At the CIH Conference in Harrogate this year, we invited visitors to our stand to enter our prize draw. Visitors were asked to list the top 3 issues they were currently facing in the changing social housing landscape. 115 visitors took part and gave us their views.
We are delighted to announce that the winner of our prize draw was: Malcolm Wardle, Chair of Trent & Dove’s Residents’ Federation. He wins a pair of Nikon 10x42 binoculars! Congratulations!
Unsurprisingly, the top issue by far - raised by 28% of visitors - was Finance, variously described as money, funding, budget issues, the lack of capital or grant funding and value for money.
Of the other issues people raised:
- 7% cited Regulation and changes to the TSA/HCA/Audit Commission.
- 5% visited Repairs and Improvement issues relating to maintaining stock.
- 5%referred to Development covering a lack of schemes coming forward, availability, the need for more development, planning issues and development constraints.
- 4% identified the provision of housing - including waiting lists and lack of supply.
- 3% referred to potential changes to the rent regime.
- 2.6% cited retrofitting and green issues.
- 2.6% referred to customer satisfaction.
- 2.3% raised issues with supported housing funding.
- 2.3% mentioned the housing benefit freeze.
- 2.3% cited Governance related issues.
- 2% raised tenant empowerment and involvement.
- 2% listed local community issues such as local offers, improving neighbourhood standards, having a “sense of community”.
Various other issues raised included:
- mortgage availability or lack of it.
- the Housing Revenue Account review
- Care – commissioning; costs; eligibility; leadership
- Procurement
- Inspections
- Workforce issues – jobs, pensions, developing skills
A surprisingly broad range of major issues and challenges facing providers of social housing, we’re sure you’ll agree. Our job is to work with clients to find creative solutions to help you meet these challenges.
If you would like to talk to one of our social housing specialists about the issues facing your organisation and how we can help, do contact us via:
jonathan.cox@anthonycollins.com
peter.hubbard@anthonycollins.com
helen.tucker@anthonycollins.com
simon.ramshaw@anthonycollins.com
anne.adamthwaite@anthonycollins.com
andrew.millross@anthonycollins.com