WTF News

A review of the rent setting policy for Wales

2011-04-18T11:38:00.001+01:00

Members may recall that the Deputy Minister for Housing asked for a review of the rent setting policy for Wales be undertaken. The Essex Implementation Programme Board and its Strategic Board recommended that independent reviews of both the Housing Revenue Account regime (HRA) and the Social Sector Rent Policies should be undertaken. This work is now almost complete. Whilst there are two reviews they are closely linked. The Housing Directorate is responsible for setting Guideline rents for HRA Subsidy purposes for Local Authorities and Benchmark rents for the Registered Social Landlord (RSL) Sector.

About the HRA and HRA subsidy System - A Local Authority Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is essentially a ring-fenced income and expenditure account of transactions relating to Council Housing Stock. The elements making up the HRA are contained in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Housing Act 1985 while further guidance is contained in Welsh Office circular 33/95. LA actual rents support the HRA and provide funding for maintaining Council stock and meeting WHQS. The Housing Revenue Account Subsidy System (HRASS) forms a part of the Housing Revenue Account, it attempts, through notional calculations, to provide an estimate of the level of subsidy required by LAs to maintain their Council House stock. Currently the subsidy for all LAs in Wales is negative and is consequently repaid to HM Treasury under the Devolved Administration Funding policy. The main elements considered in the calculation of the subsidy are income from Rents, Management and Maintenance allowances and Capital Finance charges (borrowing costs). Levels of Rents and Management and Maintenance allowances are set annually by the Welsh Assembly Government with the aim to achieve financial neutrality of the level of negative subsidy. Consideration is also given to LAs 30-year stock retention business plans when the annual levels are determined. It is anticipated that the HRASS will end thus no longer requiring us to participate in the redistribution of positive or negative balances across all LAs in England and Wales.

Rents for RSLs are the main source of income for housing associations and provides funding for private sector borrowing and is fundamental to the sustainability of business plans and meeting Welsh Housing Quality Standards(WHQS). The consultation document will propose a new national policy for the setting of rents by Registered Social Landlords and Local Authorities that own housing stock. The aim is to provide a system that is consistent, transparent, and fair to both landlords and tenants.

We anticipate that the consultation will begin shortly. Anyone interested in rent setting or the review of the HRASS please contact us.

New ASB report for community activists

2011-04-18T11:37:00.001+01:00

The Home Office has published Baroness Newlove's report showing how community activists can tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). Baroness Newlove, whose husband Garry was kicked to death by a drink and drug fuelled gang of youths, has visited activists up and down the country to find examples of how communities and the authorities are working together against ASB. The report our vision for safe and active communities is written by an activist for activists and contains many good practice examples showing how groups of volunteers have formed to rid their local area of ASB. It provides advice and ideas for local communities working with police, local authorities and social landlords to uphold the law and enforce tenancy conditions. From a landlord's perspective, the report provides a useful insight into current practice and strategies for tackling ASB that can be shared with residents. The recommendations include:

'Community Reward' – where information provided by the community leads to a conviction the community is given a reward to spend on crime prevention work

'Bling Back' – where money made from selling local drug dealers’ assets is handed back to the neighbourhood they blighted

letting communities set their own local speed limits

taking crime maps to the next level so people can use them to report crime and ASB and agencies can publish details of what action was taken against offenders

giving the public a single point of contact through the roll out of the 101 number to report ASB

providing council tax rebates, or vouchers for local businesses and services, for people who take part in activism

asking Police and Crime Commissioners to commit at least one per cent of their budget to grass roots community groups to use or have a say on

Our Vision for Safe and Active Communities is available to download below.

If you have any views as to the reports findings, conclusions and recommendations we would love to hear from you.

The document can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/crime/baroness-newlove-report?view=Binary

Supporting People Review

2011-04-18T11:34:00.001+01:00

As you may be aware the final report of the Supporting People Review was published in Nov 2010. The head of the government-commissioned study, Professor Mansel Aylward, said of the supporting people programme that the £140 million supported housing scheme could be more efficient. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru’s Tai 2010 conference, he said the scheme ‘his review would look at simplifying the system, and making it more efficient and accountable’. Talking to people who benefit from the services and seeing the difference it makes to their lives had convinced him the programme should be kept, he said.

Deputy housing minister Jocelyn Davies ordered the review in 2009, to ensure the scheme is being delivered efficiently. In 2009-10 £138 million was spent on Supporting People in Wales. It has been allocated £141 million for 2010/11. The review aims to ensure housing support services are tailored to individual need and high quality support that demonstrates value for money is delivered.

The Assembly Government are now working towards the implementation of the recommendations contained within the report these include:

Work on establishing a measure of the value for money of the programme

Reviewing the work done by LE Wales on distribution and working up recommendations around a funding formula

Considering the outcomes pilot and how outcomes from the SP programme can be robustly evaluated and collected

Working up recommendations around the future structure and administration of the programme

Conclusions on how the regulation of the programme can be improved

Undertaking a “following the money” exercise tracing funding from WAG to service users.

A copy of the report and questions relating to the implementation of the programme can be found here: http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/housing/supportingpeople/supportedreview/finalreport/?lang=en

Guidance for Local Authorities on Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness'

2011-04-18T11:32:00.000+01:00

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration has issued 'The Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness' along with the consultation questions relating to the report. You can access the document via the housing homepage on the Welsh Assembly Government website or by going here:

http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/housingcommunity/codehomelessness/;jsessionid=lSYyNJ8PKNTXSLHSNkHpnDCLLBzv24KChGYnmsQdRTJpjp99dGMB!-301227275?lang=en

Although the document is mainly targeted for allocation and homelessness practitioners, chapters 2 and 7 give a flavour of the impacts of the amended guidance.

The slow death of the ASBO?

2010-09-15T10:17:00.001+01:00

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.

Statement on the overhaul of the Housing Revenue Account System

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000+01:00

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

Welsh households feeling the strain of the recession

2010-07-09T12:13:00.000+01:00

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+).

WTF response to Budget 2010

2010-06-23T14:45:00.000+01:00

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.

NEW - Complaints Wales working group

2010-06-07T15:40:00.000+01:00

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

Housing debt helpline gets a boost

2010-05-06T10:19:00.001+01:00

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.

National Housing Strategy for Wales

2010-05-04T10:54:00.000+01:00

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.

LCO fails to get support

2010-04-23T11:13:00.000+01:00

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.

Legislative Competency Orders

2010-02-25T14:22:00.002Z

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

Wales emerging from the recession - But will some tenants in Wales see the benefits?

2010-02-03T13:55:00.001Z

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.

Legislative Competency Order for Housing

2009-12-03T10:04:00.000Z

For people who are not aware, there are currently two ways that Wales can seek legislative powers. Both are via Schedule 5 of the Government of Wales Act 2006. The first is by the inclusion of provisions in UK Parliamentary Bills (referred to as framework powers) by the UK Government.

The second is via a Legislative Competency Order (LCO). This is a piece of constitutional legislation in the form of an order in council that transfers legislative authority from the UK parliament to National Assembly for Wales. Each LCO adds a ‘Matter’ to one of the ‘Fields’ stated in Schedule 5 of the Government of Wales Act 2006. This is the list of areas in which the National Assembly for Wales may legislate. One of these ‘Fields’ is housing matters.

The LCO must be approved by the National Assembly for Wales, the Secretary of State for Wales, both houses of Parliament and then the Queen in Council. Each Matter then gives the Welsh Assembly Government permission to pass legislation known as an Assembly Measure, which operates in Wales just as an Act of Parliament operates across the UK.

The text that comes with the LCO contains the actual title of the legislation (Measure). An Assembly Measure allows provisions to be made in certain areas e.g. Housing, Health, Social Services etc.

Allies of aspiration – A new broad ranging LCO for housing in Wales

The National Assembly for Wales has set out proposals concerning the transfer of legislative powers 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 welcomes the LCO which aims to give powers to the National Assembly for Wales to deliver on key priorities as outlined in the One Wales agreement and the linked strategies concerning National Housing, homeless and supporting people priorities. It will also address outcomes from the wide ranging Essex review on affordable housing. To the lay person, no one in their right mind would contemplate starting a job without ensuring they have the appropriate tools to complete the work to a good standard, so it makes sense to seek these legislative tools to deliver on the housing sectors collaborative aspirations.
Speaking on the ‘measures’ being sought, policy officer Steve Clarke said ‘We are particularly pleased that the National Assembly for Wales is seeking the transfer of powers in respect of ‘tenancy matters’. We look forward to the debates concerning the potential to equalise rights across the housing sector ending the disparity that exists between different providers and potentially widening choice and delivering on social mobility objectives.
However there are difficulties when trying to introduce instituitional change when full law making powers are not available. There is also an opportunity to address equality issues regarding co-habiting couples and women in domestic violence cases, expanding on some of the good practice that already exists. There are always risks when you open these issues up for change, therefore the tenant community needs to ensure that their aspirations are being considered as we embark on this journey. Collectively agreeing on a suite of rights and responsibilities, will also mean examining how they are enforced while providing tenants with the means by which their consumer rights are protected.
We are also pleased to see wider intervention powers by the Welsh Assembly Government as the regulator of social housing as recommended under the Sustainable Homes report published in July 08.
There are several other measures contained in the LCO concerning delivery approaches to homeless prevention and supporting people which we broadly welcome and look forward to the opportunity to consider them in depth as the measures are considered and developed by the scrutiny committees should the proposals seek wide ranging support from a majority in the assembly.
Clearly there is a journey to be travelled before the National Assembly for Wales achieves the legislative programme required to preserve and protect our valuable social housing assets and the people that occupy them. We have allies of aspiration within the housing sector, what we need now, is for that aspiration to find collective support to ensure delivery.

Overpayment of recovery

2009-12-02T13:34:00.001Z

Following a case brought by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) the court of appeal has ruled that the secretary of state for work and pensions cannot recover overpayments of social security benefits through the courts where the claimant is not at fault.
In social security law, the test for when the DWP can recover overpayments of relevant benefits is set out in section 71 Social Security Administration Act.. The test in s71 broadly allows for recovery where the claimant has misrepresented or failed to disclose a material fact. Importantly the claimant has a right to appeal to a tribunal against a decision that an overpayment is recoverable under this test. If the overpayment is found to be recoverable under this test there are a number of ways the DWP can recover it including through deductions from current or future benefit payments.The government had written to 65,000 claimants asking them to repay overpaid benefits.

