Area of Work - Erewash€¦ · Web view · 2012-09-28Part of rents used to provide revenue funding for council, in exchange for land Put case for increased EBC Social Housing Grant

At April 2011

Erewash Housing Strategy 2011 – 16 Forward Plan 2011-12

This Forward Plan for the Housing Strategy outlines how we plan to deliver specific areas of housing services over the next one to two years.Clearly, there are many things which we have had to consider doing differently from before - due to cuts in finance and resources, changed partnership working, possible changes to legislation and regulation etc

We have outlined delivery under headings: What the objective is The particular area of work which will assist in delivering the objective Changed/possible changes which will affect delivery (including dates these changes will/may be implemented) Impact of these changes What options we now need to consider to deliver the objectives in light of the changes (including impact on other

objectives/joint working to meet objectives) What methods of delivery we know we will be using over the next 12 months Specific actions needed over the next 1 - 2 years (The main actions are highlighted in blue, and formulate the separate

Action Plan for the next year)

The Objectives are those outlined in the Housing Strategy.The Areas of Work generally reflect those outlined in Appendix E of the Housing Strategy, but these have been subject to some amendments made in March 2011.

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By Ref Area of Work What changes/possible changes

Impact Methods of delivery will be using over next 12 months

Other options to consider

Specific actions needed over next 1 – 2 years

TPPS

E.1 Understanding and responding to housing and housing-related needs

Restricted funding for research generally

Need to be selective about research

Commissioning and carrying out research which will impact on delivery

Continue with Disabled Housing

Needs Research – to be completed by end 2011.

Stock condition survey update to be completed 2011

Objective: Deliver affordable housing across the BoroughTP E.2 Deliver as much affordable

housing as possible to meet identified needs

Restricted HCA funding.

New “Affordable Rent” model

Drastic cuts in EBC Social Housing Grant

Fewer numbers of new affordable housing. HCA funded schemes and converted re-lets may not be genuinely affordable

S106 negotiations for genuinely affordable units without grant

Use of remaining EBC Social Housing Grant to encourage external

Work with Housing Association s to take a “wait and see” approach – even if this means no HCA

Advise of general “stance” on HCA funded “Affordable Rent” housing. By March 2011

Develop Tenancy Strategy to advise HAs on our broad objectives for

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Increased homelessness and people in debt

funding/best meet needs

HCA funding (but will be Affordable Rents

Use of agreed council land sites for affordable housing

funded new housing in the borough in the short term

“affordable” housing. Within 12 months of the Localism Bill being implemented.

Put case for increased EBC Social Housing Grant from 2012

TP E.3 Achieve the right mix, tenure and proportion of affordable housing on new developments – based on robust evidence of need

New “Affordable Rent” model

“Flexible Tenancies”

New Affordable rent model and flexible tenancies may not meet needs

Try to achieve mix based on existing evidence – counting “Affordable Rented” as “intermediate affordable housing

Accept “Affordable Rented” housing, as an adequate model to meet needs of those normally met through social rented housing

Re-do evidence of

Develop Tenancy Strategy to advise HAs on our broad objectives for “affordable” housing. Within 12 months of the Localism Bill being implemented.

Consider revising evidence base, with other local authorities

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need, to show need for social rented, affordable rented, shared ownership, other products etc

TP E.4 Use Council’s Capital funds and assets to meet needs and access external funding


Unlikely to allocate council-owned land for affordable in the near future

Reduced capacity to access external funding and meet needs.

Use of remaining EBC Social Housing Grant to encourage external funding/best meet needs

Use of agreed council land sites for affordable housing

Deferred payments system for council land being used for affordable housing

Part of rents used to provide revenue funding for council, in exchange

Put case for increased EBC Social Housing Grant from 2012

Put case for allocation of council land for affordable housing from 2012 onwards

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for landTP E.5 Work with external funders

to access funding to meet identified strategic priorities

See E2 & E4 above

TPPS

E.6 Encourage the use of empty or market properties for affordable housing


HCA proposals to fund Empty Properties Schemes

No Council funding to enable empty properties schemes as previously

Possible to get HCA funding for Empty Properties Affordable Housing schemes

Await details of HCA funding for Empty Properties

Work with Housing Associations to bid for HCA funding for Empty Properties when available

TP E.7 Use planning powers to increase the supply of affordable housing

Possible change to the overall “target” number of new homes to be delivered

Possible increase in opportunities to secure s106 units.

