Report Reinforces ‘Significant Impact’ Of Universal Credit On Landlords

A new report reinforces the difficulties social landlords are still facing from the roll-out of Universal Credit (UC). The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) report Impact of Universal Credit – The Frontline Perspective summarises a year-long study of UC, highlighting the experiences of 85 of its member organisations and their tenants across the North. Key concerns that have emerged include the following:

·         95% of participants reported that their tenants were having difficulty in meeting housing costs.

·         There is a significant impact on landlords, with 92% reporting staff were spending more time supporting people through the UC process than the Housing Benefit process.

·         Communication problems between participants (and their tenants) and the DWP

Download the report from the NHC website.

Tenants Terminating Tenancies As Universal Credit Rolls Out

A new survey shows almost all of the responding organisations are having to step in and assist tenants with the cost of living as Universal Credit (UC) rolls out. The survey also exposes the extent of tenants terminated their own tenancies as a direct as a direct result of UC. These findings feature in the latest UC impact report released by the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC). This report is the third in a planned series of four and builds on the findings of the first two, covering the period March-July. The research investigates how the implementation and continuing rollout of UC is affecting housing organisations in the north.  Read more on the NHC website.

CLG Committee Extends Deadline for Evidence

A high-profile committee of MPs investigating the financial viability of housing associations will be flexible over its deadline for evidence, after complaints over timing and “complex” terms of reference. A number of housing associations were unable to meet the CLG Committee deadline of 28 August, prompting Clive Betts, the committee’s chair, to confirm late submissions will be accepted. The inquiry was launched by Labour MP Mr Betts on 29 July to examine the impact of government policies including the Right to Buy, reduced social rents and welfare reform. The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) said it was not making a submission after a call to more than 100 of its housing association members yielded interest from just one respondent. Read more on Inside Housing.

Consortium Launches Tenants' Discount Site

More than 80 housing providers across the north of England have signed up to support a new scheme offering social housing residents discounts on household goods.  The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) launched the Smarterbuys website on Monday 16 April as an alternative to high-interest high street lending and loan sharks.  The site will offer tenants of the organisations that have signed discounts of up to 50 per cent on white goods and furniture, and will direct shoppers to seek credit from local credit unions.  The Northern Housing Consortium, the organisation launching Smarterbuys is a not for profit organisation.  The website whilst initially promoted within the social housing sector, is inclusive to all so private rented tenants will also be able to access the site.  Find full details on the NHC website.

New Homes Bonus Will 'Send Money South'

An incentive for councils to complete more new homes looks almost certain to take money away from authorities in the north and redistribute it to southern counterparts, which in general are in less need of such a helping hand. The New Homes Bonus offers similar incentives across the country; and it draws its 'bonus' from the overall local government spending pot; the sort of redistribution of existing public money which became familiar with assorted 'new' initiatives under Labour. The issue is highlighted by the Northern Housing Consortium which calculates that a north-south transfer of such funds could be as high as £101 million over the next three years. Newcastle faces a net loss of over £5 million and its neighbour Gateshead £4.4 million. The latter's income from NHB in the first year is a mere £68,283 according to the government's own calculator on the New Homes Bonus website which gives an indication of the mismatch, especially when London politicians such as Labour's Jack Dromey are arguing that the bonus isn't enough to encourage the scale of new housing the capital needs. Westminster, by contrast, is getting £1,638,472. Read more on the Guardian website.

Public Split over New Homes Bonus

A £1 billion scheme to encourage councils to build new homes will not sway the majority of people, a survey has revealed. The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) questioned 4,000 people across the UK about the government’s new homes bonus. The bonus, which started in April, matches the council tax for any new home, or any empty property brought back into the use, for the first six years. It is intended to tackle ‘nimbyism’ by providing communities with an incentive to support development. The NHC survey found that more than half the people questioned thought the scheme would not make them more likely to support affordable housing developments. Read more on the NHC website.