ASBO or the Anti Social Behaviour Order has been with us for 11 years. First launched in 2000 as a major tool to tackle the anti social element of the youth culture the government is now considering doing away with the controversial tool in place of more localised controls by communities and local government. The approach has been outlined by the home secretary Teresa May MP who has outlined her plans which has been heralded as the most significant reforms of policing in the country for 50 years. The home secretary wishes to replace the bureaucratic accountability that has meant police forces looking to Whitehall, and targets and bureaucracy. With democratic accountability: the election of a police and crime commissioner for each police force to represent peoples needs locally, the home secretary has stated these reforms will make policing more accountable. She also announced the strengthening of the way we deal with serious organised crime by creating a FBI type organisation: The National Crime Agency.
Since the launch of ASBOs in 2000 there has been more than 17,000 ASBOs issued in England and Wales. With the oldest being 88 years and the youngest just 8 years. The controversial approach supported by parents and communities alike at the time was claimed to put a halt to offending behaviour. However, it has had mixed reviews over the past decade. While the ASBO itself firmly said to offenders the next step is jail, only 5,000 offenders actually went to jail despite more than 55% of ASBOS being breached. Supporters of the approach say that the ASBO was never meant to be a solution to a problem but one tool in the armoury of the police, judiciary and agencies that wanted to work with offenders.
For many in social rented housing it was a knee jerk and populist approach to dealing with crime and nuisance on housing estates popularised by the media. It did however send a clear message to wanna-be-gangsters who sought to cause nuisance in the community the threat of having an ASBO early in your life could wreck your chances of employment and opportunity for years. In a recent Welsh Tenants Seminar held in Swansea and Rhondda there were clear support for the use of these measures, however with varying degrees of success, while the cost of issuing and monitoring ASBO also came under criticism. In Swansea it was reported that ASBOs were a useful deterrent that enabled crime enforcement and educationalists to work proactively with youngsters on offending, while in the Rhondda the tool was also extensively used to target hot spots of nuisance. Whatever the verdict the intention of the government’s revised approach is to do away with them.
If you want to comment on the proposals the full reforms are outlined in the paper Policing in the 21st century: Reconnecting police and the People. If you want a copy of the report can be obtained by emailing Nigel.Lawrebnce@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or by visiting the home office web site.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Statement on the overhaul of the Housing Revenue Account System
Many members and supporters of the Welsh Tenants Federation would have seen the news reports in the Western Mail on the 13th September 2010, ‘Wales loses £1bn to London in ‘rent scandal’ by Martin Shipton. The report highlighted that over £1billion has been sent back to the HM Treasury since devolution from Council House rents.
The Housing Revenue Account Subsidy System requires that any surplus be sent back to the HM Treasury and redistributed among all England and Wales Local Authorities who still retain their stock. The report highlighted that given the condition of some of the stock in Wales this was a scandal and that the system is in need of overhaul.
An Independent reviews of Housing Revenue Account Subsidy (HRAS) and Social Sector Rent Policies were launched by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2009. The groups were set up as a consequence of the Essex review which has the objective of working collaboratively with the sector to address the common themes of the report. The joint working group looking at the HRA and Rent Setting process comprises key stakeholders and officials, the Welsh Tenants Federation among them and has met on three occasions.
In general the HRAS applies to all local authorities with housing stock and, in Wales, all authorities are in a negative subsidy position. This means that in 2010/11, approximately £78m will be collected from Welsh local authorities and forwarded on to HM Treasury.
Options for reform for Wales are currently in development, through the Review, working in conjunction with the Welsh Local Government Association and others. It is impossible to make substantial changes to the arrangements without a negotiation with the Treasury and possibly changes to primary legislation and devolved funding arrangements.
Tenants in England will be aware through the Tenants And Residents Associations Of England (TAROE), our sister organization, that the former UK Government launched a consultation in March 2010 which proposed a settlement with local government in England abolishing the HRA Subsidy in return for an allocation of debt and other conditions. If there is agreement, the former Government proposed to work towards voluntary implementation from 2011/12, subject to confirmation at the next spending review in October 2011.
