This week, the Government announced a series of proposals that will fundamentally reform social housing and the types of tenancies allocated to social housing tenants.
The proposals include a fixed two-year tenancy for new tenants and periodic assessments of a household’s changing circumstances to see if their housing requirements should change.
I agree with David Orr, Chief Executive, National Housing Federation, when he says that offering a two year fixed term tenancy might be the most suitable agreement to offer new tenants, but that Housing Associations should have the option to offer longer-term fixed contracts where appropriate.
In Irwell Valley’s experience, the financial circumstances of individuals and families in housing need do not change that dramatically over two years – especially in the current climate.
On top of that, moving people on where they have managed to improve their circumstances is not the solution to the demand for more social housing and will also impair the work we are all doing at Irwell Valley to create sustainable, economically vibrant and successful neighbourhoods.
The proposals are out for consultation and we will be contributing to that process in detail over the coming weeks.
You can
click here for a summary of what the reforms mean to you as a Social Housing Customer and find out more from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
On a lighter note. Our Christmas community festivities begin with a Christmas Lights Switch-on Party on the Sale Estates this Tuesday November 30 and everyone is invited. With winter weather on the way - warming drinks, mince pies and carol singing will take the edge off the freezing temperatures.
For a full list of festive events near you please
click here, or contact
Andrew White, Head of Supported Services on
0161 610 1000.
Hope to see you there!
Tom's Blog - What is fair about the Government's 'fairer future for social housing?'