It is not sure whether people who have already paid back overpayments would be able to claim them back. Further information can be found at http://www.cpag.org.uk/welfarerights/overpayment-recovery/

Welsh Tenants Federation response to the Financial Services Bill

2009-12-02T13:30:00.005Z

The Government brought its Financial Services Bill before parliament today (19th Nov 09). Among the bills provision is the ability of representative bodies to bring actions on behalf of consumers thus ensuring that consumers can obtain redress through the courts. It also strengthens the role of the Regulator the Financial Services Authority, (FSA) by extending its powers thus enabling it to act more proactively on behalf of consumers.
The Welsh Tenants Federation welcomes provisions to ensure added safeguards for consumers whilst providing better information, education, and redress for consumers of financial products. In particular we welcome the setting up of a national Money Guidance Service paid for through a levy imposed on financial institutions. This will enable people to receive better advice and support and help people to develop their knowledge and understanding of financial products and services.
While the Bill has made provisions to ban the open cheques used by the sector to entice people to borrow, the bill falls short of capping the often excessive charges for credit as proposed by many national consumer representative bodies.
Steve Clarke policy officer for the WTF said, “while there are some good measures contained in the bill, particularly the provision of better independent advice, the government has failed to protect private tenants from eviction where their landlords property is being repossessed for mortgage arrears. The reliance on the voluntary protocol established earlier this year between the Council of Mortgage Lenders and government does not go far enough in helping tenants to safeguard their home and is a temporary measure. This is a missed opportunity to provide assurances to people who rent privately, the government could have ensured that lenders have a duty to consult on a range of options such as: consulting housing associations who would have an option to convert the mortgage to a rental scheme with better security of tenure for the occupants; consider a mortgage rescue scheme with the landlord; or extending the payback period of the mortgage”.

Some of the main headline elements of the bill include:
New measures to provide better support for consumers including:
•Allowing a representative organisation to bring action through the courts on behalf of a group of consumers.
•Enhancing the FSA's powers to enable it to order a review of past business and secure compensation if there has been legal or regulatory breaches.
•A ban on open credit card cheques, preventing financial institutions from encouraging customers to borrow more than they can afford.
•A new independent Money Guidance Service established by the FSA, to increase financial education and awareness among consumers.
•New authority for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme to act as an agent to deliver compensation to UK customers of financial firms based overseas, improving depositor protection.

Financial stability
•Strengthen the regulatory framework, including the creation of the Council for Financial Stability (CFS) and enhanced powers for the Financial Services Authority. The CFS will be chaired by the chancellor of the exchequer and include the chairman of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the governor of the Bank of England, to focus on managing systemic risk and protecting financial stability, both in the UK and internationally.
•A new FSA duty to require firms to produce Recovery and Resolution Plans (RRPs). RRPs will ensure institutions have robust recovery plans to deal with periods of downturn relieving reliance of support from the taxpayers.

New powers given to the FSA are as follows:
•Rule-making powers may be used by the FSA for any of its objectives (not just consumer protection as at present).
•Information-gathering powers extended to non-regulated firms where information is relevant to financial stability, for example hedge funds.
•Strengthened powers to take action where firms and individuals are guilty of misconduct.
•Legislative provisions on pay as recommended by the Walker review of corporate governance (due for publication 26th November) and the G20 agreement on remuneration. This includes:
oTougher rules on pay and bonuses to ensure remuneration policies do not contribute to excessive risk taking.
oAn end to multi-year guaranteed bonuses, or large bonuses paid out as a cash lump sum at the year-end, and all bonuses subject to clawback;

The Welsh Tenants Federation will monitor the passage of the Bill through its various stages in parliament. Time is however short, we are hopeful that the gaps in the bill can be addressed as it progresses.
The Welsh Tenants Federation is the representative voice for tenants in Wales. For further information contact news@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Stop press – Paying the Price of being Poor

2009-12-02T13:30:00.004Z

A household is classified as ‘fuel poor’ when more than 10% of their income is spent on fuel. There are moves afoot in England to introduce new powers for the regulator to take action and make social tariffs mandatory not optional and are planning new, measures on energy efficiency targeted at the poorest.
CAB reports that in England and Wales they saw a 46% increase in the umber of people asking for advice on fuel debt compared to the same period last year.
A recent report addressing the price of being poor which the Welsh Tenants Federation supported was published by the Bevan Foundation. ‘Paying the Price of Being Poor’ also highlights the problem of the fuel poor with Wales the lowest proportion of people switching suppliers and hence not able to benefit from competition within the energy sector. On fuel poverty the report recommends that;

More information should be made available about pricing and switching energy providers
Greater regulation of energy pricing (especially social tariffs) and sales activity
New payment methods including post office network and post office account should be developed
Winter fuel payments should be developed to address child poverty and tackle underlying problems of fuel poverty
Micro generation initiatives need to be carefully managed to ensure hey can be taken up by low income households
And the Welsh Assembly Government should have a stronger voice dealing with UK government bodies

A copy of the report can be obtained form the Bevan Foundation, Innovation centre, Victoria Business Park, Festival Drive, Ebbw Vale, NP23 8XA. www.bevanfoundation.org

Environmental Training at Trafford Hall

2009-09-15T15:30:00.001+01:00

Trafford Hall has received funding from The Tudor Trust to run a pilot training session which will be designed to support communities in their response to environmental challenges. In order to develop a truly effective course program we need to know what is important to you and what type of training could help you to make a difference in your community. This is a unique chance for you to tell us what you want!

It would be extremely helpful to us if you could take the time to answer the questions below. Just a couple of sentences to answer each question would be greatly appreciated you do not need to have any previous experience of environmental training to make a contribution to this. Please send us your reply by September 25th 2009.

In response to your feedback, we will be running a free taster training day in November. Please let us know in your reply if you would be interested in attending this event. We will provide lunch and contribute towards your travel expenses on the day.

THE QUESTIONS

1. Do climate change and the environment matter? If so, what do you think are the most important issues?

2. Do these issues directly affect you and your community? If so, how?

3. Do you have access to the information and resources needed to address any of these issues?

4. What type of training on environmental and sustainability topics would be useful to you and your community? Please list three topics e.g. saving energy, gardening skills etc. We will assume that everybody wants to know about grant funding so please dont list that as one of your topics.

5. How do you think improving the environmental sustainability of your community could help to solve other problems e.g. anti-social behaviour, isolation?

6. What does 'community resilience' mean to you?

7. Would you be interested in attending a taster training day at Trafford Hall in November?

PLEASE SEND YOUR RESPONSE TO p.potter@traffordhall.com
Thank you.

If you would prefer to talk through these questions please call Poppy Potter on 01244 300246 or email p.potter@traffordhall.com to arrange a time for us to call you back.

Exciting StoneWall Project

2009-09-11T10:37:00.001+01:00

This is a bilingual message, please scroll down for Welsh

Are you Black Minority Ethnic and Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual in Wales? We want to hear from you!

Do you identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual and are from a black, minority or ethnic community?

If so, we would like to hear from you about the good points and difficulties that come with having both identities, and what its like living in a community in Wales. This is a simple enquiry project based in North Wales, but we would like to hear from LGB BME people across Wales to discover your issues and needs, with the possibility of developing a bigger project.

You can contact Jenny Porter the Community Liaison Officer by email on jenny.porter@stonewallcymru.org.uk or by phone on 01492 622202, information will be treated with confidentiality.

Ydych chi’n berson Lesbiaidd, Hoyw neu Ddeurywiol o gefndir Du neu Leiafrif Ethnig yng Nghymru? Rydym am glywed oddi wrthych!

Ydych chi’n lesbiaidd, hoyw neu ddeurywiol ac o gymuned ddu, leiafrifol neu ethnig?

Os felly, hoffem glywed oddi wrthych am y pwyntiau da a’r anawsterau a ddaw yn sgil y ddwy hunaniaeth, a sut brofiad yw byw mewn cymuned yng Nghymru. Rydym yn cynnal prosiect ymholi syml yng ngogledd Cymru, ond hoffem glywed gan bobl LHD o gefndir du a lleiafrifoedd ethnig ledled Cymru er mwyn darganfod eich pryderon a’ch anghenion, gyda’r posibilrwydd o ddatblygu prosiect mwy.

Gallwch gysylltu gyda Jenny Porter, y Swyddog Cyswllt Cymunedol, drwy anfon ebost at jenny.porter@stonewallcymru.org.uk neu drwy ffonio 01492 622202, bydd yr holl wybodaeth a dderbynnir yn cael ei drin yn gyfrinachol.

Ele Hicks
Swyddog Polisi a Phrosiectau / Projects and Policy Officer
Stonewall Cymru
Transport House
1 Heol y Gadeirlan / 1 Cathedral Road
Caerdydd / Cardiff
CF11 9SB.
Ffôn / Phone: 029 20237744
www.stonewallcymru.org.uk

Enw a chyfeiriad cofrestredig: Stonewall Equality Ltd, Tower Building, York Road, London SE1 7NX
Cofrestredig yng Nghymru a Lloegr
Rhif cofrestru 02412299
Rhif TAW 862 9064 05
Elusen gofrestredig rhif 1101255

Registered name and address: Stonewall Equality Ltd, Tower Building, York Road, London SE1 7NX
Registered in England and Wales
Registration number 02412299
VAT number 862 9064 05
Registered Charity number 1101255

Exciting StoneWall Project

2009-09-11T10:37:00.000+01:00

Downsizing - Potential for Punitive Measures

2009-09-07T16:15:00.001+01:00

The Local Government Information Unit England, is calling for a fundamental overhaul of social housing policy that could have an impact on allocations of existing social housing tenancy’s. The report states that Councils should be given more freedom to offer different types of social tenancy to tackle overcrowding. A recent report prepared by Conservative run Westminster Council states that there are major disparities between the number of houses overcrowded and the number of housing being under occupied and recommends ways to improve the supply of social housing, the allocation of properties, mobility between properties, and the wider support needs of tenants.

There are many tenants in Wales where downsizing may be an attractive proposition releasing much needed family accommodation to the register, however their finance’s may not permit them to do so. The Welsh Tenants Federation have long advocated for a better voluntary downsizing scheme in Wales to enable better use of social housing properties and importantly this will not require recourse to a punitive tenancy right changes.

For further information about the proposals contact Steve Clarke, policy and projects coordinator.

NATIONAL CONVERSATION - 2ND PHASE

2009-08-03T15:26:00.001+01:00

The National Conversation is your chance to tell the TSA what services are most important to you as a tenant or shared owner of a housing association, council or co-op or if you live in a home managed by an ALMO. Landlords are encouraged to take part too. By helping them to fine-tune the standards they've drafted, you can make sure you get excellent service from your landlord in future.

You can take part in the National Conversation in many ways.