More time and

Robust s106 agreements

Use of Three Dragons model to assess viability

Reduction of threshold for affordable housing requirement

Agree timetable for revision of threshold for affordable housing, in accordance with the LDF. By December

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More challenges on grounds of viability

work to assess viability. Possible reduction in amount/tenure of affordable housing units secured on “unviable” sites

2012

TP E.8 Manage and maintain affordable housing(Housing Associations)

HAs “stock rationalisation”

“Flexible Tenancies”

Fewer HAs in the borough

Tenancies of e.g. 5 years – more turnover, review of situation; homelessness; re-lets available

HAs to advise of changes in management and maintenance

HAs to advise of changes in management and maintenance

Work together to collate information on management & maintenance arrangements, and role of Flexible Tenancies. To assist in the formulation of the Tenancy Strategy.

Objective: Increase the number of homes in the borough to provide choice and meet needsTPAR

E.9 Use local development plans to strategically plan and influence the development of housing.

LDF Core Strategy not be adopted until 2012.

Revision of development plans, planning policy

Continue to use existing saved policies and planning policy

None at present

Work with planning policy section to start to revise policies and planning policy

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documents will be delayed until 2012/2013 onwards

documents documents. By March 2013

Objective: Improve and renovate private housing sectorPS E.11 Make available grants to

improve and repair properties. Continue to bring properties up to Decent Homes and other standards

Withdrawal of central government funding and pressures on EBC funding

Possible withdrawal of all grant aid (not Disabled Facilities Grants)

Enforcement Equity Release

Partnerships with HAs to acquire substandard properties and re-house occupiers.

Design new service taking account of funding changes.

Identify potential partners to assist.

Monitor impact on housing standards and residents.

PS E.12 Offer advice and assistance on maintaining homes and accessing grants

See above re. grant aid

Provision of advice will be unaffected. In the absence of grant aid Equity Release may be an option. In cases of serious housing defects, enforcement will be considered

Equity Release.

Enforcement.

Working with partners

Set service standards and parameters.

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PS E.13 Regulate private rented sector housing via enforcement, licensing and inspection powers

Withdrawal of funding for Decent Homes Grants

Reduction of funding may mean that no grant aid can be given

Increase in the amount of enforcement action undertaken.

Using existing staff resources

Provision of access to equity release to allow owners to undertake their own maintenance etc.

PS E.14 Promote landlord accreditation schemes

Withdrawal of funding from partner organisations (i.e. DASH)

DASH will require funding from all participating authorities

Unknown at this time

Not determined

Actions will depend on final budgets

PS E.15 Deliver the Private Sector Housing Strategy

The Private Sector Housing Strategy will need to be re-drafted to take account of funding reductions

Likely change in emphasis away from grant aid

Various options currently under consideration

Not known Level of funding will need to be known before any decisions can be made. Various draft scenarios are being developed but which is adopted will depend on political decisions.

Objective: Improve the energy efficiency & reduce carbon emissions of homesPS E.16 Ensure all residents are

provided with access to clear energy and carbon emissions reduction advice

None predicted N/A Same as existing, i.e. direct contact via telephone, email or home visit. Attendance at fetes,

N/A N/A

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carnivals etc. Mail-outs, energy calendar etc.

PS E.17 Enable and encourage the provision of affordable warmth in private sector homes, through advice, grants, discounted measures and partnership initiatives

Introduction of Green Deal (2012).

Warm Front budget reduced

Unknown – full details of scheme yet to be published. Reduction in number of grants paid. Increased excess winter deaths.



Value of green deal will be evaluated once full details released

PS E.18 Raise awareness of fuel poverty, energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures

Introduction of Green Deal (2012).

