The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) launched its new advice team aimed at helping social landlords make best use of their stock through tackling tenancy fraud and providing people in large homes with opportunities to down-size.
The team is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, as part of a wider package of measures announced by Grant Shapps to help social landlords in England meet housing need better. Advice is offered at no cost to housing organisations.
In December 2010, Grant Shapps announced 51 councils would receive a share £19 million to tackle some of the estimated 50,000 unlawfully occupied homes.
And in January, a share of £13 million was allocated to councils from across the country managing the largest number of homes, to make it easier for those tenants who want to move from a larger family home to a smaller, more manageable property.
The team of four experts aims to share good practice across the country and will help housing organisations develop strategies to meet housing need better.
