Archives for October 2008
Housing associations take part in skill pilot schemes
A number of housing associations have signed up to a new project which will run pilot schemes to help any people into employment.
In particular, individuals with housing, childcare or financial issues will be aided.
Set out by skills secretary John Denham, the scheme will provide people with practical advice on training and learning in order to help them achieve development into the workplace.
The Adult Advancement and Careers Service will also examine the partnerships between housing associations, charities, primary care trusts, local authorities and citizen’’s advice groups.
Mr Denham said: "Services must come together and work in new ways to make sure people seeking advice are seen as individuals, that all their particular needs are fully understood and that advice is provided."
Such news could be of interest to those with jobs in housing.
Meanwhile, Homes for Islington has been praised for a training initiative which advises staff on how to handle aggressive individuals.
At the recent National Training Awards the housing body won the London Regional Award for its work.
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Scottish government overhauls planning process
The Scottish government has taken steps to revolutionise the planning system in the country, it has been revealed.
Moves by officials, which were developed alongside numerous councils and local organisations, have been carried out in a bid to make the development of homes a quicker and simpler process to put into place.
Now, planning authorities will produce development guidelines every five years guiding developers. Meanwhile, a number of local forums will be created to inspect the quality of planning services.
John Swinney, finance secretary, said: "Planning reform needs to help, not hinder, the economy, especially in the current climate.
"In government we will be less prescriptive in setting planning policy centrally and will let local circumstances drive local decisions and innovation."
Such news could be of interest to searching for a career in planning.
Last month, the National House Building Council reported that applications to build social housing developments increased by some eight per cent between June and August compared to the same period of time in 2007.
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Housing associations ”outperforming private sector at property building”
Those working for housing associations are looking to build an increasing number of homes, it has been revealed.
In research carried out by the National House Building Council (NHBC) it was shown that applications from such bodies had risen by some five per cent in the three-month period leading up to the end of September.
During this space of time, it was indicated that housing associations had submitted some 9,827 applications to build homes, an increase from the 9,374 noted in the equivalent period of time last year.
However, overall applications to build homes in the three months ending in September were shown to have fallen to 23,185, with the decline largely attributed to the private building sector.
Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the NHBC, said: "Our latest figures show that the downturn is continuing to have a severe impact on the output of new homes."
Such news might be of interest to those seeking housing jobs.
Earlier this month, a £13 million initiative was unveiled which will see the Housing Corporation, the Sanctuary Group and Bloor Homes purchase unsold private homes to use as affordable housing.
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Housing Corp monitoring financial situation of housing associations
As the economic crisis rumbles on, the Housing Corporation has announced that it is to monitor a number of housing associations, it has been revealed.
Steve Douglas, chief executive of the corporation, reported it is to keep a "close eye" on the several bodies struggling to keep their head above water during the credit crunch, Inside Housing reports.
He said: "It is due to the economic downturn and a combination of things. It is about exposure in terms of for-sale property and it is about availability of credit and liquidity."
Mr Douglas added that the Housing Corporation has plans in place which should a housing association fail will see a number of other organisations be ready to step in to and provide it with financial assistance.
It was also reported that those landlords concerned about their ability to continue with business should get in touch with the Housing Corporation as soon as possible.
Earlier this week, Mr Douglas – along with Paul Coen, chief executive of the Local Government Association – claimed it is crucial housing associations and local councils continue to work closely with one another in order to make sure affordable homes are built.
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HFI praised for staff training scheme
Homes for Islington (HFI) has been commended for one of its training initiatives, it has been revealed.
The scheme – which advised its members of staff on how to handle customers who are violent or aggressive – saw the housing body win the London Regional Award at the National Training Awards.
It was reported that the initiative had not only given a boost to staff confidence and morale but made them more aware of safety.
David Selo, director of resources for HFI, said: "This training has been enormously important in helping those staff who have to deal with the public on a day-to-day basis and tackles a problem faced by many public bodies."
Such news may be of interest those seeking jobs on housing.
Delivered by in-house HFI staff, the training is mandatory for all frontline workers.
Last month, the Audit Commission claimed that HFI is providing an "excellent" services to its tenants, giving it a three-star rating.
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Housing associations and councils ‘’should continue partnerships”
Despite the persisting economic downturn it is important that those with jobs in housing take steps to continue to work with one another closely, it has been reported.