Alternatively, they would seek to implement self-financing through new primary legislation as early as 2012/13. We can report that the Assembly Government is liaising closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government to monitor progress on the review in England and to ensure that provisions within the forthcoming Decentralisation and Localism Bill, announced in the Queens Speech, are appropriate for Wales and made in the Welsh context
The Welsh Tenants Federation shares the concern regarding the impact of the HRAS on local authorities in Wales. In 2003 we had a substantial debate among the 320 member organisations and produced the manifesto which supported tenants who wished to transfer their stock forming new community mutual’s or housing associations. The newly formed transfers have been able to spend 100% of their revenue with no restrictions with the overhanging debt being written off by HM Treasury. This has enabled considerable investment of £1.17bn to be levered into former council housing to meet Welsh Housing Quality Standard while creating substantial employment and regeneration opportunities. We will continue to support tenants who wish to transfer in order to get better services and standards of housing.
Steve Clarke, Managing Director, Welsh Tenants Federation
The Housing Revenue Account Subsidy System requires that any surplus be sent back to the HM Treasury and redistributed among all England and Wales Local Authorities who still retain their stock. The report highlighted that given the condition of some of the stock in Wales this was a scandal and that the system is in need of overhaul.
An Independent reviews of Housing Revenue Account Subsidy (HRAS) and Social Sector Rent Policies were launched by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2009. The groups were set up as a consequence of the Essex review which has the objective of working collaboratively with the sector to address the common themes of the report. The joint working group looking at the HRA and Rent Setting process comprises key stakeholders and officials, the Welsh Tenants Federation among them and has met on three occasions.
In general the HRAS applies to all local authorities with housing stock and, in Wales, all authorities are in a negative subsidy position. This means that in 2010/11, approximately £78m will be collected from Welsh local authorities and forwarded on to HM Treasury.
Options for reform for Wales are currently in development, through the Review, working in conjunction with the Welsh Local Government Association and others. It is impossible to make substantial changes to the arrangements without a negotiation with the Treasury and possibly changes to primary legislation and devolved funding arrangements.
Tenants in England will be aware through the Tenants And Residents Associations Of England (TAROE), our sister organization, that the former UK Government launched a consultation in March 2010 which proposed a settlement with local government in England abolishing the HRA Subsidy in return for an allocation of debt and other conditions. If there is agreement, the former Government proposed to work towards voluntary implementation from 2011/12, subject to confirmation at the next spending review in October 2011.
Alternatively, they would seek to implement self-financing through new primary legislation as early as 2012/13. We can report that the Assembly Government is liaising closely with the Department for Communities and Local Government to monitor progress on the review in England and to ensure that provisions within the forthcoming Decentralisation and Localism Bill, announced in the Queens Speech, are appropriate for Wales and made in the Welsh context
The Welsh Tenants Federation shares the concern regarding the impact of the HRAS on local authorities in Wales. In 2003 we had a substantial debate among the 320 member organisations and produced the manifesto which supported tenants who wished to transfer their stock forming new community mutual’s or housing associations. The newly formed transfers have been able to spend 100% of their revenue with no restrictions with the overhanging debt being written off by HM Treasury. This has enabled considerable investment of £1.17bn to be levered into former council housing to meet Welsh Housing Quality Standard while creating substantial employment and regeneration opportunities. We will continue to support tenants who wish to transfer in order to get better services and standards of housing.
Steve Clarke, Managing Director, Welsh Tenants Federation
Friday, July 09, 2010
Welsh households feeling the strain of the recession
Nearly 50 per cent of adults in Wales who have a mortgage or rent struggle with their payments at least some of the time, while 23 per cent say that housing costs are a source of anxiety, according to new figures published today [Thursday 1 July].
The survey, carried out for Shelter Cymru by YouGov, asked more than 1100 Welsh adults about their housing situations. The findings reveal that:
• 49 per cent of adults in Wales who have a mortgage or rent struggle to keep up or fall behind with their payments at least some of the time.
• Housing costs are a source of anxiety for 23% of households.
• More than half (51%) are concerned that their children will not be able to afford a decent home. This rises to 62% of 35-44 year-olds and 72% of 45-54 year-olds.
• In the last two years, nearly a quarter (23%) of those responsible for rent or mortgage payments have had to reduce the amount they spend on food to meet rent/mortgage costs. This rises to 32% among 18-24 year-olds and 27% among 25-34 year-olds.
