Western Bay RCC Development Day 24th May 2016 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) David Tovey Supported Housing Strategic Manager

LHA Rates Shared B – £55.23 N - £51.02 S - £57.34 1 Bed B – £80.56 N - £79.78 S - £92.97 2 Bed B – £103.56 N- £91.81 S - £105.94 3 Bed B – £115.06 N - £101.11 S - £115.07

LHA Cap A reaction to an increase in social sector rents A maximum level of HB assistance to be applied to all new HA tenancies from 1st April 2016 For Supported Housing it will be applied to all new tenancies from 1st April 2017 Will take effect from 1st April 2018 Will apply to the net core rent plus Universal Credit eligible service charge Based on lowest 30percentile of rents in private rented market

Shared Rate This will apply to all those aged 35 and under irrespective of the size of the property Around 80% of people in this age category change their housing over a 2 year period 1 bed rent/service charge in Swansea £90.14 pw which is £32.80 above the LHA rate of £57.34

Supported Housing No definition exists in Wales at present Opportunity for us to shape it It’s about people and not bricks and mortar Potential for supported housing to be expanded and alleviate the impact of LHA Future funding devolved?

Exempt & Specified Accommodation Allows increased levels of HB to meet additional needs of tenants who need care, support & supervision Allows a wider range of accommodation related services through Intensive Housing Management Funded by HB which can be fully reclaimed by LA’s from the DWP Can subsidise wider costs of services

Intensive Housing Management (IHM) Allows prevention work instead of emergency intervention Available to non social housing sector Its about people and not properties Investment in Tenancy (Community) Sustainment DWP estimates the total amount of HB paid to supported housing across UK is £2-8bn pa

Intensive Housing Management (IHM) General needs housing management more intensively applied Additional housing management tasks that reflect the additional needs of tenants with the objective of maintaining & developing independence in relation to accommodation LA’s can pay enhanced HB claims to meet these additional needs Fully reclaimable via annual subsidy claims Investment in prevention

Intensive Housing Management (IHM) Ensuring rent is paid regularly and on time Explaining tenancy agreement Organising inspections of tenant’s properties Offering advice and guidance about property standards Accessing other support providers Liaising with relevant agencies Assisting to reduce rent arrears Dealing with nuisance issues Assisting to use equipment safely Advice and facilitating a move to alternative accommodation

Contact Details & any ?'s www.coastalhousing.co.uk david.tovey@coastalhousing.co.uk 01792 619310 07794214525