Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | Social sector size criteria Supporting tenants who want to move

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 2 This session: Highlights the scope for information sharing with HB teams Considers the housing options for tenants who want to move Offers examples of what others are doing

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | Sharing information

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 4 Sharing information (1) Key part of preparing for the size criteria Landlords need to know which tenants are affected HB teams need to make accurate assessments – number in household, ages and bedrooms But a mixed picture Some keen to help – others less so IT issues – so some delays

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 5 Sharing information (2) Powers are permissive Sections 131 to 133 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc) Regulations 2012 DWP Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit circular HB/CTB A5/2012 (July 2012)HB/CTB A5/2012 Regulation 6: purposes for which relevant information may be held Regulation 9: how it may be used

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 6 Sharing information (3) Win-win situation Landlords have correct information Tenants receive appropriate support and advice HB teams make accurate assessments…and so dont lose subsidy South East London Partnership has developed a simple framework

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | Moving on

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 8 Moving on Anecdotally, 30-35% of tenants affected by the size criteria are indicating that they want/need to move… …likely to increase post-April 2013 Unlikely to be able to move everyone Tenants may need support through the process

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 9 Housing options Mutual exchange – same/other landlord Transfer to a smaller property - same/ different landlord Privately rent

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 10 Things to think about (1) Open and honest discussions with tenants No pressure - its their personal choice Explain pros and cons How much help and support will/can you give? Removal costs? Handyperson support to settle in? Dedicated post? Balance cost of this against cost of increased rent arrears

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 11 Things to think about (2) Review your lettings strategy/policy and nominations agreements Priority for under-occupation and unaffordability Flexibility on transfers with rent arrears? Do they permit under-occupation at lettings stage? Review local lettings policies Work with partner providers to offer an enhanced mutual exchange scheme Proactive matching Matching events House Doctoring Flexibility on arrears?

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 12 Things to think about (3) Shared tenancies Consider safeguarding and risk assessment Strengthen links with the private rented sector New housing developments Increased focus on smaller units? Work with partner providers You cant solve this on your own

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | Recent policy developments

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 14 Flexible tenancies Localism Act 2011 Local tenancy strategy should explain use 12 month introductory followed by 2-5 years flexible tenancy (need good reason if <5) Broadly same rights including right to exchange Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for HAs Existing secure/assured tenants retain that status if they transfer/exchange Some drawbacks - but can help to make best use of stock

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 15 Affordable rents Aims to raise money needed to develop new homes Calculated at up to 80% of local market rent Flexible, fixed-term 2-5 year tenancy - followed by assessment of need Size criteria shortfall will be larger – so may need to target them for help/support? May not be able to exchange (depending on tenancy agreement)

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | Learning from others

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 17 Learning from others (1) L Partnership working West Midlands Best Use of Stock partnership Merseysides Property Pool Plus:

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 18 Housing options Salford Council: speed-dating to match under- occupiers with overcrowded households; increased publicity; displays in supermarkets Stockport Homes: offering two single people the chance of a joint tenancy Learning from others (2)

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 19 Housing options Wigan CAB/ Wigan Council: Wigan Housing Solutions – managing agent for private landlords Eastlands Homes: under-occupation project officer supported by handyperson service to develop options and support people to move Learning from others (3)

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 20 Build effective relationships with HB teams Make sure tenants understand how they are affected and what their options are Work with your partners/other providers to develop appropriate solutions Key messages

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 21 Need help/ advice? Free CIH Making it Fit guide Practice note on information sharing (coming soon!) Contact the Making Best Use of Stock Team T:

Learn with us. Improve with us. Influence with us | 22 Thank you for listening! Over to you…