• 18 per cent of those responsible for mortgage or rent payments have increased the use of credit cards to meet day-to-day expenses in the last two years. This rises to 27% among 35-44 year-olds.
• One in ten are concerned about their ability to pay their rent/mortgage and feel insecure in their housing.
• 14 per cent of those responsible for a mortgage or rent have had to reduce the amount they spend on heating to meet rent/mortgage costs in the last two years.
John Puzey, director of Shelter Cymru, said: “The survey findings clearly indicate that people in Wales are still feeling the effects of the recession. Housing costs are a source of anxiety for many, while others have had to increase their use of credit cards to meet everyday expenses, which is likely to lead to greater debt problems further down the line.
“It is also telling that so many people are worried that their children will not be able to afford a decent home. The simple fact is that there are not enough affordable homes available to buy or rent in Wales.
“The property bubble that fuelled much of the current economic crisis put a decent home beyond the reach of many and the severe cuts announced in the recent Budget are a further threat to the provision of affordable homes.
“However, despite the squeeze on public spending, affordable housing should not be allowed to slide down the political agenda. It is not just a matter of bricks and mortar – investment in homes is also an investment in health and well-being, education, training, skills and sustainable communities.”
The significant minority of households who report that they have had to reduce the amount they spend on food or heating to meet housing costs was also a source of great concern, said Mr Puzey.
“As benefit cuts start to take effect, many households will see a drop in their income, and more vulnerable people will have to make difficult choices about whether they should pay for food or heating or risk falling into arrears with their rent or mortgage.
“Shelter Cymru believes that this is unacceptable. A decent, secure home should be a fundamental right for everyone in Wales and the provision of affordable housing needs to be recognised as an essential factor in the health, well-being and prosperity of our people and communities.”
Notes
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1121 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th - 31st May 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Welsh adults (aged 18+).
The survey, carried out for Shelter Cymru by YouGov, asked more than 1100 Welsh adults about their housing situations. The findings reveal that:
• 49 per cent of adults in Wales who have a mortgage or rent struggle to keep up or fall behind with their payments at least some of the time.
• Housing costs are a source of anxiety for 23% of households.
• More than half (51%) are concerned that their children will not be able to afford a decent home. This rises to 62% of 35-44 year-olds and 72% of 45-54 year-olds.
• In the last two years, nearly a quarter (23%) of those responsible for rent or mortgage payments have had to reduce the amount they spend on food to meet rent/mortgage costs. This rises to 32% among 18-24 year-olds and 27% among 25-34 year-olds.
• 18 per cent of those responsible for mortgage or rent payments have increased the use of credit cards to meet day-to-day expenses in the last two years. This rises to 27% among 35-44 year-olds.
• One in ten are concerned about their ability to pay their rent/mortgage and feel insecure in their housing.
• 14 per cent of those responsible for a mortgage or rent have had to reduce the amount they spend on heating to meet rent/mortgage costs in the last two years.
John Puzey, director of Shelter Cymru, said: “The survey findings clearly indicate that people in Wales are still feeling the effects of the recession. Housing costs are a source of anxiety for many, while others have had to increase their use of credit cards to meet everyday expenses, which is likely to lead to greater debt problems further down the line.
“It is also telling that so many people are worried that their children will not be able to afford a decent home. The simple fact is that there are not enough affordable homes available to buy or rent in Wales.
“The property bubble that fuelled much of the current economic crisis put a decent home beyond the reach of many and the severe cuts announced in the recent Budget are a further threat to the provision of affordable homes.
“However, despite the squeeze on public spending, affordable housing should not be allowed to slide down the political agenda. It is not just a matter of bricks and mortar – investment in homes is also an investment in health and well-being, education, training, skills and sustainable communities.”
The significant minority of households who report that they have had to reduce the amount they spend on food or heating to meet housing costs was also a source of great concern, said Mr Puzey.
“As benefit cuts start to take effect, many households will see a drop in their income, and more vulnerable people will have to make difficult choices about whether they should pay for food or heating or risk falling into arrears with their rent or mortgage.
