Click here to skip to content

Welfare Reform on the Web (July 2001): Social Housing - UK

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN!

M. Temple

Axis, Apr./May 2001, p.16-17

Describes the process involved in the transfer of Coventry City housing stock to Whitefriars Housing Group.

HIT, MISS OR MAYBE?

J. Blake

Roof, May/June 2001, p.19-21

Summarises the Labour government's record on housing reform. New Labour has invested in repairs and maintenance of existing social housing stock rather than in new building. It has continued the process of transfer of council housing stock to housing associations and has improved housing management through the best value regime. It has strengthened the rights of homeless people through the Homes Bill but has failed to sort out the chaotic Housing Benefit system.

HOMES AND COMMUNITIES: PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT GOVERNMENT

Chartered Institute of Housing

London: 2001

Calls for the introduction of licensing of houses in multiple occupation, strengthening of the local authority strategic role, and creation of a single form of tenancy for social housing. Other issues which need to be addressed include:

  • provision of more affordable housing in rural areas;
  • more help for owner occupiers on low incomes;
  • revival of the private rented sector;
  • reform of Housing Benefit.

MISSING PIECES

S. Wilcox

Roof, May/June 2001, p.22-24

Sets out the key features of the new rent policy for social housing. Council rents are set to rise at the rate of retail price inflation plus 1%, while RSL rents are to rise at the rate of RPI plus ½% earnings and 30% capital values formula. The earnings element of the formula is varied in relation to the size of the home while the capital values element is to be based on landlords' own valuations set at 1999 levels.

STAR MAN

E. Hawkey

Housing, Apr. 2001, p.21-23

Reports on interview with Roy Irwin, Head of the new Housing Inspectorate. He defends his organisation against accusations of overly hard marking in that they have not awarded any of the 20 councils inspected so far an excellent rating. This is due to the fact that standards have not yet been clearly defined and are still emerging.

STOCK RESPONSE

J. Bennett

Roof, May/June 2001, p.10-11

As more council housing in England is transferred to housing associations, there are concerns that some applicants are being denied access to affordable housing due to the Associations' restrictive lettings policies.

TENANTS EXTRA

L. Eaton

Health Service Journal, vol.111, Apr. 26th 2001, p.14-15

Trusts are closing their residential accommodation and evicting doctors and nurses, or transferring it to private housing associations, because they cannot afford to repair and maintain it.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

E. Hawkey

Housing, Apr. 2001, p.24-27

Reports on what a housing inspection is like from the point of view of both the inspectors and the local authority.