The Chair of the new social housing regulator delivered a firm message when he said that the social housing sector had "fallen off the pace".
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The Chair of the new social housing regulator, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), delivered a firm message to housing associations when he said that the social housing sector had "fallen off the pace".
The TSA has been established to champion the needs of tenants across England, giving protection in time to some ten million people.
Anthony Mayer, delivering his first speech speech as Chair of the TSA at the National Housing Federation Conference in Birmingham, said:
"There is far too big a gap between the best and worst performing housing associations in terms of the deal they give to their tenants and their engagement with their tenants. And compared with private sector service providers, the sector as a whole has fallen off the pace in terms of consumer focus.
"It is not my job here today and it will not be the job of the Tenant Services Authority to tell you how to do your job in respect of your tenants. In practice you will need to use a variety of approaches to the engagement of your tenants, including the harder to engage groups whose main wish is just to get on with their own lives.
"The priorities of tenants as to what needs fixing will vary hugely, both between neighbourhoods and between housing stock profiles. Tenants in older stock might want a greater focus on maintenance. But tenants in a high crime rate area might want a greater focus on 24/7 high visibility management. The key is to listen to tenants and not to tell them.
"The TSA, as the new regulator, marks a clean break from the Housing Corporation and will have a much greater and clearer focus on tenants and the deal they get from their landlords.
"The TSA will not be a reincarnation of the Housing Corporation. In everything we do, we will think what does this mean for tenants and potential tenants. We will be a sole purpose regulator and not an investor as well. We will be an independent regulator. We’ll focus our interfaces with housing associations on problem areas and not across the piste. And finally, we will be regulating all providers of affordable housing - homes owned by both housing associations and local authorities."
A CIH Scotland conference will look at the role of housing in tackling antisocial behaviour and discuss the policing powers of staff - in particular community wardens who patrol the neighbourhoods. It will also consider the duty of care owed to tenants by their landlords and discuss where the responsibility lies in terms of neighbour disputes. Estate Management Conference: 12 November 2008.
There will be 3.1 million more people over 65 between now and 2025 and an increase of 38% between now and 2017 of over-85s. Local authorities will need to offer appropriate housing for a changing population and to reflect the move to more personalised services in the home and in local communities. A range of housing options that can be easily adapted can ensure people's independence, choice and control will need to be provided. Looking at the Government's "Lifetime Home - Lifetime Neighbourhoods" agenda, a Local Government Association event will provide an opportunity for delegates to explore how to plan for the future, consult with older people and meet the needs of changing demographics. Could We Live Here? Building Our Future Communities Conference: 18 November 2008
The IT department really could be the savour of an organisation in the current economical and environmental climate. However, is IT really connected to all business decision-making? And if not, how can it make a difference strategically and technically? This NHF conference will cover all the key issues by the experts who work both within the social housing sector and externally. They will share real life experiences and practical solutions that will prepare delegates for the challenges facing them in the forthcoming year. IT in Housing Conference & Exhibition: 18-19 November 2008.
Engaging tenants and communities in decision-making about their homes, neighbourhoods and landlord services is now seen as the only way to make social housing an attractive sector of choice for people in England. Capita's National Tenant Engagement Conference pinpoints how the current regulatory shake-up in social housing will rebalance scrutiny and expertise to better support residents’ needs and aspirations. Coinciding with the National Tenant Voice Consultation and the launch of the Tenants Services Authority, this event examines how meaningful tenant involvement can be embedded and sustained at a national, regional and local level. Tenant Engagement Conference: 26 November 2008.
For a comprehensive listing, please visit the Forthcoming Events section of our website at www.uk-housing.co.uk/EVENTS