Warm Front budget reduced

Unknown – full details of scheme yet to be published. Reduction in number of grants paid. Increased excess winter deaths.



Value of green deal will be evaluated once full details released

TPRS

E.19 Encourage new homes to be as energy efficient and “eco-friendly” as possible

Higher energy efficiency levels for affordable homes not likely

Fewer ways to influence

Encouragement by planners and strategic housing officers,

None

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to be adopted particularly regarding measures to reduce fuel bills

Objective: Tackle empty properties and bring them back into useTPPS

E.20 Encourage Empty Properties to be brought back into use for affordable housing

See E6 above

PS E.21 Make available grants to encourage bringing empty properties back into use

Reduction in funding from central govt and EBC to enable empty properties grants

Removes ‘grants’ as an incentive to owners

Concentration on dealing with issues created and liaison with planning colleagues re. use of 215 powers

Accessing alternative sources of funding

Establish more proactive system of managing empty homes.

Liaise with partners to identify possible alternative sources of funding.

PS E.22 Use appropriate legislation to tackle problems associated with empty properties

Reduction of available funding

Removes ‘grants’ as an incentive to owners

Little prospect of offering assistance to

Concentration on dealing with issues created and liaison with planning colleagues re. use of 215 powers

Accessing alternative sources of funding

Establish more proactive system of managing empty homes.

Liaise with partners to identify possible alternative sources of

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owners or taking action which requires the availability of capital

Enforcement of appropriate legislation to tackle the individual impacts of the property on the local environment

funding.

Objective: Address Rural Housing NeedsTP E.23 Work with partners to meet

identified Rural Affordable Housing Needs

Reduced HCA funding/no specific allocation for rural.

Affordable Rents and Flexible Tenancies

May not get rural housing schemes funded

Possible impact on affordability & sustainability

Working with Waterloo and EMHA towards delivering the affordable housing demonstrated as needed in the Rural Housing Needs Surveys(subject to funding)

Working with Waterloo and EMHA to identify other sources of funding, if no HCA funding.

None

TP E.24 Highlight and address issues for sustainable communities in rural areas

Neighbourhood Plans/”Localism”

Local people may have more say/influence in housing and facilities in their

Where issues highlighted through rural affordable housing development –

None Monitor possible effects/implementation of Localism Bill/Neighbourhood plans

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villages refer and work with appropriate colleagues/agencies

TPAR

E.25 Help deliver rural affordable housing through implementation of “rural exception” planning policies

Affordable Rents

Flexible Tenancies

Possibly these will not meet criteria in Planning Policy GB7 re definitions of “Affordable in perpetuity”

Work with Housing Associations to identify and develop appropriate rural exception sites for needs identified.

Identify likely rural exception sites through Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessments

None at present

Action through Rural Housing Group:Assess impact of Affordable rents and flexible tenancies on Planning Policy GB7

Objective: Address the housing needs of people with physical disabilitiesTPPS

E.26 Increase understanding and awareness raising of physical housing needs of people with

None n/a Continue with Disabled Housing Needs Study – to be carried out with

Complete Disabled Housing Needs Study by end December 2011

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physical/sensory disabilities, of all ages and tenures

14 other Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Local Authorities

TPPS

E.27 Consider and implement options for meeting these housing needs

None at present n/a As applicable dependent on findings and recommendations in the study

None

TPARRS

E.28 Encourage the building of properties to Lifetime Homes standards

Requirement for affordable and all new build properties to be to Lifetime Homes standard by 2011/2013, may not be implemented

Less opportunity to secure Lifetime Homes properties

Ensure as many as possible affordable properties which have EBC funding or land, are built to Lifetime Homes standard

None Assess impact and effectiveness of provision of Lifetime Homes

Objective: Tackle and prevent homelessnessSD E.29 Prevent Homelessness

through the provisions of good quality housing advice, appropriate support and access to homeless prevention initiatives

Increase in homeless grant funding.

Additional £10,000 CLG

Able to maintain same staffing levels in team.

Able to sustain schools

Some reduction in range of services to ensure in a position to deal with any increase in demand as economic

Monitor impact of economic situation on service.