Their website is www.nationalconversation.co.uk

*Respond to the discussion paper*

*You should be able to follow the following links by holding Ctrl and right-click on your mouse.*

Help fine-tune the draft standards by responding in writing to the discussion paper. They've published both *a summary*
and *a full version*

for you.

You can also read an *executive summary*
, *the summary*

or the *full report*

of what tenants and landlords said in the first phase of the National Conversation.

*Go to an event*

Go along to one of the half-day events they're holding in London and Manchester. Or drop in at one the range of events and conferences they're taking part in this summer.

*Take part in an event organised by your landlord*

Lots of social housing landlords are running events with their tenants. Contact yours to find out if they're holding one and how you can take part.

*Hold your own Local Conversation*

Meet up with your friends and neighbours to talk about what you all think of the plans. Download a *resource pack*
to help you run your meeting.

*Make a film *

Tell the TSA on camera what's important to you. Get them to film you at the CIH conference
in Harrogate or simply upload your own film to their YouTube channel.

Come on a Conversation at Trafford Hall

Trafford Hall are holding two facilitated Conversations for any tenants or landlords that want to get involved in the feedback. You will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and any issues you may have with other interested tenants and landlord representatives from other areas. Your feedback will be fed into the National Conversation.

The facilitator for the day is Tim Morton from Engage Associates - many of you may have been on policy consultation events Tim has facilitated here in the past.

Cost of the day is £60 including lunch and refreshments. There are no free places.

Dates : Thursday 6 August - 10.00am 4.00 pm.

Thursday 27 August - 10.00am 4.00 pm.

To book places on either of these dates, please contact Clair Lawton on 01244 300246 or email mc.lawton@traffordhall.com
.

Please remember that you can take part in the Conversation at no cost to yourself by following the links from the National Conversation website.

Digital Switchover in West Wales

2009-08-03T12:27:00.003+01:00

There is under a month to go until the first stage of switchover for the Kilvey Hill, Preseli and Carmel transmitter groups, serving the Swansea area; south-west Wales; and parts of south and central Wales respectively, in the Wales TV region. We are now commencing the final wave of our communications to ensure viewers know when switchover is happening and what to do.

As you know, switchover is a two-stage process:
• Switchover begins at the Kilvey Hill transmitter group, serving 132,000 households, on Wednesday, 12 August 2009 and ends on Wednesday, 9 September 2009
• Switchover begins at the Preseli transmitter group, serving 83,000 households, on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 finishing on Wednesday, 16 September 2009.
• Switchover begins at the Carmel transmitter group, serving 110,000 households, on Wednesday, 26 August 2009 finishing on Wednesday, 23 September 2009.

Switchover will make Freeview available from all 55 relay transmitters for the first time. They carry analogue TV now, but will start broadcasting up to 20 of the most watched Freeview channels at switchover. Once complete, Freeview coverage across the Wales will have been extended from 63 per cent to 98 per cent of households.
On-screen messaging is resuming to remind analogue viewers that they must convert to digital and local advertising will continue. At the two stages of switchover there will be 12 advice points managed by local charities where people can drop in for face-to-face help, as follows:

• Kilvey Hill: Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Burry Port
• Preseli : Haverfordwest, Cardigan, Tenby, Carmarthen
• Carmel : Carmarthen, Llanelli, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells.

There will also be three roadshows at both stages of switchover in Swansea, Haverfordwest and Carmarthen.
Viewers who already have digital TV or who use Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision boxes will need to retune their equipment at both stages of switchover.

As always, if there is any matter that I can help you with concerning switchover, then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to discuss it with you.

Elinor Phillips

Wales Team Co-ordinator

PS. Please note: All Freeview, Top Up TV and BT Vision viewers in Wales will need also to retune their equipment on 9 September in order to continue receiving S4C.

Digital UK
c/a: S4C l Parc Ty Glas l Llanisien/Llanishen l
Caerdydd/Cardiff l CF14 5DU
e: wales@digitaluk.co.uk
g/w: www.digitaluk.co.uk

Digital TV switchover happens in Wales in 2009 and 2010, starting in west Wales on 12 August this year. Visit our postcode checker - www.digitaluk.co.uk - to find out when you switch, or ring our helpline - 08456 50 50 50.b

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER IN NORTH WALES

2009-08-03T12:24:00.003+01:00

It is only around 100 days to go before digital TV switchover starts in north Wales:

· The Llanddona transmitter group with its 22 relays, serving c.95,000 homes in North west Wales switches in two stages on 21 October and 18 November 2009

· The Moel Y Parc transmitter group with its 20 relays, serving c.179,000 homes in north east Wales switches in two stages on 28 October and 25 November 2009

· The Long Mountain transmitter group with its 14 relays, serving c.24,000 homes in parts of east and central Wales switches in two stages on 4 November and 3 December 2009

Our latest research indicates good levels of awareness about the forthcoming change to terrestrial TV services and that the majority of viewers are well prepared:

· Nine out of ten households in the North Wales area (90%) have already connected their main set to digital TV.

· Seven out of ten people in the North Wales area (71%) know precisely what to do for switchover against 70% in the nations/regions yet to switch.

All households will shortly be sent a 20-page guide to switchover, which explains their options for going digital, what happens during switchover and the need to retune. On-screen captions on analogue channels will resume shortly telling viewers to get ready. These will be backed up by TV, press and radio advertising, reminding viewers of the date and their options for going digital.

The Switchover Help Scheme (helpscheme.co.uk) has sent out information packs to all eligible older and disabled people in the last few months. People must respond to the Help Scheme to get help - if they do not reply, they will be contacted twice more before switchover. The Help Scheme will be reaching out to the wider community to encourage people to tell older and disabled relatives, friends and neighbours about the help they can receive to convert one TV set to digital.

Our lead charity covering the Llanddona transmitter group area is Care and Repair Gwynedd, which is co-ordinating charity and volunteer organisation activity, including joint training with the Help Scheme. Age Concern North East Wales is the lead charity for the Moel Y Parc transmitter group area and PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) is the lead charity for the Long Mountain transmitter group area. Charities will be encouraged to carry out presentations, events and one-to-ones, continuing until a month after switchover. A small grants programme is made available to assist with this.

Emyr Byron Hughes

National Manager Wales, Digital UK

c/a: S4C l Parc Ty Glas l Llanisien/Llanishen l
Caerdydd/Cardiff l CF14 5DU

e: wales@digitaluk.co.uk

g/w: www.digitaluk.co.uk

TENANTS VOTE YES TO TRANSFER TO TAI CALON

2009-08-03T12:20:00.001+01:00

At 5pm on 23rd July, an announcement was made at Blaenau Gwent’s civic offices in Ebbw Vale on whether tenants have voted to transfer the housing stock to Tai Calon or remain with the council.

The majority of tenants voted to transfer to Tai Calon Community Homes, a new community housing mutual set up to inherit the council housing in Blaenau Gwent. The result of the ballot is as follows:

Turnout: 55%

Yes: 73%

No: 27%

New housing powers sought to protect social housing and rights of tenants

2009-08-03T12:18:00.001+01:00

The Welsh Assembly Government today (Tuesday) announced that it was going to seek new, more wide ranging powers to modernise social housing.

Ensuring better quality and more affordable housing remains a top priority for the Welsh Assembly Government and we have undertaken a thorough review of policies over the past two years. This fresh thinking is set out in the draft National Housing Strategy, Supporting People Strategy and Homelessness plans as well as our work with partners to implement the Essex Review. All of these will be complete and published in the autumn.

These strategies address the challenges facing housing through the current economic climate, including the tightening public purse, but also challenges such as climate change which we will face over the long term.

We are now seeking powers so that the Welsh Assembly Government has the legislative and regulatory tools to deliver our vision, and to respond innovatively to future policy challenges.

The new housing Legislative Competence Order will incorporate the aims of the Affordable Housing LCO to preserve social housing stock, which is being withdrawn from Parliament.

It will seek to modernise the system, meet tenants aspirations for home equity ownership and reform the Right to Buy scheme.

Deputy Minister for Housing Jocelyn Davies said:

“There have been some considerable developments in housing since 2007, not least the economic downturn which has impacted on the availability of homes and mortgages.

“Work is already underway to seek additional powers so that we’re able to deliver our wider housing ambitions and it makes sense to incorporate our commitments within the previous LCO into one wide-ranging LCO.

“Since 2007 we have done some considerable work in the area of affordable housing.

“We must look at how we can preserve and protect social housing for tenants now and in the future for the people of Wales.

“We now need powers to deliver social housing that takes on board the Essex Report and our strategies which cover national housing, homelessness and supported housing.”

The Assembly Government needs to address the considerable developments in housing to address the impact of the recession as well as the longer term problems of access to affordable housing and climate change.

The previous LCO looked only at the disposal of land by social landlords but this new LCO will look at much more: supported housing, the recommendations of the Essex Review and powers over tenancy law.

Housing remains a top priority for the Assembly Government and Ministers and officials look forward to working with the Secretary of State for Wales, who has said he will work with the Assembly Government to deliver this.

Supporting Communities/ Transforming Lives

2009-06-04T14:34:00.004+01:00

Welsh Tenants Federation Conference and AGM 2009

2nd July, The Orbit Centre, Merthyr Tydfil.

Attention all Members - Its that time of year again!!

Come and join us for our AGM this year, where you can find out what we have been up to over the last year and our plans for the future. Have you say and vote on any resolutions put forward by you the members and vote for new management committee members (where applicable).

During the conference part of the day, there will be interesting speakers and enjoyable workshops where you can learn new things and gain new skills.

One of our exciting workshops will show you how to use social media sites - by the end of the session you will have a facebook page and new friends!

NB/ Only 'Full' Members are eligible to vote at the AGM

Implementing Essex: Have your say in delivering change.

2009-04-22T14:44:00.001+01:00

Implementing Essex: Have your say in delivering change.
Since publishing the Essex Report last year the Welsh Assembly Government, Community Housing Cymru, the Welsh Local Government Association and social housing sector in Wales have been finding ways to ease the delivery of affordable housing in Wales. We are holding two seminar events to give stakeholders a chance to hear about and influence work in progress.