“Shelter Cymru believes that this is unacceptable. A decent, secure home should be a fundamental right for everyone in Wales and the provision of affordable housing needs to be recognised as an essential factor in the health, well-being and prosperity of our people and communities.”
Notes
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1121 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th - 31st May 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Welsh adults (aged 18+).
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
WTF response to Budget 2010
The Governments budget announcements yesterday went further than expected with massive cuts in the capital and revenue budgets across government. First Minister Carwyn Jones yesterday relayed that early indications would suggest around 2billion of spending over the next four years for Wales with the suggested £300 million shortfall in the existing Barnett formula for Wales not being recognised.
The headline issue for people on low incomes has to be the VAT rise to 20% this will undoubtedly have an impact on costs of living for poorer families and those who are on low incomes paying proportionately more for the rise in VAT than the well off. While we await news of any possible exemptions, we anticipate that exemptions will not include, food and clothing and other essential items of costs that will be passed on to consumers such as transport etc.
There is real concern at the increase VAT will have on repairs and improvement budgets for repair and renewal of existing stock in the private sector and to aid regeneration. Arguably there is a strong case for reducing VAT on home improvements rather than increasing it. This would encourage investment and help to retain and recruit more jobs in the construction sector.
Capping local housing allowances will also have a significant effect for those who rely on housing benefit and rent privately, particularly in high cost areas or where there are high levels of unemployment. The measures could result in a rise in homelessness and propagate overcrowding as people may be forced to downsize to smaller accommodation that would be covered by the allowance. In very high costs areas this could result in ghettoising the poor and low income earners creating a further social divide.
Capping housing benefit payments under the local allowance schemes could also have a significant impact on plans to utilise the private sector more to meet the huge shortfall in social housing provision. We believe that these measures could damage their engagement as the income to meet private sector landlord costs will undoubtedly decline. Alternatively this could have the effect of them choosing not to rent too housing benefit applicants further putting pressure on local authority homelessness provisions. Squeezing both private sector renting as well as social house building could therefore provide a double squeeze on the provision of homes for those on low incomes; those unable to work; rural accommodation and single parents.
On the plus side the government has recognised that people who have carers who need an additional room will now be covered by the housing benefit allowance system. This is welcomed and will aid supporting people, projects and help people to continue to receive care at home.
The positive measures in the budget such as not freezing public workers pay below 21,000, which seems like a liberal influenced tax measure along with last ditch measures of increasing the rate by £1,000 at which you start to pay tax will provide some relief. However, freezing child benefit for the next few years will penalise part time workers who are unable to move to full time to recover their overall loss.
Changing the way rises in benefits are calculated from RPI (Retail Prices Index) to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) is expected to have a diverse effect in the long term particularly if the economy struggles. While reductions in the range of 25% for government departments could also have an effect of significant reductions in supporting people services that support vulnerable people.
While there is a great deal of detail within the budget the measures taken, they will undoubtedly mean that people in areas of high unemployment; where there is little social housing; combined with the struggle to bring up children will have to take a disproportionate hit to pay for the retention of quality of life for the well off.
The headline issue for people on low incomes has to be the VAT rise to 20% this will undoubtedly have an impact on costs of living for poorer families and those who are on low incomes paying proportionately more for the rise in VAT than the well off. While we await news of any possible exemptions, we anticipate that exemptions will not include, food and clothing and other essential items of costs that will be passed on to consumers such as transport etc.
There is real concern at the increase VAT will have on repairs and improvement budgets for repair and renewal of existing stock in the private sector and to aid regeneration. Arguably there is a strong case for reducing VAT on home improvements rather than increasing it. This would encourage investment and help to retain and recruit more jobs in the construction sector.
Capping local housing allowances will also have a significant effect for those who rely on housing benefit and rent privately, particularly in high cost areas or where there are high levels of unemployment. The measures could result in a rise in homelessness and propagate overcrowding as people may be forced to downsize to smaller accommodation that would be covered by the allowance. In very high costs areas this could result in ghettoising the poor and low income earners creating a further social divide.
Capping housing benefit payments under the local allowance schemes could also have a significant impact on plans to utilise the private sector more to meet the huge shortfall in social housing provision. We believe that these measures could damage their engagement as the income to meet private sector landlord costs will undoubtedly decline. Alternatively this could have the effect of them choosing not to rent too housing benefit applicants further putting pressure on local authority homelessness provisions. Squeezing both private sector renting as well as social house building could therefore provide a double squeeze on the provision of homes for those on low incomes; those unable to work; rural accommodation and single parents.
