In December 2000 we were reporting:
The Social Security Fraud Bill was published, introducing new powers to investigate, punish, and deter benefits fraud. One of the new powers will facilitate closer working between the DSS and local authorities in the operation of the administrative penalty system. At present, where an offence results in overpayments of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit and another benefit, and both the DSS and the local authority decide to offer an administrative penalty, each handles the process separately...
Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling announced that an action team is to be set up to work with struggling local authorities, to help clear delays in the payment of Housing Benefit. The team will draw on experts from top performing councils, the DSS, and management specialists to give support to authorities with built-up backlogs in paying out the benefit...
Social Justice Minister, Jackie Baillie, announced the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Bill into the Scottish Parliament. Key provisions of the Bill require councils to draw up strategies to tackle and prevent homelessness; to provide good-quality free advice for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; and provide suitable accommodation for those assessed as unintentionally homeless and in priority need...
The Homes Bill was introduced in the House of Commons. If it receives a successful passage it will become law in 2001, although different parts will be brought into force at different times up to 2003. However, there is some concern that a General Election could hamper this timetable and cause delay. One of the key reforms introduced by the Bill is to improve the efficiency of the home buying and selling process...
In December 2004 we were reporting:
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister issued a leaflet, New Rules for Electrical Safety in the Home, which explains to householders the implications of new rules concerning electrical works in the home. New Building Regulations, aimed at reducing the unacceptable number of deaths, injuries, and house fires caused by faulty electrical installations come into force on 1 January 2005. The new rules affect anyone considering electrical work in the home, including DIY enthusiasts. Failure to comply with the rules could lead to householders being required to bring the work up to standard and may make it more difficult to sell their homes...
The Government announced a new £150 million funding package for action to prevent and reduce homelessness. An extra £90 million will be targeted at improving the condition of hostel accommodation and the vital services they provide, to help rough sleepers make a permanent move away from the streets. A further £60 million will be allocated to local authorities and voluntary sector agencies over 2005/06, to deliver front line services to reduce homelessness. This includes drug rehabilitation treatment, mediation to resolve family and relationship problems, and support for women experiencing domestic violence...
MPs recommended that a decent homes standard be applied to homelessness hostels. The MPs - part of an ODPM Select Committee inquiry into homelessness - argued that the standard should apply to accommodation and services provided by both private and public sector hostels...
The charity Homeless Link began talks with the Electoral Commission to encourage homeless people to vote in the next election. Registration centres will open in day centres to get homeless people on the electoral roll and able to exercise their democratic right. It is hoped that the long-term objective to set up polling stations in day centres will be implemented in time for the election after next...
The Empty Homes Agency put forward proposals for a new shared equity model, whereby housing associations would purchase a 10% share of an empty private property and then meet the costs of essential repairs and maintenance, to bring it up to the Decent Homes Standard. In return, the owner would lease the premises to the association and the property would be let at either market or intermediate rates for five years. On expiration of the lease, either the owner or the association has the option to buy out the other party at market rate, or otherwise the premises will be sold and the association recoups its 10% investment...
Local authorities can bid for a share of £7 million, following the launch of the second round of the Government's e-innovations programme. e-Innovations encourage the use of technology to deliver joined up working, effective service delivery, and community engagement. This announcement covers the second part of a £14 million fund announced in September 2003. £5.6 million has already been allocated in Round 1 to support projects that include a social housing estate-based TV service to promote community engagement...
Employee research in ORC International's report, Putting it in Perspective, highlights that nearly three quarters of employees working in the UK housing sector are proud to work for their organisation. This is twelve percentage points higher than the UK norm of 60% and is the most favourable score across all sectors. This is just one of the many findings contained within the annual report, which reviews trends in UK employee opinion over time and by industry...
Further measures to tackle the problems caused by unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller developments were announced by the Government. These latest initiatives will increase the number of authorised Gypsy and Traveller sites, whilst also improving the standard of facilities on existing sites. A new draft planning circular, Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Sites, aims to increase the number of authorised camp sites across the country by ensuring planning authorities identify and make provision for the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers within their development plans...