Six Workshops held at the seminars will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to give us their views and help us shape what will happen in the future.
The dates and venues are –
North Wales 27th April - Venue Cymru, Llandudno
South Wales 29th April - Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Workshops held in both the morning and afternoon will cover:-
· A new Social Housing Grant system
· A new Regulatory Framework for Welsh RSLs
Workshops held either in the morning or afternoon will cover:-
· A new Intermediate Rent product
· Making best use of public sector land
· The Local Authority strategic housing role
· A potential Welsh Housing Bond
Delegate costs are £50 per head (to cover costs only) and includes lunch.
For booking information please contact Community Housing Cymru on 02920 557400
http://www.chcymru.org.uk/essex-review/index.html

From CORGI to GSR

2009-04-07T16:05:00.001+01:00

Many tenants will be aware that landlords are required to undertake gas safety checks including, flues, appliances and fittings annually. From the 1st April 2009 the old Corgi gas registration scheme has been replaced by the ‘GAS SAFE REGISTER’. The GSR is now the only authorized body recognized by government to undertake gas service checks.

From the 1st April only GSR registered engineers will be able to fulfill the statutory gas safety responsibilities as outlined by government. Gas appliances that have been tested prior to 1st April will still be valid until they expire. If you are not sure whether your gas engineer is properly registered with GSR this can be checked by visiting http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk If you require further information contact kerry@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Breaking News - Gwynedd Council Tenants Vote YES! to stock transfer

2009-04-01T10:09:00.004+01:00

Gwynedd Council yesterday received the results of the tenants vote in the ballot to decide whether they are in support of Gwynedd Council stock being transferred to a new housing association 'Gwynedd Community Homes'.

The results of the ballot was
Yes to transfer 72%
No to transfer 28%

The turnout was 65%
Numbers eligible to vote - 6,315

Following this result and a consultation period, the Council will now be able to move ahead to set-up the new and not-for-profit independent housing association. As with all other social housing landlords, Gwynedd Community Homes (GCH) will be regulated by the Welsh Assembly Government and run by a voluntary management board made up of four tenants, four Gwynedd councillors and four independent people chosen for their skills and experience.

Councillor Dyfed Edwards, Gwynedd Council Leader said:

“Tenants have told us they want the benefits that transfer would bring which gives us a clear mandate to move forward with the process of transferring our housing stock to Gwynedd Community Homes. This is good news for our tenants as it means substantial investment can be made to their homes.

“This has been a long consultation process and one of the largest that Gwynedd Council has ever undertaken. I am confident that we have done all we can to ensure that tenants received all the facts and I believe the high turnout is a reflection of this.”

2009-03-23T10:24:00.001Z

The Welsh Tenants Federation were sad to hear of the death of Chairman Alan Walter of Defend Council Housing. Alan died suddenly from a suspected massive heart attack at his home on Saturday 7th March. As a council tenant of Camden he was at the beginning of the DFH campaign when labour came to power in 1997. Alan argued passionately for direct investment in council housing and was an inspirational advocate for many who warmed to his dedication and enthusiasm for his cause. Alan leaves a family, and many friends and colleagues who will miss him deeply.

Messages of support and condolence to the family and friends can be emailed to info@defendcouncilhousing.org.uk

Wales Audit office 'Lessons from Inspection'

2009-03-05T16:34:00.002Z

As the housing Associations move to a new regulation regime in Wales, being recommended by the Essex Review of affordable housing published last June. The Wales Audit Office has produced the results of a series of larger housing association inspections undertaken in Wales. Entitled Lessons from Inspection 2005-2008. The review brings together findings from 29 inspections based against key criteria such as relationships with tenants. equal opportunities, lettings and maintenance of rented properties. The report highlights some weaknesses of housing regulation and inspection.

Steve Clarke, Policy and Projects Coordinator for the Welsh Tenants Federation said, "We welcome the review as a valuable contribution to the changing regulation and inspection regime in Wales. Clearly there are areas for improvement. We need to gain a better understanding of what successful housing service delivery looks like in Wales and how tenants expectations of housing service quality are delivered on the ground. There needs to be more transparency of the cost of that service delivery and the benefits it produces when seeking to make improvements to our homes and communities. The report highlights some of these issues and will no doubt help shape future regulation and inspection of the sector".

A copy of the report can be found at:

http://www.wao.gov.uk/assets/englishdocuments/Lessons_from_HA_inspection_eng.pdf

Alternatively you can contact Mark Woods on 029 2032 0520 or email mark.woods@wao.gov.uk for a hard copy.

Finally, action on Sale and Rent back schemes

2009-02-12T12:36:00.000Z

The Financial Services Authority and HM Treasury announced today that they are working with lenders to make sure they are treating mortgage customers in arrears fairly. Emphasis needs to be placed on the individual merits of each case, with possession only a last resort. They also announced that they will be regulating Sale and Rent back schemes under the offices of the FSA

Last year according to the Financial Service Authority (FSA) the number of people who had their homes repossessed in the second quarter of 2008 increased by 71 per cent. 11,054 homes were repossessed in the three months to the end of June 08, compared with 6,476 during the same three months of 2007. Repossessions were also significantly up in the last quarter of 2008. Early forecasts state that the first quarter of 2009 will fair no better for the sector.

The Welsh Tenants Federation welcomes the news following concerns last year, that all was not well with sale and rent back schemes. Steve Clarke, policy and projects coordinator said.

‘Brining Sale and Rent back schemes under the regulation of the FSA, is the best way to ensure that the consumer interest are safeguarded following some appalling cases last year. People faced with losing their homes due to rent arrears see these schemes as a lifeline to safeguard their home. However, some have found that the scheme does not protect them at all, being evicted in a relatively short time thereafter, or having their rents hiked to the extent that they can no longer afford the payments’.

‘Alongside measures introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide regulated mortgage to rent schemes, we are pleased to see that action is finally being taken to protect vulnerable consumers affected by the recent financial turmoil. Finally, it appears that both ends of the spectrum are now being tackled’.

If you are in difficulties paying your mortgage or are facing repossession you should always talk to your lender and seek independent advice. Details about mortgage rescue schemes are available on the Welsh Assembly Government web site.

Telephone: 01685 729156 or 01685 729157, E-mail: shg@wales.gsi.gov.uk

For independent advice:

Contact Shelter Cymru on 0845 075 5005 or visit their website. http://www.sheltercymru.org.uk/shelter/home/

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau are in the phone book or visit their website. http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

WAG Consultation Paper - Sustainable Homes: A National Strategy For Wales

2009-02-10T15:43:00.002Z

The Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies AM has launched the consultation document Sustainable Homes: A National Housing Strategy for Wales on 29th January. At the event, the Deputy Minister underlined the commitment to build more sustainable homes for the future, working with the registered social landlord and private sector to help regenerate areas of Wales.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised the need for the right mix of housing and that housing is the catalyst to improve lives and strengthening communities, making them more sustainable for the future by radically reducing the ecological footprint. This can only be achieved by working in partnership.

The launch took place in the Alway Centre, Broadheath Newport, where Newport City Council have been regenerating the area providing 250 new homes built by Bellway.
The Regeneration project, which has received a high level of community involvement, provides new shopping facilities, a community hall and a multi user games area. A training initiative has also been established with the local Hartridge comprehensive school.

Of the 250 new homes, 50 are part funded by Social Housing Grant to provide affordable rent or low cost home ownership via the Seren Group. The Council are also continuing their significant levels of programmed improvements to existing properties in the area. The hallmark of the whole project has been the extremely high degree of community involvement.

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Copies of the documents can be obtained from the Welsh Tenants Federation www.welshtenantsfed.org.uk or by visiting http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/housingcommunity/housingstrategy/?lang=en

WTF news – help for landlord and tenant

2009-01-27T13:29:00.002Z

Landlord Accreditation Wales Scheme

A Wales-wide scheme has been launched to provide advice and support to landlords to provide good, well managed accommodation.

The scheme aims to make it easier for landlords with single or smaller portfolios keep up with changing legislative and administrative requirements.

The landlord receives the accreditation, not the property. To become accredited a landlord will need to:

attend a one day development course
agree to follow a code of conduct
be a fit and proper person

The scheme is supported by Local Authorities and key professional bodies. it will reduce disputes on property condition and tenancy issues. This will leave Councils more resources to deal with the landlords whose properties and management practices will not improve without intervention.

For more information visit the Landlord Accreditation website

WCVA Training

2008-11-24T13:44:00.001Z

Looking for new training opportunities? The Wales Co-operative Centre has announced training dates up until March 2009.

Its workshops cover a range of subjects including Business Planning, Marketing, Managing Performance and Recruiting Volunteers.

To get a copy of the timetable call 029 2055 4955 or log on to www.walescoop.com.

The Wales Co-operative Centre is a leading provider of training for the Third Sector in Wales. Its workshops are specifically designed for new or existing businesses including credit unions, co-operatives, social enterprises and other not-for-profit groups. Training is available to members, directors, employees and volunteers. The Centre has been supporting the Third Sector for over 25 years. Its experienced team of trainers are equipped with the specialist knowledge and skills to ensure that all its training is practical, relevant, inspiring and enjoyable.

Key Tenants Advocate Project (KTAP) Update - Statement to Members

2008-11-24T12:10:00.001Z

The Welsh Tenants Federation has budgeted 3,000 to pay expenses and meet other costs of the key tenant scheme.

There are currently 4 key tenants on our books that have received training. Chris Brock, Phil Davies, (SW) Gerry Stevens (SE), Dave Rimmer (North Wales). CB, PD and GS have been active. Peter Bungay supervises the Key Tenants and Steve Clarke manages the scheme.

The role of the key tenant requires that they commit up to 5 hours per week voluntary and are able to travel in the region to support the development officer to set up new groups and assist in gathering evidence or information concerning helpline cases.

There are currently 3 people who have expressed an interest in being a key tenant. Key tenants have to complete an application form and make themselves available for training. People will be selected on the basis of demand for additional support in that area.

The budget for the KTS is not a designated ring fenced budget, therefore can be used in other ways to support any volunteering required to be undertaken by the management committee. This is a sensible approach since policy commitments may require management committee member to attend WAG or other policy events to ensure the WTF is visible and active on policy consultations.

Requests by national management committee directors to attend events are considered from time to time, the KTS budget is therefore also used as an overflow budget if this exceeds the allowances we have for NMC meetings and events.

In recent years, we have considerably changed the scheme with specific policy’s and procedures. We have developed a lone working policy (recently approved by NMC), data protection, consent enquiry, new forms for recording information and other measures to ensure that the clients and volunteers are safe and secure and protected.

The national management committee have also recently agreed that Criminal Record Bureau checks are also undertaken on volunteers and staff.

We are endeavouring to provide time to support more key tenants and will also seek to ensure that the principles of the scheme are extended to other projects we develop. However, capacity is at maximum at the moment with demand for support around 250 helpline cases p.a. forecast for 2008-9 up from 205 in 2007-8 and 80 in 2006-7.