On the plus side the government has recognised that people who have carers who need an additional room will now be covered by the housing benefit allowance system. This is welcomed and will aid supporting people, projects and help people to continue to receive care at home.
The positive measures in the budget such as not freezing public workers pay below 21,000, which seems like a liberal influenced tax measure along with last ditch measures of increasing the rate by £1,000 at which you start to pay tax will provide some relief. However, freezing child benefit for the next few years will penalise part time workers who are unable to move to full time to recover their overall loss.
Changing the way rises in benefits are calculated from RPI (Retail Prices Index) to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) is expected to have a diverse effect in the long term particularly if the economy struggles. While reductions in the range of 25% for government departments could also have an effect of significant reductions in supporting people services that support vulnerable people.
While there is a great deal of detail within the budget the measures taken, they will undoubtedly mean that people in areas of high unemployment; where there is little social housing; combined with the struggle to bring up children will have to take a disproportionate hit to pay for the retention of quality of life for the well off.
Monday, June 07, 2010
NEW - Complaints Wales working group
The Welsh Assembly Government has formed a Complaints Wales working group to enable citizens receiving public services to find it easier to complain and get things put right when the service they receive fails, or is just not good enough.
The group have devised a draft common complaints process. The document is in two parts, the first is a customer facing complaint form (addressing the potential complainant), while the second part contains design criteria for a complaint handling procedures. Copies of the documents can be obtained via the web link below or by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation.
The deadline for a response is Friday, 23 July 2010. Anyone wishing to discuss their experiences of making a complaint, the Welsh Tenants Federation would welcome a call or email. We urge you to send your response a week sooner than this date.
The document can be found at: http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/en/publications/?pID=256 or by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation at the address below
If you want to contact the ombudsman direct, please send your responses to this by e-mail to: consultation@ombudsman-wales.org.uk or post to:
Susan Hudson
Policy & Communications Manager
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae
Pencoed, CF35 5LJ
Alternatively the Welsh Tenants Federation would be pleased to coordinate responses on behalf of member groups and individual tenants. Please forward your response to steve@ welshtenantsfed.org.uk (please note there is no gap in the email address this is there to prevent email address sweeping on the web), you can also text 07879 815479 with your number writing Common Complaints Policy and I will get back to you, or post your views to:
Steve Clarke
Policy & Projects coordinator
Welsh Tenants Federation
Milbournne Chambers, Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8AT
Tel: 01685 723922
The group have devised a draft common complaints process. The document is in two parts, the first is a customer facing complaint form (addressing the potential complainant), while the second part contains design criteria for a complaint handling procedures. Copies of the documents can be obtained via the web link below or by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation.
The deadline for a response is Friday, 23 July 2010. Anyone wishing to discuss their experiences of making a complaint, the Welsh Tenants Federation would welcome a call or email. We urge you to send your response a week sooner than this date.
The document can be found at: http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/en/publications/?pID=256 or by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation at the address below
If you want to contact the ombudsman direct, please send your responses to this by e-mail to: consultation@ombudsman-wales.org.uk or post to:
Susan Hudson
Policy & Communications Manager
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae
Pencoed, CF35 5LJ
Alternatively the Welsh Tenants Federation would be pleased to coordinate responses on behalf of member groups and individual tenants. Please forward your response to steve@ welshtenantsfed.org.uk (please note there is no gap in the email address this is there to prevent email address sweeping on the web), you can also text 07879 815479 with your number writing Common Complaints Policy and I will get back to you, or post your views to:
Steve Clarke
Policy & Projects coordinator
Welsh Tenants Federation
Milbournne Chambers, Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8AT
Tel: 01685 723922
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Housing debt helpline gets a boost
The Welsh Tenants Federation believes that prevention is less costly than cure, commenting on the recent announcement of a cash boost for debt Consumer Credit Counseling Services CCCS Welsh Tenants Federation Chair Gail Mcfee said that extra resources into prevention has to be a positive step in these difficult times for everyone facing eviction. Whether that’s rent or mortgage arrears – the more help people can get before they are threatened with eviction the better.
