1. Aksa Homes’ Tenant Analysis
2 July 2013
Dr Alexander Roy
Head of Research, New Economy

2. Neighbourhoods Oldham North (Coldhurst) Oldham South (Werneth)
Oldham East (St Mary’s)
Manchester (Cheetham Hill)
Aksa Homes wanted to produce a ‘state of the nation’ report of their tenants to better understand their tenants.
New Economy was asked to compile and analyse data from previous surveys and Aksa’s central records in order to understand:
Demographics
Labour market profile
Tenants’ views of neighbourhoods
Demand for Aksa Services
Oldham North (Coldhurst)
-158 properties
Oldham East (St. Mary’s)
-176 properties
Oldham South (Werneth)
-150 properties
Bury (Redvales)
-61 properties
Manchester (Cheetham Hill)
-94 properties
Ashton-under-Lyne (St. Peter’s)
-36 properties
Ashton-under-Lyne (St Peter’s)

3. Profile
Aksa Homes are in neighbourhoods characterised by high levels of multiple deprivation ...
... but Aksa tenants’ have positive view of neighbourhoods

4. Demographics >80% from BME backgrounds:
79.4% Bangladeshi in Oldham North
Pakistani main group in other areas
Larger than average housing units due to large family sizes, esp. large nos. of children:
23% at risk of overcrowding (4x national average for social housing)
48% at risk of under-occupancy & benefit reductions
Particularly prevalent in Oldham North
42.6% of Aksa tenants aware of downsizing scheme

5. Strengths
Community spirit and neighbourliness highly rated amongst Aksa tenants
Local amenities also highly rated
28% of tenants want to be more involved in the community
Reluctance to move away from their neighbourhood:
84% would buy their home or one nearby if they could afford to
Aksa maintenance rated highly by over half (53%) of tenants
The research found Aksa tenants have generally positive views of their neighbourhoods:
Neighbourhoods scored high with tenants
Lowest score of 7.0/10 in Ashton-under-Lyne -- still a high score
27.7% of tenants want to be more involved in the community
Tenant panels
Gardening clubs
Reluctance to move away from area:
91.3% in Coldhurst would buy their house or one in the neighbourhood if they had the money

6. Concerns & Support
Access to jobs most significant obstacle faced by tenants
49% unemployed cf. 10% in Oldham & social renters as whole
Most popular support from Aksa around employability & finance plus training
Other issues incl. availability of targeted services & high-quality entertainment
e.g. for the elderly, childcare, youth facilities
Reflected in demand for assistance from Aksa in social activities & health issues
The research found Aksa tenants have generally positive views of their neighbourhoods:
Neighbourhoods scored high with tenants
Lowest score of 7.0/10 in Ashton-under-Lyne -- still a high score
27.7% of tenants want to be more involved in the community
Tenant panels
Gardening clubs
Reluctance to move away from area:
91.3% in Coldhurst would buy their house or one in the neighbourhood if they had the money

7. Conclusions Aksa tenants’ have positive view of their community
And loyalty to their neighbourhoods and Aksa
But these neighbourhoods face serious challenges around worklessness and financial security
Aksa’s tenant profile is associated with low levels of English usage
And suffers from both overcrowding and under-occupancy
Aksa working in partnership with stakeholders to provide targeted and sustained support and community investment
Further anonymous research into informal economic activity and benefit dependency may reveal useful further insights
The research found Aksa tenants have generally positive views of their neighbourhoods:
Neighbourhoods scored high with tenants
Lowest score of 7.0/10 in Ashton-under-Lyne -- still a high score
27.7% of tenants want to be more involved in the community
Tenant panels
Gardening clubs
Reluctance to move away from area:
91.3% in Coldhurst would buy their house or one in the neighbourhood if they had the money

8. Thank you Any questions? alex.roy@neweconomymanchester.com