Cheryl Budge, Company Secretary

Steve Clarke, Policy & Projects coordinator

PRESS RELEASE - Poor report from Wales Audit Office

2008-11-24T10:16:00.004Z

Bro Myrddin Housing Association has received a ‘scope for considerable improvement’ rating from the Wales Audit Office (WAO), the organisation commissioned by the regulatory to inspect housing association performance in Wales.

The Wales Audit Office discovered there were concerns in seven key areas of service delivery and failed to demonstrate capability and was unlikely to make significant improvements in the future due to limitations in its capacity and weaknesses in its approach to strategic planning, management of performance and organisational support said the Wales Audit Office report.

Jeremy Colman, Auditor General for Wales, said “The services provided by Bro Myrddin Housing Association are consistently below the standard tenants are entitled to receive. The Association clearly needs to implement major changes in nearly all areas of its operations. The recommendations in this report will support the Association to set a clearer strategic direction, improve its planning and monitoring and become more resident-focused.”

The Welsh Tenants Federation are concerned that yet another small association in West Wales has been found to be not providing the level of services we would expect of modern housing associations. We will want to see the recommendations offered by the WAO implemented immediately with closer monitoring by the regulator to ensure that tenants begin to see improvements in the services they pay for.

“The report underlines the importance of a robust independent regulatory inspection system that highlights these failings”, said Steve Clarke, Policy and Projects Coordinator for the Welsh Tenants Federation. “Under the current review of the regulatory function suggested by the Essex report, we will want to see that such inspection processes are at least as robust as those in place currently, and that regulatory response to poor performance support tenants and the landlord to improve service standards”.

1. Further information can be obtained from the www.welshtenantsfed.org.uk

2. A copy of the report can be found at http://www.wao.gov.uk/news_2343.asp or by contacting the Welsh Tenants Federation at the address below.

--- CONTACT DETAILS ---

For further information please contact:
Steve Clarke, Policy Officer & Projects Coordinator
Welsh Tenants Federation
Milbourne Chambers
Glebeland Street
Merthyr Tydfil
CF 47 8AT

Mobile: 07879815479
Tel: 01685723922
Fax: 01685 722801
Email: steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk
www.welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Breaking News - Ceredigion tenants vote in favour of housing stock transfer

2008-11-19T11:39:00.004Z

Ceredigion County Council yesterday, (Tuesday 18 November 2008), received the result of a ballot of its tenants on the question as to whether or not they supported the transfer of Ceredigion's housing stock to the Tai Ceredigion Housing Association.

The figures for those who voted are as follows

Yes votes – 1,067 (58.3%)

No votes – 763 (41.7%)

Invalid papers - 3

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Turn-out percentage – 69.93%

Numbers eligible to vote – 2,621

Numbers who voted – 1,833

Further information can be found -

http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=11460

"I am very pleased with the outcome of the vote, we (the tenants) have been working for 2 - 3 years towards this goal and I am looking forward to seeing the houses brought up to the 21st Century." Gail McFee, Vice Chair of the now board of Tai Ceredigion

New Voluntary Standard for Tackling ASB

2008-10-29T11:05:00.001Z

The Welsh Assembly Government has issued the "Wales Housing Management Standards for Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour". The voluntary standards are aimed at Local Authority Housing Departments and Registered Social Landlords in

Wales

. The Assembly asks landlords to sign up to the voluntary standard as a demonstration of their commitment to its principles and process. Tackling ASB is a commitment to work towards a fair and just society outlined in the ‘One Wales’ agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru.

The standard also acknowledges the vital role of other agencies including Community Safety Partnerships in tackling anti-social behaviour and emphasises prevention and enforcement, promoting rights and responsibilities for safe and sustainable local communities.

The standard has 7 key themes: A Commitment to leadership and accountability; Empowering and reassuring residents; Prevention and early intervention; Support to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour; Tailored services for residents and provision of support for victims and witnesses; Protecting communities through swift enforcement; Encouraging community responsibility. The standard also includes a service-user led focus in the assessment and on-going monitoring of the standards.

Members of the WTF will have heard about these proposals last year. Members welcomed the development of the standard as a step in the right direction to ensure that a more systematic approach is adopted to prevent and tackle anti social behaviour by the minority of bad tenants and visitors. Steve Clarke, policy officer said “we welcome the standard and the voluntary commitment landlords will commit to ensuring the principles are delivered however, the standard should run alongside the good practice in administration which we highlighted earlier in the year as being seen to dealing with complaints around ASB is just as important.

When adopting the standard landlords are signalling their declaration to help create, sustain and improve communities that experience ASB and want to do something to mitigate its causes. There are many tools in the box for landlords to deal with anti-social behaviour including, injunctions, demotion orders, Anti social behaviour orders, Acceptable behaviour contracts and eviction for breach of tenancy agreement. The standard reflects how landlords should react and maintain a standard when using these as well as measures to help prevent ASB from occurring.

A full copy of the standard can be obtained for the Welsh Assembly Government website
http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/housing/social/managment/antisocialbehaviuor/antisocialstandards/?lang=en
Alternatively contact the Welsh Tenants Federation who can provide you with advice on how to develop an action plan, gather evidence and utilise support.

WTF Response to the consultation to Suspend the Right to Buy

2008-09-01T14:00:00.004+01:00

We have consulted a sample of our members on the issue of the suspension of the right to buy by local authorities in areas of high demand. Currently WTF members have mixed views. Firstly, tenants believe that the Welsh Assembly Government was not set up to take away rights conferred on them by parliament. However, members do recognise that RTB has significantly depleted the amount of social housing stock. These members were disappointed that capital receipts were not used to re-invest in replacement social housing stock.

A further group of members believe that RTB should be abolished altogether replacing this with a right to take out a capital stake in their home which can only be sold to back to the landlord. These members also believed that government should match fund any investment made by the tenant to provide a pension provision for later life.

The Welsh Tenants Federation are consulting further through the next round of ATTAIN events. If you have any views you would like to express, please contact Steve Clarke or come along to our discussion events.

Mental Health & Homelessness: Joining up to Improve Access

2008-08-14T11:21:00.001+01:00

These events are being run by Cymorth Cymru, the second of which is taking place on 30th September 2008 at Technium Cast Centre, Bangor these events are free to attend and are aimed at frontline workers across the health, housing and homelessness sectors.

If you wish to attend, please contact

Cymorth Cymru
Norbury House
Norbury Road
Fairwater
Cardiff CF5 3AS
Tel 029 2055 3687 Fax 029 2056 4165

Web: www.cymorthcymru.org.uk

The last event is:-
19th November – Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth

Additional information will be circulated regarding the North and Mid/West Wales events as we recived it.

WTF Policy Response - Social Security Amendments Act 2008

2008-06-13T10:46:00.002+01:00

Back dating housing benefit

The Welsh Tenants Federation are dismayed at the proposals to reduce the number of weeks that tenants can backdate housing benefit from 52 weeks to 12 weeks.

The ability to backdate housing benefit is critical to help prevent homelessness, reduce poverty and disadvantage and runs counter to the governments anti-poverty agenda. The proposals outlined in the Social Security Miscellaneous (Amendment) Act 2008 will force landlords to make quicker decisions to evict in the knowledge that they cannot reclaim rent, service charges and community charge beyond 3 months. This may also restrict the time to work with tenants to resolve indebtedness at a time when the majority of policy is geared to proactive support.

The complexities of coming off and on housing benefit are already complicated enough, with problems experienced by people working as agency workers and for those who have seasonal employment. Further, employers are paying increasingly on a salaries basis even for low paid jobs, particularly where small commissions are attached. In these circumstances claimants would have to wait more than three months to obtain a proper assessment of earnings and therefore assess whether they would be eligible for entitlement. This may mean more frequent smaller claims for shorter periods resulting in a negative cost benefit to the department.

The measures also impact on people experiencing mental health problems who may require time to seek appropriate advice, make claims and have determinations made and will undoubtedly create added problems for people receiving housing related support.

Issues are also compounded by the length of time taken by local authorities to process housing benefit claims and make determinations. While provisions have been improved in recent years enabling tenants to make their claims by telephone and enable them to have that date as the start date for the claim, this does not resolve the problem of housing related advisory support services with tighter deadlines having to be met with decreasing resources.

The Welsh Tenants Federation believes that the measures will add pressure to landlords to use Ground 8 (mandatory eviction) with the measure undoubtedly figuring in any arrears which may be claimable beyond 3 months.
The Welsh Tenants Federation believes the proposed savings will outweigh any benefit to the public purse with an increase in homelessness; increase in indebtedness; a reluctance to come off benefits and obtain seasonal work and restrict housing benefit advisory workers efforts to work with their clients over a longer period to assist people who have a legitimate claim.

With limited resources in the voluntary sector, there will be undoubted pressures on the voluntary sector to deal with general indebtedness, with their own internal cost benefit decisions being a factor on the amount being contested, resulting in prioritisation of cases and a reduction in amounts for legitimate housing benefit claims.

Further, the proposals are also linked to amendments to pension credit system. We see no anti poverty measure in extending the eligibility to claim pension credit while abroad from 4 weeks to 13 weeks. We see this measure as benefiting those who can afford to spend a 3 month continual period oversees, rather than assisting people in such a basic provision as an eligibility to claim housing benefit due to real hardship.

Although the consultation period is now closed, further information about the proposals can be obtained from http://www.ssac.org.uk/ both CAB and Shelter www.shelter.org.uk have also made representations.

Steve Clarke
Policy & Projects co-ordinator
Welsh Tenants Federation

Mental Health & Homelessness Events

2008-05-12T16:05:00.002+01:00

Cymorth Cymru are running a series of events on Mental Health & Homelessness, the first of which is takes place on 12th June 2008 at the All Nations Centre, Cardiff. The events are free to attend and are aimed at frontline workers across the health, housing and homelessness sectors.

The dates for the other events are:-
30th September – Technium Cast Centre, Bangor
19th November – Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth

For futher information and booking forms for these events, please contact:-
Cymorth Cymru
Norbury House
Norbury Road
Fairwater
Cardiff CF5 3AS
Tel 029 2055 3687 Fax 029 2056 4165
Web: www.cymorthcymru.org.uk

Mental Health & Homelessness: Joining up to Improve Access

2008-05-12T15:45:00.004+01:00

Cymorth Cymru
Norbury House
Norbury Road
Fairwater
Cardiff CF5 3AS
Tel 029 2055 3687 Fax 029 2056 4165

Web: www.cymorthcymru.org.uk

The last event is:-
19th November – Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth

Additional information will be circulated regarding the North and Mid/West Wales events as we recived it.