Her views came as the Welsh Assembly Government announced a £58,000 cash boost to CCCS which offers advice to people facing repossession or eviction. The Housing Debt helpline provides free telephone based counseling to anyone at risk of losing their home, helping them find long term solutions to their problems.
Commenting on the additional funding that the helpline will receive in 2010-2011, Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said: “The Housing Debt helpline can play a key role in keeping people in their homes during the current economic climate. Advisers have the knowledge to offer expert advice and this funding will ensure the service continues to help people keep a roof over their head and address their debt problems.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies AM said:
“As we continue to help Wales out of recession it is important that we keep this vital helpline service open to people to tackle debt and prevent families from losing their homes. It is vital that people know that this help and advice will continue to be made available to help them in times of need. I would encourage anybody with debt problems to get in touch with this service as early as possible to get advice that is free and confidential.”
The helpline is run by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) whose advisers are trained professionals in the field of debt advice and money management. Since its launch in 2009, the service has helped 61% of its customers retain their homes.
To contact the Housing Debt Helpline, call 0800 107 1340 or visit the Housing Debt Helpline website.
Further information about the Welsh Tenants Federation can be obtained by contacting the national office or by exploring our web site.
Her views came as the Welsh Assembly Government announced a £58,000 cash boost to CCCS which offers advice to people facing repossession or eviction. The Housing Debt helpline provides free telephone based counseling to anyone at risk of losing their home, helping them find long term solutions to their problems.
Commenting on the additional funding that the helpline will receive in 2010-2011, Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant said: “The Housing Debt helpline can play a key role in keeping people in their homes during the current economic climate. Advisers have the knowledge to offer expert advice and this funding will ensure the service continues to help people keep a roof over their head and address their debt problems.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies AM said:
“As we continue to help Wales out of recession it is important that we keep this vital helpline service open to people to tackle debt and prevent families from losing their homes. It is vital that people know that this help and advice will continue to be made available to help them in times of need. I would encourage anybody with debt problems to get in touch with this service as early as possible to get advice that is free and confidential.”
The helpline is run by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) whose advisers are trained professionals in the field of debt advice and money management. Since its launch in 2009, the service has helped 61% of its customers retain their homes.
To contact the Housing Debt Helpline, call 0800 107 1340 or visit the Housing Debt Helpline website.
Further information about the Welsh Tenants Federation can be obtained by contacting the national office or by exploring our web site.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
National Housing Strategy for Wales
The Welsh Tenants Federation are pleased to see that the Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration launched the national housing strategy for Wales. When launching the strategy she said: “The strategy provides us with an opportunity to build on what we have already achieved and to do even more together to help people to improve their lives. “Housing is so much more than bricks and mortar. Investment in Housing brings with it benefits for the economy, for jobs and training opportunities, for people’s health and well being, and for the environment. It also helps tackle poverty and inequalities and opens up new opportunities for people.“
Gail McFee chair of the Welsh Tenants Federation speaking to WTF volunteers reiterated the importance of a strategy that responds to the needs of Wales. She said we hope to see further powers devolved to Wales to ensure the strategy can be delivered. We are also pleased to see that real progress is being made towards meeting our aspiration that every tenant is able to live in a decent quality and affordable home and that real choice becomes a reality, not just choice of where you live, but how tenants can help shape the services available to them.
Details about the strategy and a downloaded copy can be found at http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/housing/?lang=en or request a copy from the Welsh Tenants Federation.
Gail McFee chair of the Welsh Tenants Federation speaking to WTF volunteers reiterated the importance of a strategy that responds to the needs of Wales. She said we hope to see further powers devolved to Wales to ensure the strategy can be delivered. We are also pleased to see that real progress is being made towards meeting our aspiration that every tenant is able to live in a decent quality and affordable home and that real choice becomes a reality, not just choice of where you live, but how tenants can help shape the services available to them.
Details about the strategy and a downloaded copy can be found at http://wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/housing/?lang=en or request a copy from the Welsh Tenants Federation.
Friday, April 23, 2010
LCO fails to get support
I wish to draw your attention to the following statement regarding the Legislative Competency Order sought by the National Assembly for Wales and housing partners.
