Welfare Reform - The Impact on Housing

Introducing Kettering

Introducing Kettering

93,800 people live here (+14% in ten years) We own and manage 3,800 homes More than 950 new homes were built by housing

associations between 2006/07 and 2010/11 Private rentals have increased from 6.4% of the

housing stock in 2001 to 24.3% today 2991 households are now registered on Keyways

Welfare Reform: The Emerging Picture

Welfare Reform: The Emerging Picture

Shared accommodation rates for under 35’s – Affected 60 claimants – many are now struggling

Benefit cap – Could affect 50 households – take-up of one-to-one meetings is very, very low

Size criteria – Could affect 35% of working-age council tenants – 455 households

Non-dependent deductions – Higher levels of fraud? Localisation of Council Tax Benefit – Potentially , a

huge impact but little awareness among tenants

Welfare Reform: The Emerging Picture

Short term Raising awareness of welfare reform among tenants Staff training Logistical issues - IT, direct debits Need for more tenancy support Impact on rent arrears and homelessness Dealing with under-occupation - spending on voids Longer term Impact on the private rented sector Increase in HMOs - quantity and quality

London – Only 55 minutes away!

London – only 55 minutes away!

We are monitoring closely

Impact on private sector rents

Impact on local support services

Our Response to Welfare Reform

Action Plan

Focus on underoccupying council tenants

Identifying resources for more tenancy support

Working with HB to Identify vulnerable private tenants

Housing options interviews at first point of contact

Communication Strategy

Training and information for staff

Consulting stakeholders Information for tenants

and applicants Target individual

tenants Promote life skills

training

Dealing with Underoccupation

HomeMove Advice and practical support for tenants who want to downsize

Mutual Exchanges Advice and informationPromotion of House ExchangeIncentives for tenants

Lodgers

Life Skills Training Move On, Move In

Life skills training for young people

Life PlanHelping tenants with employment, education and training

Tenancy training houses For young people and rough sleepers

Any questions

?

John ConwayHead of Housing

johnconway@kettering.gov.uk 01536 534288