TPAS Cymru and Welsh Tenants Federation Joint Annual Conference

2008-05-07T11:30:00.002+01:00

Back to the Future - 20 Years of Tenant Participation
12th – 14th November 2008

This year we are looking at the past, the present and the future of tenant participation in Wales to bring you as always a conference that is full of interesting and informative plenary sessions, interactive workshops and great opportunities to network with tenants, landlords staff and other organisations from across Wales.

On Wednesday the main plenaries will review tenant participation in Wales in the ‘Count Us In’ report and will look at how tenant participation has changed the lives of tenants and landlords in Wales over the past 20 years and as always there will be plenty of opportunities to voice your opinion and ask the speakers questions.

On Thursday the main plenary will be discussing what the future holds for tenant participation and will be debating the Regulatory Reform and what it can do for Tenant Participation and findings from the Essex report. As usual the Thursday program contains a wide range of useful and interactive workshops and we will post further details of these shortly, so watch this space!

On Friday there will be more interesting and relevant workshops for you to attend and a fun and interactive closing session (details to follow shortly). The Chairs of both organisations will summarise the lessons learned at the conference to close the event.

If you are interested in attending booking forms will be available shortly from the websites of both TPAS Cymru and the Welsh Tenants Federation.

Please note that the residential bookings will be granted on a first come first served basis so get your forms in quickly when they are available to avoid disappointment.

Our aim is that this year’s program has something for everyone, so come and join us - we look forward to seeing you there!

The above program information is in draft format and may be subject to changes.

Wales Audit Office - Housing inspections

2007-10-05T12:36:00.000+01:00

The Wales Audit Office, the body that undertakes inspections for housing associations issued today a guide (What we look for Inspection Guide) which outlines what inspectors will be looking for when reviewing housing association performance.

The consultation paper covers specific areas within housing and deals with aspects of service that inspectors look for before arriving at a judgement on 'How Good' the service is. There are three levels of judgement which now include: Scope for considerable improvement, Good and Excellent.

The Wales Audit Office has been using Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) to help answer questions about the quality of housing services for some time now. The WTF supports the view that a revision was required with something that more closely describes what inspectors and tenants look for, and expect to find, in specific areas of housing service.

“What we look for”, links more directly with the key expectations set out in the Welsh Assembly Government Regulatory Code for Housing Associations in Wales and builds upon the experience gained by WAO inspection teams, said Steve Barry of the WAO.

You can read this document by following this link WAO

The Wales Audit Office are seeking views of stakeholders and are interested in answers to the following questions:

Does “What we look for” sufficiently cover the aspects of service important to your organisation?
Does “What we look for” sufficiently cover the issues of importance to tenants and other service users?

Your response should be received by the Wales Audit Office by 30 November 2007 to info@wao.gov.uk. or contact the Welsh Tenants Federation so that we can collate responses on tenants behalf. steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Partners in participation project

2007-09-18T19:31:00.000+01:00

Partners in participation project - Pembrokeshire Tenant Participation Strategy

Early this year, following a Welsh Assembly Government review of participation in Wales, a steering group consisting of landlords and tenants was set up to explore how they are able to develop a strategic approach to the delivery of better participation in Pembrokeshire.

Having been successful in a joint bid to the Tenant Empowerment Grant scheme with the Welsh Tenants Federation. The steering group are now seeking to develop a broader working group to develop this approach with the ultimate aim of delivering better housing service provision.

The ‘partners in participation seminars’ are being organized by tenants and landlords of the following housing service providers; Pembrokehire County Council, Pembrokeshire Housing Association; Cantref Housing Association and Gwerin Housing Association. We are seeking 4 representatives form each landlord. If you would like to come along to the events, please contact one of the landlord representatives listed below or telephone the Welsh Tenants Federation directly.

Schedule of future meetings

Friday 28th Sept - De Clare Court - Haverfordwest [Understanding the strategy. Defining shared values and exploring the scope of the strategy]
Monday, 15th October, Dewi Sant - Croft Court, Pembroke [Opportunities to get involved through formal and informal means and structures]
Wednesday, 7th November, County Hall, Haverfordwest, 1DM2 [Examining systems and processes that need to be developed including service review systems]
Tuesday, 20th November, County Hall, Haverfordwest, 1DM2 [Putting support together for tenants and landlords]
Tuesday, 4th December, Meyler House, Boardroom Haverfordwest [Developing capacity and responding to learning requirements]
Monday, 17th December, De-Clare Court - Haverfordwest [Leadership commitment]
Wednesday, 16th January 2008, Meyler House, Boardroom, Haverfordwest [Final draft of the strategy document & Social evening]

Meetings have been organised in morning and afternoon sessions as follows:

Arrival registration and overview 9:45 am sessions 1:45 afternoon

Key elements of the strategy 10:00–11:00 am sessions 14:00–15:00 afternoon
Breakaway into groups to consider actions 11:00-11:30 am 15:00–15:30 for afternoon
Group discussion on actions 12:00–12:30 16:00 – 16:30 afternoon
Refreshments / buffet 12:30–13:00 16:30–17:00 afternoon
Discussion on making connections and shared values 13:00–14:00 17:00–18:00

Close 14:00 am sessions 18:00 close for afternoon session

Refreshments, buffet and transport will be arranged via your landlord host

Through the partners in participation seminars, each constituent body will be developing action points to ensure the tenant wishes are actioned in the delivery of the strategic approach.

Where there is scope for joint working among landlord and tenants to improve opportunities for involvement, a county wide action plan will be developed.

This is an exiting time for participation with the opportunity to take the lead and make connections across service, geographic and organizational boundaries. If you want to be a part of this project, then please contact us.

If you are unable to attend any of the seminars, then don’t worry. Once the draft is complete you will be able to contribute to the strategy and action planning process via other means. In the meanwhile, the Welsh Tenants Federation will be pleased to hear from any individual or community group who may want to ensure that their issues are raised. We will guarantee that ideas and concerns are fed into the development process.

Telephone the WTF on 01685 723922 for further information

This project is sponsored by the Tenant Empowerment Grant Scheme funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Adaptations for Housing Association Tenants

2007-09-06T16:24:00.000+01:00

The Housing Directorate of the Welsh Assembly Government has issued a consultation paper concerning the Adaptations for Housing Association Tenants. The proposals contain detail;s of changes to Physical adaptation Grants (PAGs) and the payment of Social Housing Management Grant (SHG) which meet the needs of disabled tenants of Housing Associations in Wales.

We would be interested to hear any tenants views concerning the consultation please email steve @welshtenantsfed.org.uk

The closing date for comments is 30th November 2007.
Copies of the consultation paper can be found at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/housingandcommunity/consultation/adaptationsforhousingassoco/?lang=en

Welsh Homelessness Awards 2007

2007-08-24T13:10:00.000+01:00

This is a new event to recognise and reward those projects and organisations that work tirelessly to change the lives and futures of those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The evening will start with a pre-ceremony drinks reception at 7.30pm sponsored by Morrison followed by a 3 course meal. 5 awards are to be presented at the ceremony:-

The Innovation Award 2007 - sponsored by Accord
The Partnership Award 2007 - sponsored by Lovell's
Most Progressive Local Authority Team Award 2007- sponsored by Accord
The Service User Involvement Award 2007 - TBC
The Young People Project Award 2007 - sponsored by Admiral

To find out more information regarding this event, booking a table or to discuss sponsoring opportunities please call the Cymorth office and ask for Siân Wilton or email her on sianwilton@cymorthcymru.org.uk

The Big Opportunity

2007-08-23T10:08:00.000+01:00

Community Housing Cymru are hosting 'The Big Opportunity' a conference event at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff 11th September 2007.

The conference provides an opportunity to capture learning and experience from previous transfers of housing stock from local authorities in Wales and England. The event provides several workshops, surgeries and an opportunity for tenants, councillors and staff to explore opportunities and challenges that present themselves through transfer.

Further information can be obtained from
Rhian Robinson, events co-ordinator, Community Housing Cymru, Fulmar House, Beignon Close, Ocean Park, Cardiff, CF24 5HF or Telephone 02920 557413.

2007-08-17T10:32:00.000+01:00

The Wales Housing Management Standard for Anti Social Behaviour
Consultation
The Welsh Assembly Government has issued consultation on a housing management standard that they expect all registered social landlords to adopt with their tenants and the broader community. The standard contains 7 key commitments including; Commitment to leadership; empowering and reassuring residents; prevention and early intervention; Support to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour; tailored services for residents and provision of support for victims and witnesses; protecting communities through swift enforcement; and finally a commitment to encouraging community responsibility.
Landlords have been required to develop a ASB policy as directed by the Welsh Assembly Government since the 30th Oct 05.
The new standard is expected to establish a benchmark for the sector in Wales from which to build excellence in combating ASB. Spanning prevention, support and enforcement agendas the standard also places a strong emphasis in empowering tenants to play their role. The WTF would like to hear your views on the standard and particularly its implementation.

Copies of the proposed standard can be obtained from www.wales.gov.uk/consultations or through the WTF email steve @ welshtenantsfed.org.uk

What Tenants Want - Trafford Hall

2007-02-05T17:37:00.001Z

Last call for free and subsidised places available at Trafford Hall, Chester on the Welsh Husing Quality Standard.

Trainers: Engage Associates (Elieen Adams)
Date: 12th - 14thMarch 2007
Fees: Administration charge £10
Course content:

The Welsh Housing Quality Standard and the implications for tenants and landlords
Explains the stock options appraisal process
Explores the options for ownership and management of council housing and the models which may apply
Hear expert witnesses talk about their experiences
Develop methods of judging the best options for tenants

For further information or to book a place please speak to Hayley Evans on 01244 300246 or email h.evans@traffordhall.com Please indicate that you heard of the course through the WTF.

What Tenants Want - Trafford Hall

2007-02-05T17:37:00.000Z

The Welsh Housing Quality Standard and the implications for tenants and landlords
Explains the stock options appraisal process
Explores the options for ownership and management of council housing and the models which may apply
Hear expert witnesses talk about their experiences
Develop methods of judging the best options for tenants

For further information or to book a place please speak to Hayley Evans on 01244 300246 or email h.evans@traffordhall.com Please indicate that you heard of the course through the WTF.

Positive about participation?- then get informed, get Involved!

2007-02-01T22:08:00.000Z

Positive about participation?- then get informed, get involved! is the Welsh Tenants Federation project in partnership with the Inform 2 Involve initiative and Merthyr County Borough Council. The project aims to raise awareness of the need to get informed and involved in the housing led regeneration debate and offer support to tenants across Merthyr Tydfil to do so.