Disappointment at the failure to transfer housing powers
The National Assembly for Wales set out proposals concerning the transfer of legislative powers via the Legislative Order Process (LCO) in the key areas of tenancy issues, housing related support, homelessness, regulation of social landlords, gypsy and travellers, empty homes and council tax for second homes.
The Welsh Tenants Federation supported the LCO as indeed many other housing organisations in Wales, and gave evidence during its development phases. However, it appears that the powers will not now proceed to legislation. The problem is that there is a wash-up period in which consensus on legislation that needs to be passed before parliament shuts down at the end of the term of office, the rush to support particular pieces of legislation in the remaining timescale is therefore crucial as government prioritises what it wants to see passed and negotiates with opposition parties to ensure the bills get through without hindrance. The consequence is a process known as wash-up, which will see remaining legislation bartered over.
For our members here in Wales it’s confusing, while many of our members wish to see housing legislation developed in Wales based on issues raised here in Wales, why on the one hand political parties support the principle of devolving powers and on the other, vote against powers when consensus has been reached here.
Many of our members are also rightly confused that a piece of legislation which received majority support in the National Assembly for Wales could then be stalled by those who oppose it when it reaches Westminster. Given the range of organisations that supported the transfer of powers, it does not inspire confidence in the co-production approach to resolving Wales’s housing issues, or in the LCO as a process.
The problem would appear to be that the LCO is not al a carte, it has to be accepted in its entirety or not at all, and opposition to one part, effectively gives a veto to the whole order. In this regard we are also critical of the Labour party who while being aware of the issue here in Wales did not do more to ensure that a piece of legislation which received majority consensus in the National Assembly for Wales was not prioritised in Westminster. Cynics among us suggest that the legislation has been used is as a battering tool to achieve support post the general election should either party not have a majority and require the support of for example Plaid Cymru.
For our part, we are hopeful that the co-production approach to the development of housing responses here in Wales will not be knocked back by a consequence of this flawed process, and that our politicians seek to remedy this situation in the future.
The Welsh Tenants Federation is the representative voice for tenants in Wales. Further information can be found by visiting www.welshtenantsfed.org.uk Further information about this press release can be obtained by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation on 01685 723922.
Disappointment at the failure to transfer housing powers
The National Assembly for Wales set out proposals concerning the transfer of legislative powers via the Legislative Order Process (LCO) in the key areas of tenancy issues, housing related support, homelessness, regulation of social landlords, gypsy and travellers, empty homes and council tax for second homes.
The Welsh Tenants Federation supported the LCO as indeed many other housing organisations in Wales, and gave evidence during its development phases. However, it appears that the powers will not now proceed to legislation. The problem is that there is a wash-up period in which consensus on legislation that needs to be passed before parliament shuts down at the end of the term of office, the rush to support particular pieces of legislation in the remaining timescale is therefore crucial as government prioritises what it wants to see passed and negotiates with opposition parties to ensure the bills get through without hindrance. The consequence is a process known as wash-up, which will see remaining legislation bartered over.
For our members here in Wales it’s confusing, while many of our members wish to see housing legislation developed in Wales based on issues raised here in Wales, why on the one hand political parties support the principle of devolving powers and on the other, vote against powers when consensus has been reached here.
Many of our members are also rightly confused that a piece of legislation which received majority support in the National Assembly for Wales could then be stalled by those who oppose it when it reaches Westminster. Given the range of organisations that supported the transfer of powers, it does not inspire confidence in the co-production approach to resolving Wales’s housing issues, or in the LCO as a process.
The problem would appear to be that the LCO is not al a carte, it has to be accepted in its entirety or not at all, and opposition to one part, effectively gives a veto to the whole order. In this regard we are also critical of the Labour party who while being aware of the issue here in Wales did not do more to ensure that a piece of legislation which received majority consensus in the National Assembly for Wales was not prioritised in Westminster. Cynics among us suggest that the legislation has been used is as a battering tool to achieve support post the general election should either party not have a majority and require the support of for example Plaid Cymru.
For our part, we are hopeful that the co-production approach to the development of housing responses here in Wales will not be knocked back by a consequence of this flawed process, and that our politicians seek to remedy this situation in the future.
