3
A Quick Guide to housing associations
5
How housing associations help with - Homelessness - Waiting Lists - Private sector housing - Planning - Housing benefit administration - Supported people
7 8 9 10 12 14
Social services - Adults and Older people
16 18
Useful contacts
20
- Young people
THE COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE TO HOUSING
WELCOME
INTRODUCTION This booklet highlights how housing associations and local authorities are working together to transform neighbourhoods by providing not only high quality homes but also a huge range of services and specialist support tailored to local people's needs. It aims to encourage councillors to work closely with their local housing associations by outlining the enormous benefits such partnerships can bring to the communities where they operate. As this guide demonstrates, there are numerous ways in which housing associations can help local authorities to deliver their statutory responsibilities, and, in doing so, dramatically improve the lives of the local people they serve.
Housing associations and local authorities are working together to transform neighbourhoods by providing not only high quality homes but also a huge range of services and specialist support
The 300 housing associations working in the South East are also at the forefront of delivering the thousands of new affordable homes that the region desperately needs. The average house price in the South East is now over 12 times average earnings in the region and nearly 200,000 households are on the waiting list for an affordable home. This represents an increase of over 50% in five years. Housing associations - with the support of local councils - may be leading the battle to build more homes, but their relationship extends far beyond bricks and mortar. Throughout the region there are numerous examples of how housing associations have worked in partnership with local councils to find solutions to often complex problems and challenges - such as tackling homelessness and providing specialist support for elderly or vulnerable adults.
03
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS IN THE SOUTH EAST
A QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT THEY DO There are over 300 housing associations working in the South East usually in partnership with local councils. Together they provide 360,000 homes for 900,000 people throughout the region - over one in ten of the population. Most homes are provided for social rent, but housing associations also offer specialist housing to older and more vulnerable people, as well as low cost home ownership, key worker homes and homes for sale on the open market. Housing associations in the region invest millions of pounds annually on neighbourhood services, including: education, training, employment and local business start up initiatives; childcare, homework clubs and social outings; healthily eating classes, crime reduction and many other projects. They are not-for-profit, independent landlords, who reinvest surpluses into new housing and the neighbourhoods where they operate. Housing associations in the region spent over £250 million maintaining people's homes in 2007. Housing associations are an important economic player in many communities. They employ more than 15,750 people directly and many more indirectly through contracting and investing in local services. Housing associations in the South East provide 57,670 homes for older people and those with specialist support needs, a vital resource in a region where one in four of the population is aged over 60. Nearly nine out of ten housing association homes (89%) in the South East already meet the Decent Homes Standard, and all will meet the criteria by the Government's target date of 2010. Housing associations receive public money from the Housing Corporation or local authority for new developments. However, the majority of funding for new homes comes from the private sector, which enables associations to build more houses at lower cost to government.
05
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS IN THE SOUTH EAST
HOW HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS CAN HELP YOU? The following section will highlight how housing associations can help local authorities to deliver their statutory duties and tackle a range of often complex problems and challenges in their local community.
HOMELESSNESS The role of the local authority Unitary, District and Borough Councils have a legal responsibility to assess homeless applicants and to provide a formal strategy on how they intend to prevent homelessness in their area. They are required to temporarily house some applicants, and to find suitable accommodation for families or vulnerable individuals who are classified as non-intentionally homeless and in priority need.
How can housing associations help? Many housing associations provide contracted homelessness services, which offer help and assistance to homeless people searching for accommodation. Housing associations also arrange temporary accommodation, in places like hostels and private sector leasing schemes, for people who find themselves with nowhere to stay. In many instances, housing associations will be the majority provider of permanent housing to homeless households in the area and are often able to help with non-priority needs categories. Through supported housing, associations are also able to work with vulnerable people to prevent homelessness happening in the first place.
Case Study - Brighton Housing Trust BHT's mission is “combating homelessness, creating opportunities, promoting change” and it operates a range of services designed to help the homeless find accommodation, employment and lead independent lives. The charity also works to prevent homelessness by offering support and help to ensure people at risk of being evicted remain in their homes. It offers practical help with searching for accommodation, discusses housing options and runs legal advice centres in Brighton and Eastbourne. BHT Supported Housing services provide 316 supported housing units including a 52 bed hostel,
07
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
WAITING LISTS/CHOICE BASED LETTINGS The role of the local authority Regardless of whether a council owns any housing stock, it has a responsibility to maintain a housing register and to ensure homes are let to people who satisfy the criteria. The Government is encouraging all councils to let homes using Choice Based Lettings (CBL) by 2010. CBL allows social housing tenants to search for and apply for any homes they are suitably matched with. The scheme gives tenants more choice and control over where they live and has shown to reduce dissatisfaction.