It has been widely acknowledged that Housing in Wales is facing the biggest change in 30 years. Tenants need to be a part of that debate, they need to ensure that what they want is delivered in any proposals that are offered. Merthyr Tydfil CBC will require more than 219 million to meet the commitments of its 30 year housing business plan with current and projected resources missing the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, which must be achieved by 2012. As a result, the option to transfer the stock has been proposed. Merthyr CBC and a panel of tenants have chosen Tact @ Dome to act as the independent tenants advisor to convey to tenants the options available to them.

In addition, the i2i team which aims to provide support to landlords to meet the welsh housing quality standard across the heads of the valleys area have produced a number of information booklets titled 'what tenants want' to assist tenants to make comparisons and ensure that they get the right answers to the critical questions they need to know.

The Welsh Tenants Federation aims to offer support to individuals who wish to get involved not just for the short term but for the long term, irrespective of whether tenants vote for, or against the transfer proposals. We ask the question - Are you positive about participation? If you are, then you need to get informed and get involved.

If you are positive about participation or wish to receive further information then contact Steve Clarke on 01685 723922 or email steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Living without insurance

2007-02-01T22:04:00.000Z

The Welsh Consumer Council are currently conducting a study into the barriers that some people face when taking out insurance. One of the areas they're focussing on is home contents insurance.
As part of the research they are looking for people who have had difficulty in obtaining home contents insurance over the last few years (eg. costs quoted have been too expensive or cover has been refused for some reason), or anyone who's had to deal with a particular situation/incident without home contents insurance cover.
They are also keen to hear tenants general views on taking out home contents insurance including opinion on 'insurance with rent' schemes.
If you know of anyone with a story to tell who would be happy to share their experiences and views please contact Lindsey Kearton (email: lindsey@wales-consumer.org.uk) Tel: 029 2025 5454 Ext: 225) by Friday 23rd February 2007.The information gathered will then be used as Case Studies in their final report. All answers will be treated in the strictest confidence and no individuals will be identified.

Comming of Age - TPAS Cymru/ Welsh Tenants Federation Joint conference Nov 2006

2006-11-23T22:50:00.000Z

Once again the national joint conference hosted by TPAS Cymru and the Welsh Tenants Federation demonstrated that tenants remain committed to the principles of particiaption. The event, attended by more than 380 delegates from all parts of Wales focused on three main themes:

Tenant Participation
Modles of ownership and management of social housing
The purpose of Social Housing

Tenant Participation - As the Welsh Assembly Government launched its consultation document on the National Resident Participation Stratgey, tenants across Wales demonstrated that they remain active and positive about their influence and role in the development of responsive housing services too communities. However, tenants stated that adequate, consistent and equitable resourcing was critical to their continued effective particiaption as well as a change in the culture of service delivery.

Social Housing - its purpose and need - Delegates and invited speakers were unanimous in their view, that social housing is both needed and wanted and that afordable housing needed to be built to take the pressure off traditional social housing models. Wales needs between 3-5000 new homes to meet the demand for rented homes provided by the registered social landlord sector. Also required, was an urgent modernisation programme to meet standards which Wales' tenants deserve.

Models for social housing and ownership - The three speakers outlined the connections between eonomic and social development and in particualr the need for an holistic approach to the problems faced by commuities in decline. The housing led regeneration potential in the Heads Of the Valleys (HOV) project, which is programmed to recieve more than 120 million of Welsh Assembly Government funding, was held up as an example of what could be achieved. The potential for the HOV to realise 60 million of social housing investment by 2012 was also relayed too delegates. The role of private sector investment, cannot be discounted from this process providing much needed affordable homes for people who are attracted back too regenerated communities.

Further information about the conference can be obtained from Steve Clarke, Policy & Projects Co-ordinator at the Welsh tenants Federation on 01685 723922 or email steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Yes to transfer! - Yes! to decent, quality affordable homes

2006-11-23T13:00:00.000Z

It has been a momentous week for change in Wales, with tenants voting yes to a registered social housing (not for profit) model, in both Monmouth and Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Chairman of the WTF Terry Hennegan, welcomed the decision stating, "While Monmouth was important, it was the Rhondda Cynon Taff ballot which was to determine the level of support for the policy of the Welsh Assembly Government, he added, the majority of tenants who voted, said Yes to transfer! And that's good enough for me".
Tenants can now look forward to the investment levels that is both long overdue and deserved in Wales. Assemmbly Member for Rhondda Cynon Taff, Leighton Andrews said, "I am pleased that the turnout was above 50 percent and that the eventual result was conclusive. Everyone has to accept this result as the democratic will of RCT tenants. All tenants need to understand that transfer will now unlock sustainable investment in the millions of pounds over the next 30 years".

Further information can be obtained by contacting Steve Clarke, Policy & projects Co-ordinator at the Welsh tenants Federation on 01685 723922 or mobile 07879815479 email steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Gathering and sharing good practice

2006-11-08T00:35:00.000Z

The Welsh Tenants Federation are keen to receive and promote your good news stories. You can do this in several ways. 1) Come along to regional meetings and inform other members of what you have achieved. 2) Telephone the national office and request a good practice form 3) Email a brief summary to enquires@welshtenantsfed.org.uk 4) You can telephone the national office where we will be pleased to record your success, send you a copy for confirmation and add it to knowledge base.

All the information received is stored at the national office and will be shared with other members. Remember your project or initiative may be considered for one of the categories of our good practice ‘Community Awards’ delivered annual at the Welsh Tenants Federation AGM conference event.

* Rent Guarantee post transfer to be extended *

2006-10-20T13:37:00.000+01:00

***News *** The Welsh Assembly Government have announced that it will consider extending the rent gurantee period beyond the five year period normally associated with transfers of stock from local authoirty to a registered social landlord.

The decision reflects concerns raised by tenants about what will happen to rent following the five year period. The Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration has ordered an amendment to the guidlines to relect this.

The Stock Transfer Guidance 2002 - Rent Gurantees, Paragraph 4.3.4 of the current guidelines should now read... local authorities can offer to transfering tenants rent increases post ballot that will not exceed the rent increases they would have paid as council tenants if transfer had not taken place. Obviously this would have to be reflected in the 30 year business plan developed by Councils and approved by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Previously 'the Assembly would not normally agree to a rent gurantee for more than five years'.

New tenants i.e. people who are not currently secure tenants of the Council and who move into a home for the first time after transfer will be charged RSL benchmark rents as set by the Welsh Assembly Government from the start of their tenancy.

End

Resident Participation Strategy consultation summary

2006-10-08T22:20:00.000+01:00

Introduction

The Welsh Assembly has launched its resident participation strategy consultation document and its associated guidance. The Welsh Tenants Federation provides here a summary of the contents to assist members who might have difficulty wading through the weighty document. We suggest that members do the following:

Set up ‘reading groups’ to formulate a response
Be sure to try and get a broad range of opinions on board i.e. by profile e.g. young people; elderly; single parents; ethnic minorities; leaseholders; owner occupiers (people who have exercised their right to buy) etc.
Write up a summary and discuss the outcomes with your members and relevant stakeholders at the earliest opportunity
You can use the questions included as an example or put in your own
Finally ask what’s missing or ask members to include suggestions to help the strategy work better

LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON AND FORWARD YOUR RESPONSE TO THE WTF.

Thank you.

Resident Participation Strategy - A summary of the core content and background

Paper includes

Understanding why the strategy and guidance are required. Overview of the strategy and guidance
Provides information about the consultation process that will take place – 18^th Sept 12^th Dec
Purpose of the consultation is to discuss issues related to resources, communication, training & capacity building, service planning and performance monitoring

Question: Has the paper and guidance covered all the issues?

Background

Better homes for People in Wales provides a commitment to TP
WAG recognises that there is ‘patchy’ performance by social landlords and that improvements are required
The Strategy takes into consideration the report on the ‘Evaluating of tenant participation in Housing management and design (CIH Cymru + Rowan)
It accepts the recommendations of the report in particular …Assembly Government to develop a National Strategy setting out minimum standards and clarifying expectations for the sector together with guidance
The WAG set up a task and finish group to review the recommendations, this consisted of: WAG, TPAS Cymru, WTF, WFHA, Local Authority, Cymorth, Tai Pawb

Aim of the strategy

To promote quality resident participation services in the pursuit of continuous improvement in the delivery of responsive housing and related services

The strategy does this by setting out:

Assembly Government position

Their expectations of social landlords (does the stratgey meet your expectations?)

What support is available from WAG (Is there suffient support from the WAG?)

How the assembly will monitor social landlords performance

Context

The strategy identifies that:

Social landlords share information, ideas and decision making with residents and other relevant stakeholders about

o Housing management and related services

Service planning priorities

How they will work together with residents and other stakeholders to achieve these

WAG’s Expectations of landlords

Develop a local participation strategy covering core elements
Minimum standards with respect to:

Scope of participation

Options for participation

Delivery mechanisms

Monitoring, evaluation and review processes

WAGs has a dual role

Ensure delivery on the ground & delivery strategically
Create links with Resident participation in National and local participation
Ensure adequate monitoring and review
Providing support for landlords

Support for landlords

Partnership working
Core funding for the WTF and TPAS Cymru
Tenant Empowerment Grants
Promote good practice through Social Housing Management Grant Programme
Help fund National Tenants Resource Centre’s Capacity Building & Small Grants programme

Timetable for implementation

Consultation on draft documents Sept to Dec 06
WAG Resident participation Strategy will then be issued January 2007
Social Landlords Local Resident Participation Strategies should be developed by August 2007 (too short?)
3 yearly fundamental reviews from August 2007 onwards

Are the timescales practical ?

Draft guidance (as an toolkit for landlords and tenants)

Aimed at helping landlords and residents sustain momentum and build on the excellent resident participation practices that already exist in Wales
Expands upon and follows a similar pattern as the strategy but there is much more material, especially about the minimum standards for the scope of participation options and delivery

Is the document useful to tenant groups or should it focus on the intended and expected outcomes of each standard?

Audit commission research outcomes

Involving residents to improve services DOES work and it can provide value for money
Draws on evidence and examples of housing associations positively affecting community capacity
Can significantly enhance the accountability of housing organisations
Research states that effective participation is more than making information available or responding passively to resident participation interests
Residents need support to participate effectively
Participation is not a passive function and calls for positive and sustained action on the part of social landlords
Landlords and residents should build in methods for challenging the effectiveness of different participation models and maximise cost effectiveness

WAG’s expectations – Core elements

Landlords state their primary expression of local delivery of the national strategy is through social landlords developing local resident participation strategy
Should state its aims, objectives and intended outcomes
How it was developed and how residents & other stakeholders were involved
How equality of opportunity in all participation exercises will be promoted
How organisations will comply with the law on participation and regulatory rights to participate
Should be developed and reviewed with regard to good practice
Should refer to other relevant strategies that in turn should contain a statement on resident participation
Should have minimum standards
Include participation as a corporate activity
A comprehensive approach
Target high priority audiences
Be responsive to residents needs and wishes
Be accessible to all and inclusive
Consider its sustainability
Residents say on what information is provided
Information about resources (mapping resource needs)
Locally based information
Channels of communication
Opportunities that enable residents to express their views
Consultation methods
Keeping records of consultation and its results

There is much use of the word 'should' as opposed to 'Must' would this ensure that everyone includes these in the stratgey?

