Our Approach to New Tenancies Keith Bowman Accent Group

Who are Accent? Formally became one Association in 2016 Accent Nene Accent South Accent Yorkshire Accent North West Accent North East Formally became one Association in 2016 Over 21,500 homes owned and managed Over 35,000 residents Accent Group Ltd - Charlestown House Five regions

Our objectives Improving homes Improving communities and lives Delivering a personal, modern and better service

New tenancies – the cost 1,517 tenancies ended in 2015/16 Tenancy turnover – costs an average of £4,500 The business case for supporting new and existing tenants to sustain their tenancy is very strong However – the challenges are huge Cost is works, plus rent loss plus anything else. It doesn’t (for example) include the cost of eviction which can be an additional £3k.

The challenges? Welfare reforms: Vulnerabilities: LHA Cap Bedroom tax Universal Credit Vulnerabilities: Age Mental health Ability to manage Drugs/alcohol Financial inclusion – employment and training Making a house a home: Getting off to a good start Decorating Furnishing White goods Day to day: Getting food Affording heating Being connected Who is out there to help?

How does Accent respond? Tenancy Sustainability Service Pre and early tenancy assessment Starter Tenant Process Targeted referrals – young and those new to social housing General referrals – any resident any time And we have a budget!!!

Tenancy Sustainability Service 2.6 officers per region £12k allocation locally – we won’t spend it Referrals made by Housing Officers At risks tenancies identified All NOSP cases referred All tenancy termination notices referred

Tenancy Sustainability Service Budgeting Emergency support Pre tenancy assessment Tenancy management Benefits – checks and claims Making sure rent is paid Making a house a home Young guys need handholding Young women know how to make a home Beanbag X box Ashtray

Tenancy Sustainability Service Support a minimum of 100 customers throughout the year 95% of referrals engaged 95% supported tenancies sustained for 12 months 95% of supported tenants avoided eviction Turnover Q3 is 188 (7.3%) (308 in 2015-16) Terminations under 12 months is 10% (11% in 2015-16) Evictions YTD is 11 (15 in 2015-16) Average Void Days 11 (10.5 in 2015/16)

Pre-tenancy Assessment Housing Officer and Tenancy Support Officer jointly interview and then complete a risk assessment at the pre tenancy stage Outcomes Star completed Applicants have been declined – affordability and/or sustainability Pre tenancy training?

The Outcomes Star 1. Accommodation 1 2 3 4 5 8. Practical life skills 5. Independent 1 2 3 4 5 4. Getting there with support 8. Practical life skills 3. Trying to sort things out 2. Work and learning 2. Accepting help 1. Stuck 7. Money and rent 3. People and support The Outcomes Star 4. Health 6. Choices and behaviour 5. How you feel

Starter Tenancies Sign up Welcome visit 3 Month – TS Service 6 Month 9 Month – ready to promote the tenancy? 12 Month

Targeted referrals All NSPs All under 35’s All UC claimants All tenancy terminations All new social housing tenants Tenancies that Housing Officers identify as at risk.

Partnerships & Resources Making Money Count Credit Unions Local Assistance Schemes - CHARIS Charities – CAP, Vicar’s Relief Fund, PWA Building Better Opportunities Foodbank Carezone Budget – vouchers, goods People

So what? Q3 Information 321 referrals to TS Service 278 (87%) of residents engaged £6.5k spent Increased rent income Eviction savings

£100,000 for residents in 2016/17 so far So what? Mr X – backdated awards; reduction in outgoings 5 evictions prevented Rehousings ASB support Freeing up Housing Officers Safeguarding and referrals £100,000 for residents in 2016/17 so far

Questions? & Thank You