How can housing associations help? Housing associations work jointly with councils and co-operate on choice-based lettings in most cases. On new homes which are built by housing associations, they usually accept 100% of nominations from local authorities.
CBL allows social housing tenants to search for and apply for any homes they are suitably matched with. The scheme gives tenants more choice and control over where they live and has shown to reduce dissatisfaction.
WANTED
09
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING The role of the local authority Councils assess the standards of housing in their area, including private sector homes, which should be surveyed every five years. Councils have the power to address disrepair and force owners or private landlords to carry out improvements on substandard homes, as well as having the authority to bring empty houses back into use. There is a new duty to license Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) and many councils work with private landlords to ensure there are good quality houses in their area. Councils also offer grants and loans to homeowners to improve the condition of their houses.
How can housing associations help? Housing associations can be useful partners in bringing empty homes into use and some run Home Improvement Agencies, which assist older or disabled people to access funding for home improvements and adaptations.
Case Study - Spelthorne Home Improvement AgencyStaines Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) exist all over the country, and are usually based within a local authority area. They help older or disabled homeowners and private tenants to live independently in their own homes, by offering free advice and support with carrying out improvements. HIAs are not profit making. Spelthorne HIA, which is part of the A2 Housing Group, guides its customers through their options, helps organise finance, as well as arranging and overseeing the building work. Often the costs can be paid for by a council grant. The HIA also helps customers access funds from charities and ensures they are claiming the benefits they're entitled to. It recommends a reputable builder for the work and can organise and supervise the job from start to finish, for a small fee.
10
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
PLANNING The role of the local authority Local authorities are responsible for maintaining a local plan, which sets out how future development and land uses will be guided and controlled. Within this, councillors also have to take into account the local affordable housing policy. Section 106 agreements place conditions on planning consents, forcing developers to make community contributions, such as providing a set percentage of affordable housing within any new build site. Significant numbers of affordable homes in the region are provided this way, which means if affordable housing is to be delivered, there must be an element of private housing on new developments. Housing and planning departments must work together to achieve the right mix of homes. Councillors should also recognise there is a desperate shortage of homes in the region when considering planning applications for new housing.
How can housing associations help? Associations want to build more affordable homes and, if involved early enough in the process, can help to improve build quality and to ensure there is the right mix of homes on new developments. They work hard to ensure essential new affordable housing is provided in rural areas by, for example, working with parish councils, to bring forward rural exception sites, which can help sustain the viability of villages. Associations care passionately about their communities and have a long-term commitment to improving the lives of their tenants.
Case Study - Hastoe Housing Association, Regionwide Hastoe specialises in providing rental and shared ownership housing for rural communities. Working with parish councils and local authorities, Hastoe builds affordable homes which are of high quality, contribute to the architecture of the area, and meet the identified needs of local people. Hastoe homes are not only allocated to people with local connections in the short term, they are also subject to binding agreements which ensure they remain available to the community in the long-run, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the community. All new developments are designed around the outcomes of housing needs surveys.
11
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
HOUSING BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION The role of the local authority Councils administer and deliver housing and council tax benefit. Their aim is to get the right amount of benefit to the right people at the right time. Poor administration of benefits can have major implications for tenants and housing associations, in terms of rent arrears, unavailable finance and lack of cash flow.
How can housing associations help? As many housing association tenants are in receipt of housing benefit, staff are able to ensure that claims are punctual and accurate. Payments in bulk to housing associations create economies of scale for councils administering housing benefit. Some housing associations provide extra services to help vulnerable clients claim what they are entitled. Many employ support workers, who help with benefit claims, or specialist officers who promote financial inclusion, and work to increase benefit take-up.
Payments in bulk to housing associations create economies of scale for councils administering housing benefit. Some housing associations provide extra services to help vulnerable clients claim what they are entitled. Many employ support workers, who help with benefit claims, or specialist officers who promote financial inclusion, and work to increase benefit take-up.
