Section: Yesterday's News
Five Years Ago
In January 2003 we were reporting:
- The Government announced measures to cap maximum discounts available to purchasers under the Right to Buy scheme in specified areas. The change could see maximum discounts available to council tenants purchasing their home reduce from the current £38,000 to £16,000 in 42 local authority areas across London and the South East. The main aims in introducing the changes are to meet local housing pressures and to reduce homelessness in those areas where problems are most acute.......
- Details of proposed changes to legislation, which will give councils financial freedom to build new social housing through Housing Revenue Account (HRA) PFI schemes, were issued for consultation. Under the current Capital Finance Regulation 16, HRA land is excluded from the definition of a private finance transaction. The Private Finance Initiative for local authority housing (HRA PFI) uses private sector funding to refurbish council houses and thereafter to provide housing serves. ......
- Bournville Village Trust became the first housing association to be awarded the new Matrix quality standard. It is awarded by the Guidance Council for achievements in the promotion of education and career opportunities. The Association received the award for its Prospects scheme, which supports tenants in the first six months of their tenancy with advice on education, training and budgeting......
- The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister waived the rules on tenant ballots to allow Walsall Council's stock transfer to progress. It confirmed that the Council will be allowed to continue on the basis of its successful ballot in October 2001, whereas councils are usually required to complete transfers within one year of the tenants' vote. .....
- An evaluation report was released on the pilot scheme involving housing associations in verifying Housing Benefit claims. The report admits that some of the objectives of the pilot were not fully met but recommends extending the scheme. ......
- The Elderly Accommodation Counsel launched a new service on its web site, which allows providers of sheltered housing to post details of their vacant homes. The new internet service is part of a wider programme sponsored by the Housing Corporation to give older people better housing options. The web site is accessed at www.HousingCare.org.......
One Year Ago
In January 2007 we were reporting:
- The Government announced its proposals for a new agency - Communities England - to boost regeneration and housing delivery. Communities England will bring together the functions of the Housing Corporation with those of English Partnerships and a range of work carried out by Communities and Local Government, including decent homes, housing market renewal, housing growth and urban regeneration.......
- The importance of housing providers promoting iRespect' is highlighted in the Housing Corporation's two new publications, Promoting Respect: Tackling Nuisance Behaviour and the latest edition of Open magazine. Both publications address the devastating impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals and the wider community.......
- The Housing Corporation's recent Homelessness Strategy sets out a commitment to the better use of existing homes, both social and privately owned, and providing more homes for rent for people in housing need. This includes encouraging housing associations to work with the private sector, to reduce the use of temporary accommodation. The new project will look at how associations and private landlords work together, and at the barriers to closer working.......
- The Housing Corporation's Regulation and Supervision Committee approved an application for accreditation from Pinnacle Public Services Group (Pinnacle PSG). The company became the first private sector organisation to be accredited by the Housing Corporation under its housing management accreditation scheme.......
- A new study calls for more public land to be used at lower cost for affordable housing and renewable energy projects. Unlocking Public Land for Housing Supply, published by the Town and Country Planning Association, also urges the Government to lift the veil of secrecy concerning some £10 billion worth of surplus public land.......
- The Government closed down its flagship service to help tenants move home. The move came four months after it cancelled the contract with Scout Solutions to redevelop the website. The housing mobility service, which was operated under the banner Move UK by Scout Solutions, no longer operates.......
- David Cowans, Chief Executive of Places for People, denied reports that the Group is about to float on the stock exchange. He did, however, acknowledge that the issue of equity investment in RSLs was increasingly important.......
- The 2005 English House Condition Headline Report was published, with the message that social housing conditions in England have substantially improved since 1996, with the number of non-decent homes reducing by over 3 million.......
- New regulations were laid before Parliament that will give Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) powers to apply for Antisocial Behaviour Orders. TMOs already have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the homes in their area - usually including rent collection, allocations and lettings. The new powers aim to give local residents greater influence on their estates, by supporting them in dealing with antisocial behaviour swiftly and effectively.......