Minimum standards (MS) of participation options

Tenant participation compacts
Include residents associations
Working groups (e.g. service reviews or project committees)
Board committee membership
Local strategic partnerships
Resident management & Ownership models

Are these minimum standards sufficient - or are some minimum standards missing - if yes what are they? for example access to independant support and advice.

MS - Delivery

Operations staff roles clearly defined
Record-keeping of preferred methods of consultation (database)
Records of outcomes and response rates (note: action plans)
Other evidence (e,g, involving hard to reach groups), training attended, subjective evidence of personal growth)
Information about resources
Training
Publicity
Implementation – Action plan

Should structures for involvement be included in delivery mechanisms as a key standard?

MS – Monitoring and review (by WAG)

Monitoring meetings and reports
Reviews
Residents involved in reviews
Wales Audit Office (Key Lines of enquiry, (KLOES))
Revised action plans
3 yearly fundamental review

What other WAG review and monitoring mechanisms should be stated? Should WAG have a participation directorate or participation champion ?

MS – Monitoring (by Social landlords)

Monitoring and review local strategies and action plans
Local authorities – Inspections (WAO) + WPI
Housing associations – Regulatory code + WAO Key Lines of enquiry (KLOES)

Should landlords have to have their strategies independently assessd annualy through for example an impact statement provided to WAG?

Recommendations for TPAS Cymru and WTF

Joint working (synergy)
Training provision database
Funding database

What other recommendations should be included for WTF?

The WTF will be responding comprehensively to the document and requires your views. Please contact steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk or peter@welshtenantsfed.org.uk Tel 01685 723922 where we will record your concerns (anonymously if required) and incorporate them in our response

Right to Buy Update !

2006-09-21T00:09:00.000+01:00

Update on Right to Buy – Circular 34/2006

Para.11 of Schedule 5 of the Housing Act 1985 states that the Right to Buy does not arise if a property is particularly suitable for occupation by elderly persons and had been let for occupation by a person who was aged 60 or more.

The introduction of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act1993 (Sec 106) empowered landlords to refuse the right to by in respect of Para 11 above and also made provisions for tenants to appeal to the Secretary of State within 56 days who would then make a determination on whether Para 11. applies.

Guidance was issued in Oct 1993 concerning how the Secretary of State would deal with these applications. Guidance was also issued to landlords at the same time.

When the National Assembly was established in 1999 the functions of the Secretary of State were transferred over. The National Assembly of Wales proposed changes in 2004, this revised circular now reflects those responses and revises aspects of the initial guidance in respect of:

The procedure for dealing with appeals from tenants under paragraph 11 of Schedule 5 of the Housing Act 1985
and what the National Assembly for Wales will expect from landlords when determining whether a property has been correctly excluded for the RTB under paragraph 11.

A link to the new guidance and procedures can be downloaded at http://new.wales.gov.uk/publications/circular/circulars2006/NAFWC34-06?lang=en

Proposals to develop a 'Disadvantaged Groups Development Fund' welcomed

2006-09-20T22:16:00.000+01:00

Disadvantaged Groups Development Fund: The Welsh Assembly Government is consulting on the development of a ‘Disadvantaged Groups Development Fund (DGDF)’ closing dates for consultation is 31^st October 2006. Contact John.duggan@wales.gsi.gov.uk Tel 02920 825275. The proposal is to introduce a DGDF with two levels of funding:

Level one: local level funding £500 one-off funds such as a community newsletter and up to £2,000 at a regional level for one-off funds for regional activity such as a website.
Level two: is being proposed to make available funds of up to £25,000 for development work. The purpose is to build strength in community governance and financial systems.

The WTF supports the programme providing there is a clear definition of the term ‘disadvantage’ in the context of the fund. We would also like to see links made to the TEG fund as a staircase to deliver some of the action plans as an outcome of the TEG process, although not exclusively so. The WTF are compiling a comprehensive response. We would be interested in receiving your views to complement ours. For further information contact Steve steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

New Resident Particiaption Strategy

2006-09-20T22:10:00.000+01:00

National Resident Participation Policy - The Welsh Assembly is due to publish its Resident Participation Strategy (RPS) on the 18^th September 2006. The RPS has been developed with Priority Estates Project (PEP) who have been commissioned to co-ordinate the work supported by a WAG managed task group. The consultation period is due to commence on the 18^th September through to 8^th Dec with implementation likely to commence in the new year. Members and interested organisations need time to discuss the guidance with representative bodies so early planning is recommended.

If you don’t receive a copy of the draft and guidance please contact the Welsh Assembly Government Mike Simons, Housing Projects & Co-ordination Team, (tel 02920825282) or email housing-projectsandco-ordinationteam@wales.gsi.gov.uk the document will also appear on the Welsh Assembly web site www.wales.gov.uk/consultation or www.cymru.gov.uk/ymgynghoriadau. Members and supporters interested in obtaining or sharing their views can contact Steve 01685 723922 or email steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk for a summary of the key issues we will be raising.

Respect Agenda

2006-09-20T21:58:00.000+01:00

Respect agenda The WTF have supported and promoted the ‘Respect agenda in Wales’ with the message ‘Prevention, early intervention and protection’

We have also raised the issue about the hidden mental health problems that may exist in communities that experience ASB tendencies. Hence our approach has been to promote prevention through educating and learning, early intervention to prevent escalation, and protection for vulnerable tenants both victims and perpetrators. While the need for sanctions are necessary, we also need to develop our learning and understanding to better address the underlining causes.

Some time ago we reported on the introduction of a respect standard for housing management being developed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister now Department for Communities & Local Government. A guide for landlords has now been published and is available at the following link.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/292/ARespectStandardforHousingManagement_id1165292.pdf

The Respect agenda aims to ensure that local agencies tackle unacceptable behaviour and its causes to improve quality of life for residents – particularly those in the most disadvantaged communities. The Government’s proposals to deliver on the Respect drive were set out in the Respect Action Plan. More details are available at http://www.respect.gov.uk/ The Respect Standard for Housing Management forms part of this drive and is aimed at social landlords. It is a voluntary Standard which the Government wants as many landlords as possible to sign. Copies of the standard can be obtained by following the link:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/292/ARespectStandardforHousingManagement_id1165292.pdf

The respect standard uses 6 key themes:

Accountability, leadership, and commitment

Landlords need to make a visible commitment to the community so that everyone is clear they take issues of anti-social behaviour and Respect seriously and will deliver what they say they will.

Empowering and reassuring residents

Landlords and the community need to work as one through involving residents and giving them input into decision making. Engagement and effective communications act to reassure and empower communities

Prevention and early intervention

Landlords can play a key role in preventing anti-social behaviour from occurring. Where it does occur if problems are addressed quickly this often gets the best results.

Tailored services for residents and provision of support for victims and witnesses

Success rests on people being prepared to report and then give support to agencies in taking action. Every case and every person deserves a robust, tailored and sensitive response.

Protecting Communities through swift enforcement

Government has provided landlords with the tools they need to tackle a whole range of anti-social behaviour. Landlords need to understand how tools work and be prepared to use them quickly to protect communities.

Support to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour

Provision of support can put an end to unacceptable behaviour by tackling underlying causes. This leads to sustainable outcomes and gets people’s lives back on track.
The Government will be encouraging residents to get engaged and hold their landlord to account. The Audit Commission, (Wales Audit Office) who carry out inspections of landlords, are also looking to strengthen their guidelines to landlords on what they expect a good landlord to be achieving in tackling anti-social behaviour. This will reflect the content of the Standard.

Landlords are encouraged to sign up to the standard to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of early intervention and prevention.

Please contact steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk or peter@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Resident Participation Strategy - Seminars

2006-09-07T15:32:00.000+01:00

Resident Participation Strategy Consultation Seminars (Wales)
The Resident Participation Strategy [RPS] consultation document and guidance is almost finalised and will be published shortly by the Welsh Assembly Government. The strategy is the culmination of many months of work by PEP and the advisory group set up to consider a revised participation strategy for Wales.

PEP who are assisting the WAG in drafting the strategy and guidance are putting on two consultation events on the:

- 11th September 2006, at the Grand Hotel, Swansea
- 15th September, at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernavon.

Anyone wishing to attend the events should contact Robert Webb on 077306-24358 email: Robert.w@pep.org.uk or Gwyneth Orford on 077306-24397 email Gwyneth.o@pep.org.uk

The Welsh tenants Federation would be pleased to support representatives from regional committees to attend the events subject to regional committee support. Please contact Steve Clarke at steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk or telephone 01685 723922.

Copies of the consultation document and guidance will be made available to regional committees for discussion when they are published. Please register your interests in obtaining a copy with Sharon Dean at the above number or email Sharon: Sharon@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

TPAS /WTF Joint Conference Wales

2006-08-23T12:18:00.000+01:00

The TPAS Cymru / WTF joint conference will be held at the Metropole Hotel, Landrindod Wells, Powys on the 15th 16th and 17th of November 2006. The event celebrates both organisations 18th year with the title 'Coming of Age'. On the programme is a broad range of emerging housing issues including social housing models, the revised resident participation strategy and many other interesting and informative discussions. There are also a number of workshops and break-out sessions to enable people to network.
Whether you are a seasoned participant or new to housing and participation, you will certainly enjoy the experience.

Our main sponsor for the event is United Welsh Housing Association along with supporters and exhibitors. For further information and a booking form contact Sharon Dean 01685 723922 or email: sharon@welshtenantsfed.org.uk

Right to Know zone

2006-08-23T11:18:00.000+01:00

The Welsh Tenants Federation have launched a right to know web zone linked to this site http://www.right2know.org.uk

The Right 2 Know web zone will be devoted to issues that relate directly to the delivery of Welsh Housing Quality Standards and other useful information that may assist tenants to make informed choices about how the standard will be achieved.

If you have been involved in stock option investment issues with your landlord we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact steve@welshtenantsfed.org.uk or telephone 01685-723922. We can talk in confidence if you wish.

Welsh to WTF News

2006-07-28T10:40:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the new WTF newsroom.