Council Trials Free Internet For Social Housing Tenants

Social housing tenants at two Leeds tower blocks have been connected to free broadband as part of efforts to combat digital exclusion. The initiative is part of the council’s 100% Digital Leeds programme aimed at improving digital inclusion and bringing positive outcomes including financial savings, reduced isolation, better employment prospects and improved health and wellbeing. The council estimates 25 per cent of its 57,000 social housing residences don’t have permanent access to the internet. With those wishing to claim Universal Credit unable to do so without being online, the council is making it a priority to help get its residents connected. Read more on the Yorkshire Evening Post website.

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Social Landlords Stepping In To Help Computer-Illiterate Residents

When a survey by Halton Housing Trust found that 1,200 of its residents had no internet access, it decided to remedy the situation. Partnering with phone company O2, the trust launched a two-year project called Open Digital to provide 400 residents with tablet computers and broadband.  As part of the project, Halton provided relevant apps and technical support, enabling residents to make claims and carry out job searches from their own home. Halton has seen other benefits emerge from digital inclusion: previously isolated residents are using Skype and social media to stay in touch with family, while the ability to access information and services online has resulted in a drop in the number of phone call enquiries. Read more on the Guardian website.

Tablet-Equipped Tenants to Be Denied Phone Access to Landlord

A proposed scheme to help tenants access services online would prevent them from requesting services from their landlord by phone.  Halton Housing Trust will at the end of the month distribute 250 devices to tenants as part of a seven-month pilot to get more tenants online and prepare for the introduction of universal credit. Tenants who are issued with the tablets will sign up to the trust’s ‘Digital Deal’ under which they will be trained to use the device and be expected to interact with their landlord through digital means only. Following the pilot it is proposed that tenants will be refused access to their landlord’s non-digital services. The tablets will come installed with an app that enables tenants to pay rent, book repairs and report anti-social behaviour online. The 6,400-home landlord will pay the cost of internet access. Read more on Inside Housing.

Fears Universal Credit Will Leave Tenants Struggling

There are fresh concerns that people on low incomes will struggle to access the digital service for Universal Credit, according to new research from the National Housing Federation. According to a new survey of working age social housing tenants affected by the welfare reforms conducted by Ipsos MORI:

·         Four in ten (40%) affected by welfare reforms don’t have internet access, and a further 30% say they would not be confident making a benefit application online

·         Nine in ten (92%) would prefer benefits to be paid direct to their landlord rather than their own accounts

·         Two thirds (68%) of those who manage money on a short term basis are not confident  budgeting monthly

A full report based on the findings of the survey is due for publication in May. Read more on the NHF website.

Social Landlord's Survey Reveals Tenants' Issues

One of England's biggest social landlords has revealed the results of a tenant survey that was designed to find out about the issues affecting residents' lives. Affinity Sutton says its findings offer key insights into the challenges tenants are facing. The report reveals that:

·         Internet access amongst tenants has increased from 69% in 2012 to 74% in 2013, still below the national figure of 83%.

·         72% of those in receipt of benefits (other than pensions) were unaware of the introduction of universal credit in 2012. In 2013 the figure fell to 38%.

·         43% of tenants used prepayment meters to pay for energy, the most expensive way to pay for energy, compared to 14% and 16% UK-wide for gas and electricity respectively.

Read more on 24dash.

Social Landlord's Survey Reveals Tenants' Issues

One of England's biggest social landlords has revealed the results of a tenant survey that was designed to find out about the issues affecting residents' lives. Affinity Sutton says its findings offer key insights into the challenges tenants are facing. The report reveals that:

·         Internet access amongst tenants has increased from 69% in 2012 to 74% in 2013, still below the national figure of 83%.

·         72% of those in receipt of benefits (other than pensions) were unaware of the introduction of universal credit in 2012. In 2013 the figure fell to 38%.

·         43% of tenants used prepayment meters to pay for energy, the most expensive way to pay for energy, compared to 14% and 16% UK-wide for gas and electricity respectively.

Read more on 24dash.

Information about Universal Credit Available Via Red Button on TV Remote Control

Millions of people who do not have internet access in their homes can now find information about Universal Credit (UC) and finding work by hitting the red button on their TV remote control. The new Universal Credit information channels have now seen more than 30,000 hits since they were launched at the end of October, according to digital content provider Looking Local. The new services, by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with Looking Local, have been designed to give the 7 million adults who do not have home internet, access to important information about the new benefit. Read more on the GovUK website.

Tenants without Access to Internet 'Don’t Care'

A significant number of social housing tenants have no interest in accessing the internet, according to new research into digital inclusion.  Orbit Group surveyed 1,782 tenants to find out how they use the internet and potential barriers to access.  The report shows 67 per cent of tenants and 88 per cent of leaseholders have internet access. But just one in 10 of those tenants without access is interested in getting online. The universal credit benefits system, being rolled out from October, has a ‘digital by default’ emphasis, meaning most claimants will apply online. The research acknowledges the growing importance for landlords to ensure tenants are able to use this system as failure to do so will have ‘direct financial implications’ for providers. Read more on the Orbit Group website.

Westminster Seals Free Internet Deal

Westminster Council has signed a deal which will eventually roll out free internet access to more than 22,000 households.  The Conservative-run council and ALMO City West Homes have formed a joint venture with internet supplier Horsebridge. Under the scheme Horsebridge will pay for the installation of a fibre optic link into each home. Tenants will be able to access freeview channels and government websites for free through their televisions. Households will be able to pay for extra channels, phone calls and full internet access, ensuring Horsebridge can make a return.  Read more on Inside Housing.

Digital Divide Cuts off Social Tenants

Social housing continues to lag behind other tenures in terms of internet access, according to the latest data.  Figures from research firm Ipsos Mori show that in November 2012 only 68 per cent of local authority tenants and 64 per cent of housing association tenants had internet access. This is up from 60 per cent and 54 per cent respectively two years earlier, but significantly lower than mortgage holders, on 94 per cent, and private renters, on 88 per cent.  The data also show social tenants are less likely to have smartphones, with only 29 per cent of housing association tenants and 33 per cent of council tenants owning an internet enabled phone. For mortgage holders the 2012 figure was 68 per cent, up from 30 per cent in 2010.  Read more on Inside Housing.