The Welsh Tenants Federation is the representative voice for tenants in Wales. Further information can be found by visiting www.welshtenantsfed.org.uk Further information about this press release can be obtained by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation on 01685 723922.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Legislative Competency Orders
The National Assembly for Wales debated the Housing and Local Government LCO 2010. The measures being introduced relate to legislation on a range of housing policy matters. The National Assembly debate on the LCO can be found here. http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/wales/newsid_8533000/8533807.stm
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Wales emerging from the recession - But will some tenants in Wales see the benefits?
We welcome the announcement today that Britain is officially (at least technically) out of recession. Although the growth is slight at just 0.1% over the last quarter of 2009 the news means that we are slowly emerging from one of the deepest recessions since the war (Treasury office). Although this is a technical issue for the economy anoraks, many in Wales see the recent announcements at Bosch, with 900 jobs potentially lost as akin to an impact wave yet to have truly reached our shores. With companies beginning to assess the damage to their sales, no doubt there will be more such news stories in future months.
The news follows on from figures produced by the Citizen Advice Bureau who reported that since the recession began in April 08 through to September 09, there has been 3million debt enquires with 630,000 housing related cases (CAB press office 2010). Measures taken by the housing and housing related support sector in Wales has meant that people are able to access better housing and housing related debt management advice however, this does not resolve what will be longer term impacts.
At the Welsh Tenants Federation demand for information and advice has been extensive with tenants requesting more information from representatives about how they can access advice in their communities, with a call for better outreach support.
By far the biggest concern as expressed by a sample of regional members across Wales is pensioner poverty with 73% elderly people reporting tougher times with a reported mismatch between rent and cost of living rises and pension rises.
Drilling into these figures rents, service charges and fuel poverty are the three biggest issues that pensioners are concerned about. Among other profiles, job security and general pressures on family budgets are also areas of concern. Nationally this mirrors concerns expressed by pensioners and fuel poverty campaign groups. One pensioner from North Wales said that ‘We need a better deal for pensioners in Wales, one which rewards those who have planned reasonably well for retirement’ He added, ‘People just have to adjust their aspirations for engaging in the consumer merry-go-round, and get back to models of thrift and financial responsibility. There needs to be greater emphasis on making do, recycling, taking better care of what we have, as we did in more austere times, we just have to adjust our expectations’.
In the latter end of 2009 tenants attending regional ATTAIN events said that the government has to legislate on issues such as social tariffs for fuel and work better to end child poverty. The report ‘Adjusting our expectations, in a consumer driven society’ 2010 will be available from the Welsh Tenants Federation shortly.
The news follows on from figures produced by the Citizen Advice Bureau who reported that since the recession began in April 08 through to September 09, there has been 3million debt enquires with 630,000 housing related cases (CAB press office 2010). Measures taken by the housing and housing related support sector in Wales has meant that people are able to access better housing and housing related debt management advice however, this does not resolve what will be longer term impacts.
At the Welsh Tenants Federation demand for information and advice has been extensive with tenants requesting more information from representatives about how they can access advice in their communities, with a call for better outreach support.
By far the biggest concern as expressed by a sample of regional members across Wales is pensioner poverty with 73% elderly people reporting tougher times with a reported mismatch between rent and cost of living rises and pension rises.
Drilling into these figures rents, service charges and fuel poverty are the three biggest issues that pensioners are concerned about. Among other profiles, job security and general pressures on family budgets are also areas of concern. Nationally this mirrors concerns expressed by pensioners and fuel poverty campaign groups. One pensioner from North Wales said that ‘We need a better deal for pensioners in Wales, one which rewards those who have planned reasonably well for retirement’ He added, ‘People just have to adjust their aspirations for engaging in the consumer merry-go-round, and get back to models of thrift and financial responsibility. There needs to be greater emphasis on making do, recycling, taking better care of what we have, as we did in more austere times, we just have to adjust our expectations’.
In the latter end of 2009 tenants attending regional ATTAIN events said that the government has to legislate on issues such as social tariffs for fuel and work better to end child poverty. The report ‘Adjusting our expectations, in a consumer driven society’ 2010 will be available from the Welsh Tenants Federation shortly.
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