A partnership between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has led to the publication of Good Practice Briefing on the Digital Switchover, available for free.
The briefing sets out the implications of digital switchover for the housing sector, giving clear and objective advice on the options available. It is aimed at housing professionals - social and private sector landlords, managing agents, housing management and technical staff - who are responsible for the management, procurement and maintenance of properties. The briefing is particularly relevant for professionals who are responsible for properties that have communal TV systems.
The briefing may also be of interest to residents and residents' groups who want to raise the issues discussed with their landlord or managing agent. For a hard copy of this briefing contact DCMS on 020 7211 6431 or email digitaltelevision@culture.gsi.gov.uk.
North East based Orchard Information Systems is hoping to double turnover to £20 million and expand its workforce to 200 over the next four years. The IT company, who recently won two multi-million pound contracts with Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and Orbit Housing Group, has already leased second floor offices above its Newcastle Technopole HQ's in anticipation of growing numbers.
Tim Williams, managing director at Orchard said one reason Orchard is able to expand is because of the ongoing trend for housing associations to merge into larger organisations. The nature of the IT business also means there is a natural turnover as organisations' IT solutions become out of date and they seek newer solutions that meet their needs.
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council signed a £145,000 contract with IBS OPENSystems that will provide the Council with a solution to handle and process council tax accounts. The old process was based on a mainframe IT system, and no longer met the needs of the Council. The new solution will enable the Council to improve collection rates and customer service. It will also enable it to support e-government initiatives.
Following considerable media attention, the Government terminated its contract with Scout Solutions Projects to develop the Move UK service. It is reported that Scout received nearly £11 million to develop an online service that allows families to access information about housing, employment and education around the country.
Scout Solutions was awarded the contract in May 2004, but in recent months serious concerns were raised about performance levels and ongoing delays. Of particular concern is that Scout Solutions also took over existing online tenant mobility services, such as the Housing Mobility & Exchange Services and LAWN.