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grant to fund youth projects

programme for a further year.

Provide mediation training in team.

Fund some pre-tenancy training.

situation worsens i.e. reduction in outreach, meetings attended

SDTP

E.30 Ensure good quality temporary accommodation is available where necessary

Potential increase in demand on service as economic situation worsens

Greater use of B&B as temporary acc.

Consider improving and extending existing leasing scheme to enable easier access to PRS.

Review of existing leasing scheme.

SD E.31 Enable and encourage people to access private rented accommodation

New guidance on use of DHP for other housing related costs including rent in advance, bond, removals etc.

Potential

Other options to enable access to PRS.

Work with Housing Benefits to agree use of DHP.

Work with Landlords or offer incentives to get one year

Use of DHP arrangements in place.

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change to legislation to allow discharge of homeless duty to PRS if one year tenancy.

tenancies.

SDTP

E.32 Ensure appropriate emergency and supported accommodation is available for vulnerable people

Possible cuts to Supporting People funding for supported accommodation

Closure/Reduction in supported accommodation available

No planned increases or developments

Monitor impact of possible Supporting People cuts

Review appropriateness of referrals to supported accommodation to make best use of resources

SDTP

E.33 Ensure timely move-on is available from supported and temporary accommodation

Reduction in funding and opportunities for new affordable accommodation

Increase in homelessness

Fewer affordable units for single people available for let/relet

No great impact

Continue to promote R2M form. Provide regular training on HO system.

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Potential loss of Derbyshire move-on post.

anticipated

SD E.34 Enable financial inclusion. Loss of DWP Financial Inclusion Champions Team.

Loss of pfeg working with school age children.

Loss of regional Illegal Money Lending Team.

Lack of funding leading to reduced capacity for free debt advice and all forms of FI

Greater numbers of the community experiencing serious debt issues, leading to repossessions and evictions.

Also clear links from this to affected physical and mental health due to stress.

Potential for financial education (capability) to significantly reduce for both

Continue to work with partners to secure funding for various FI initiatives.

continue to raise public awareness of all partners and agencies who can provide FI/money advice/support services.

Work with Financial Inclusion Derbyshire and all other partners to maximise FI resources and funding opportunities.

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activity from all appropriate agencies.

adults and children, leading to longer, ongoing money management/debt problems. Particularly a problem in light of the current economic climate, reduction in benefits, redundancies etc.

Increase in the activity of illegal money lending potentially causing homelessness due to fleeing violence and

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knock on effects on the local community, both social and economic.

Ensure Vulnerable People have access to suitable housing and supportTPSD

E.35 Ensure appropriate supported accommodation is available for vulnerable people to meet needs identified

See E32

TPSD

E.36 Ensure Floating Support is available for vulnerable people to meet needs identified

Increase in Floating Support Schemes over last 2 years

May be now sufficient Floating Support schemes to meet needs

Continue to support and monitor floating support schemes

None None

TP E.37 Ensure suitable provision of support and accommodation for high risk/high needs individuals

Possible/actual cuts in Supporting People funding

Existing supported accommodation providers unable to cope with needs

Unlikely to deliver new schemes over next 12 months

None Monitor need for more support and accommodation for high risk/high needs individuals

PS E.38 Private Sector Housing Withdrawal of Reduction or To be confirmed. Not known Strategy to be

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Strategy focussed to deliver assistance to vulnerable households

external funding for decent homes programme

termination of decent homes grant programme

One option being considered is Equity Release

revised once budget finalised.

PS E.39 Make available grants for disabled people to enable them to remain independent in their own homes

Possible reduction in funding

Increase proportion of budget spent on administration

To be confirmed once decisions on service delivery have been finalised

Final decisions on future service design will be made once budgets are finalised

TP E.40 Ensure provision of integrated services, equipment and devices, (MEDIQUIP/TELECARE)

Tessa to check with DCC and TVH

SD E.41 Enable financial inclusion See E34 above

Objective: Make Neighbourhoods SaferKT E.43 Ensure Landlords and

residents in all tenures have access to anti-social behaviour advice and support

Lack of staffing and funding could impact on availability of staff time

Availability of staff time would impact on ability to carry out action.