12
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
SUPPORTING PEOPLE The role of the local authority Supporting People is a government-funded programme which helps vulnerable people to live independently in their own homes by offering a range of specialist services. Supporting People is administered by county or unitary authorities, in partnership with district councils, primary care trusts and probation departments, who all sit on the Commissioning Body. From 2009, these services are expected to be commissioned through the Local Agreement Area (LAA). Housing associations and the voluntary sector deliver about 70% of all Supporting People services including sheltered housing, hostels, community alarms, domestic violence refuges and and support to help people with learning disabilities to live independently. Government analysis has shown that all these services can deliver significant savings in health, social care and community safety budgets. Clarity on commissioning decisions and a dedication to consultation with service users and providers is seen as particularly important.
How can housing associations help? Housing associations are key service providers for a range of support solutions, and many exist solely to provide supported housing. Housing associations get involved with provider forums and maintain a dialogue with commissioning bodies to ensure good quality services. Housing associations are at the forefront of delivering value for money services to help people live independently.
Case Study - Southdown Housing Association, Sussex Southdown works with 1500 vulnerable people across East and West Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Most tenants and those who use their services have mental health issues or learning difficulties. A small number have addiction problems, physical disabilities or were once homeless. Southdown provides a wide range of supported housing for 550 vulnerable people. Accommodation includes individual flats and bed-sits, all of which are either owned or leased by Southdown.
14
How can housing associations help? As landlords, housing associations are key stakeholders in interagency working and protection. Some also provide specialist accommodation and support such as women's refuges or homes for care leavers. Housing associations play a key role in tackling antisocial behaviour, using both support and enforcement as tools to improve lives and neighbourhoods. In addition, housing associations provide a range of services and activities for children, including youth clubs, sports sessions, social outings and crèche facilities.
Case Study - West Kent Housing Association West Kent Extra (WKE), the community development arm of West Kent Housing Association, runs a scheme aimed at keeping children in deprived areas out of trouble. The 8-12s Projects supports 350 children every year and is run in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council. It works with children aged between the ages of eight and 12, living in areas of need, who have been identified by teachers, social workers and others as needing extra provision. The scheme was introduced in response to concerns about the lack of provision for pre-teen children, who were thought to be at risk of copying the anti-social behaviour of older children in their neighbourhood. The projects offer low-cost weekly club sessions, workshops and excursions. There is strong emphasis on positive behaviour, with staff and children using the Charter of Rights (written by the children) to reinforce the rules. A 2006 evaluation, showed the scheme helped to improve the behaviour of the children who attended. WKE and West Kent have also worked together to support families during the summer holidays by offering free activities and play opportunities right on their doorstep.
17
SOUTH EAST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
KEY WORKERS
The role of the local authority It is the responsibility of councillors to ensure the delivery of a whole range of services, many of which are dependent on local skilled people living close to where they work.
How Housing Associations can help? Many local authority employees, such as teachers and fire service workers, qualify for assistance under the Government's Key Worker Living Initiatives. A range of accommodation is available and can be accessed through a single point of contact. All Homebuy agents are housing associations and they help key workers to find affordable accommodation near their workplace.
Homebuy Agents operating in the South East include: Hampshire - Homesinhants managed by Swaythling Housing. Telephone: 023 8062 8004 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homesinhants.co.uk Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire - Homebuy managed by Catalyst Housing. Telephone: 0845 601 7729 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homebuy.co.uk Kent, Sussex and Essex - Homebuy managed by Moat Housing. Telephone: 07002 662 846 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homebuy.co.uk Surrey - Homebuy managed by Thames Valley Housing. Telephone: 0845 600 6699 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homebuy.co.uk
19
SOUTH WEST COUNCILLOR’S GUIDE
USEFUL HOUSING CONTACTS National Housing Federation Telephone: 020 7067 1010 Web:www.housing.org.uk Web:www.inbiz.org.uk Housing Corporation Telephone: 0845 230 7000 Web:www.housingcorp.gov.uk South East Regional Assembly Telephone: 01483 555200 Web:www.southwest-ra.gov.uk South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Telephone: 01483 484200 Web:www.southwestrda.org.uk Shelter Telephone: 0845 458 4590 Web:www.shelter.org.uk Age Concern Telephone: 0800 00 99 66 Web:www.ageconcern.org.uk
Making a difference together Produced by the National Housing Federation, South. Written by Nick Foley. Tel: 0117 970 4641 Email: [email protected] Copyright: National Housing Federation. No part of this document may be copied without the express permission of the National Housing Federation.
