Welfare Reform - The Impact on Housing
Dec 31, 2015
Introducing Kettering
93,800 people live here (+14% in ten years) We own and manage 3,800 homes More than 950 new homes were built by housing
associations between 2006/07 and 2010/11 Private rentals have increased from 6.4% of the
housing stock in 2001 to 24.3% today 2991 households are now registered on Keyways
Welfare Reform: The Emerging Picture
Shared accommodation rates for under 35’s – Affected 60 claimants – many are now struggling
Benefit cap – Could affect 50 households – take-up of one-to-one meetings is very, very low
Size criteria – Could affect 35% of working-age council tenants – 455 households
Non-dependent deductions – Higher levels of fraud? Localisation of Council Tax Benefit – Potentially , a
huge impact but little awareness among tenants
Welfare Reform: The Emerging Picture
Short term Raising awareness of welfare reform among tenants Staff training Logistical issues - IT, direct debits Need for more tenancy support Impact on rent arrears and homelessness Dealing with under-occupation - spending on voids Longer term Impact on the private rented sector Increase in HMOs - quantity and quality
London – only 55 minutes away!
We are monitoring closely
Impact on private sector rents
Impact on local support services
Action Plan
Focus on underoccupying council tenants
Identifying resources for more tenancy support
Working with HB to Identify vulnerable private tenants
Housing options interviews at first point of contact
Communication Strategy
Training and information for staff
Consulting stakeholders Information for tenants
and applicants Target individual
tenants Promote life skills
training
Dealing with Underoccupation
HomeMove Advice and practical support for tenants who want to downsize
Mutual Exchanges Advice and informationPromotion of House ExchangeIncentives for tenants
Lodgers
Life Skills Training Move On, Move In
Life skills training for young people
Life PlanHelping tenants with employment, education and training
Tenancy training houses For young people and rough sleepers