In a joint letter to housing associations, Steve Douglas, the chief executive of the Housing Corporation and Paul Coen, chief executive of the Local Government Association, claimed that housing associations must carry on to forge strong links with local authorities to help ensure that sufficient levels of affordable homes are built.
Mr Douglas pointed out that that in spite of the difficulties being experienced in the housing market the corporation is set to meet its housebuilding targets for 2008-09, estimating it will deliver 47,650 new properties.
However, he claimed that "this will not be achievable without continued close working relationships at a local level between local authorities, housing associations and the Housing Corporation regional offices".
It was also stated that it is more important than ever for housing associations and councils to adopt flexible working practices.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Local Government Association recently claimed that as the housing market slows down councils and housing associations in the region should be given more money for property development and regeneration schemes.
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New scheme sees affordable homes freed up
A multimillion pound plan aimed at improving the amount of affordable homes in Britain has been announced, it has been revealed.
Following an agreement between the Housing Corporation, the Sanctuary Group and Bloor Home, the government has unveiled a scheme in which unsold homes can be bought off the property market and be used as affordable housing.
Under the first scheme to be approved by the government’’s National Clearing House department, some 335 affordable homes are to be made available, largely on a social rent basis.
Such news might be of interest to those with housing jobs.
Overall, the deal is worth £13 million.
Margaret Beckett, housing minister, said: "This deal will help deliver much needed affordable homes whilst also supporting house builders facing difficult times."
David Bennett, chief executive of the Sanctuary Group, added that the current financial climate means it is important for housing associations to be creative in increasing the provision of affordable homes.
Earlier this month, Robert Napier, chair of English Partnerships, claimed that the public sector needs more assistance to buy land on which to build properties.
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Housing sector set for skills investment
A multimillion pound investment is to be made into those with housing jobs, it has been revealed.
Moves by the government will see it train about 40,000 people in the housing, property, facilities management, cleaning and parking sectors during the next three years.
Overall, an investment of £69 million is to be made.
The funds will be channelled through Asset Skills – the skills umbrella organisation which covers housing – and will not only see existing workers be trained on increasing their skills and qualifications but will also look to attract new recruits.
Skills minister Lord Young said: "Industries such as [...] housing and facilities management make an important and valued contribution to our national life."
Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Housing recently unveiled details of a £480,000 scheme aimed at helping those with disabilities to get jobs within the housing industry.
The initiative will see some 120 adults assisted with finding work at housing organisations during the next five years.
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TSA ”looks to create equal playing field”
The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) has unveiled details of its plans to work with those working in housing, it has been revealed.
From December, the TSA, which will replace the Housing Corporation, is to enter an informal consultation period with tenants and providers – including Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs), local authorities and housing associations – to discuss its new regulation framework.
Peter Marsh, chief executive of the tenant services authority, said: "Our aim is to create a level playing field, developing a new standards framework which will apply equally to all housing providers who own or manage stock – whether ALMOs, local authorities or housing associations."
With the consultation period lasting for about eight months, the Department of Communities and Local Government is set to implement statutory orders in summer 2009.
Initially, the TSA will use the corporation’’s current powers to regulate associations; however, it will eventually become a domain-wide regulator of housing providers and will have the power to issue improvement and enforcement notices, carry out inspections and contest the management of properties.
Last month, the Housing Corporation unveiled plans for its 2008 assessment into the financial viability of housing associations.
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West Midlands housing association ”commended for sustainability”
A housing association has been praised for its commitment to the environment, it has been revealed.
Operating in Birmingham and the Black Country, Accord has been shortlisted for two prizes at the Sustainable Housing Awards 2008 – including sustainable social landlord of the year.
Meanwhile, Alan Yates, director of regeneration for Accord, is in the run-in to be named green champion of the year.
Paul Di Mambro, head of environment and sustainability for Accord, said: "We are striving to be the greenest housing association in the UK."
Winners of the event are due to be announced at a London awards ceremony next month.
Ted Stevens, organiser of the awards and events director for Inside Housing, added that Britain is "leading the way" in terms of providing sustainable housing.
Such news may be of interest to those looking for jobs in housing.
Earlier this year, LHA-ASRA revealed that it had been given approval by North East Derbyshire council to build an eco-friendly housing project in Derbyshire.
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