Department of Human Services Common housing register Introductory presentation to CHFV members Anne Congleton, A/Director, Policy & Strategy Branch Robb McGregor, Project manager, Housing Policy Unit Policy & Strategy Branch Housing & Community Building 11 March 2010

Common housing register Why What it is Range of models H&CB starting point Example of how it could work Next steps - the 3 stages

Benefits for clients Easier to know what is available to inform choice Easy access to all providers Only have to make one application Easy to maintain application across multiple providers and locations Better matches of person/family to housing

National housing reform agenda Housing Ministers have agreed to integrate public and community housing waiting lists by July 2011 unless otherwise agreed bilaterally.

What is a Common Housing Register Multiple providers come together A single application form Registration of applications on a common database All vacancies allocated off the database

Range of models Mandatory model: All subject to the one allocation policy Flexible model: Agreed common priority criteria supplemented with additional individual provider priority criteria where desirable. Open model: Central register of basic applicant details

H&CB starting point A common housing register (CHR) Flexible model Agreed common priority criteria supplemented with additional individual provider priority criteria if desirable. Applicants able to state their preferences for one or more providers Individual providers will allocate off the CHR in accordance with their priority practices

How it could work: The application Single application form Applicants indicate preferred providers Priority system still applies. Additional specific provider form where appropriate (local links)

How it could work: The register list Applicants listed by segment and application date order on single data base Additional segment introduced to cover those who fall outside of public housing income eligibility but are still eligible for Housing Associations Data base includes information from additional individual provider forms (local links)

How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Low Income H/Assoc eligible only Public housing Standard matching of vacancy to highest segment, earliest application date process 1 st Priority 2 nd Priority 3 rd Priority

How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Low Income H/Assoc eligible only Other providers access database to match vacancies to applicants

How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Low Income H/Assoc eligible only Housing Provider #1: Opts to allocate off the common housing register using public housing process 1st Priority 2nd Priority 3rd Priority

How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Low Income H/Assoc eligible only Housing Provider #2: Has additional priority criteria - Local area links - Age - Rental Housing Coops ? ? ?

How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Low Income H/Assoc eligible only Housing Provider #3: Allocates via nomination rights held by support agencies. Support providers advise Provider of the application number of client they wish to place in the vacancy ? ? ?

How it could work: Vacancy allocation Homeless Unsuitable Housing Low Income H/Assoc eligible only Housing Associations: 50% of allocations from here - As per OOH? - Own priority system? - Nomination rights? ? ? ? 50% of allocations from here

Next steps Stage 1 – Information provision Provision of information to housing agencies on the concept of a common housing register Determine structure and process to commence and progress consultation

Next steps Stage 2: Consultation to determine model Identify and agree on Principles guiding the model The model to be used Common application form design Design specifications for the model Administration arrangements Arrangements for implementation – all at once or staged ?

Next steps Stage 3: Development and implementation IT system design and set up Operational policies and procedures Forms, fact sheets and other applicant communication documents Communication with applicants Merging of community and public housing applicant information Staff training and transition to new system

Where to from here How do you want to be consulted over this initial information provision stage Advise us of what your preferred structure & process is to progress determination of a model (second stage)

Questions