Various events and projects run at key times with key partners to promote services

Contained within Erewash Community Safety Partnership Plan 2011-2014

KT E.44 Widely disseminate information and raise public awareness on tackling anti-social behaviour and noise



Various events and projects run at key times with key partners to promote services


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nuisance to all residents.SDKT

E.45 Work with private landlords and Housing Associations to intervene at an early stage to try and prevent homelessness in cases of anti-social behaviour



Partnership working continued to be promoted to ensure consistent working practices.


KTPS

E.46 Provide advice and security measures for communities to reduce acquisitive crime, including supporting vulnerable people

Lack of staffing and funding could impact on availability of staff time and ability to purchase equipment

Residents would only receive advice on how to protect themselves and property and not necessarily any equipment.

Various events and projects run at key times with key partners


KT E.47 Provide appropriate support and response to reports or fears of crime and anti-social behaviour



Various events and projects run at key times with key partners


KT E.48 Work to reduce the incidence of burglaries in new buildings by influencing design through

Changes to LDF process and timing

May not be a separate Supplementary Planning

Encourage through planning and pre-application discussions

Consider whether can do a Supplementary Planning Document

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the LDF and development control process

Document re Design Include broad

encouragement in the LDF

Objective: Provide and sustain employment and training opportunities through housing projects

TP E.49 Encourage and monitor the use of local suppliers and companies in delivering housing and housing related services

None None In Council & housing partners contracts and sub-contracts, conditions re use of local suppliers etc.

TP E.50 Work with housing partners to employ local staff and to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities

Cuts in funding for Council and Housing Partners

Less opportunity for employing new staff and training & apprenticeship opportunities

In Council & housing partners contracts and sub-contracts, conditions re use employment and training of local people.

Implement affordable housing partners training scheme

TP E.51 Prioritise housing and regeneration developments which will sustain local employment and businesses

Cuts in funding and opportunities for housing and

Other priorities may take precedent

Where possible, prioritise in council and housing partners

None None

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regeneration developments

developments.

Objective: Support wider plans to create sustainable communities through Housing and Regeneration initiatives

TPPSSD

E.52 Ensuring housing and regeneration initiatives contribute positively to health, employment, education, economic development, social inclusion and transport issues

Structural and funding changes to partner organisations in health, employment, education, economic development etc

Possible disruption to partnership working for a while

Consider health, employment, education, economic development, social inclusion and transport issues on all housing developments.Work in partnership, where possible, to deliver holistically

None

Objective: Provide a mix of housing tenures, types and sizes in order to create mixed and balanced communities

TPSDPS

E.53 Provide robust evidence and understanding of housing tenures, types and sizes required to meet the needs of communities

None n/a Continue with Older People Research & Disabled Housing Needs Research.

Assess whether/when evidence to be updated

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Use existing evidence from Dwelling Size, Housing Needs, Housing Market Area, Rural Housing Needs, Private sector housing research/studies

TPSDPS

E.54 Avoid “ghettos” of specific tenure, types and sizes of property in one area

None n/a Pepperpotting of affordable housing on s106 sites

Work with planners to develop larger mixed community sites

None None

The Forward Plan will be reviewed by June 2012

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Abbreviations used

B & B Bed and Breakfast Accommodation EBC Erewash Borough Council pfeg Personal Finance Education Group

CLG (Dept of) Communities and Local Government

FI Financial Inclusion PRS Private rented sector

DASH Decent and Safe Homes HA (s)

Housing Association (s) R2M

Ready to Move form

DCC Derbyshire County Council HCA Homes and Communities Agency

S106

Section 106 – (planning agreement)

DHP Discretionary Housing Payment HO Housing Options TVH

Three Valleys Housing

DWP Department of Works and Pensions LDF Local Development Framework

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Documents

Area of Work - Erewash€¦ · Web view · 2012-09-28Part of rents used to provide revenue funding for council, in exchange for land Put case for increased EBC Social Housing Grant