August 2010

The latest news from the National Housing Federation

The Government's proposed changes to the housing benefit system will have a profound effect on many households in the region.

We don't yet know the full impact. However, we are working with our members to gather the information we need to continue our lobbying - see how you can get involved in our events section. 

In this issue:

• Latest on Don't mention the housing crisis
• Our work with the regions politicians
• Take a look at Localism
• Lots of events not to be missed! 

News

Shh. . .

Don’t mention the housing crisis
It’s time for every MP to mention the housing crisis and urge the Government to act. Ask us for a campaign action pack which includes postcards for tenants and employees to send to MPs. For now, our poster (photo) at the MPs' entrance at Westminster tube station says it all.

Political Engagement

We’re asking every housing association in the East of England to invite their local MP to visit a project, no matter how big or small, that is making a real difference to local people. It’s harder to back housing benefit cuts when you have met a family who will struggle to keep their home.

Localism Update

It now seems inevitable that the Regional Development Agency EEDA will shut down by 2012. Proposals for Local Enterprise Partnerships will be submitted by September, and the Federation is encouraging housing associations to become involved.
The Federation is tracking the changes to planning arrangments since the election. If you have a scheme which has been put on hold as a result of the loss of regional targets, please tell Claire Astbury clairea@housing.org.uk.

Care2Work

Young people leaving care are more likely to be Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and the national Care2Work programme aims to create working opportunities for Care Leavers. The programme is run by National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) and they are looking for potential employers among housing associations to join their register of employers. For more information contact Barry Cullen at Barry.cullen@catch-22.org.uk or see the website

Meeting for Small Housing Associations

The Federation held a seminar for smaller housing associations in the region on 29th June. There was a range of organisations represented including some “micro-sized” associations and a lot of interest in developing a virtual as well as real life practitioner group for smaller associations. A further event is planned for November. For details on other work with and for members click the link

Are you using the Guardian Jobs member discount?

To date we've saved members almost £40,000 since the portal was launched on 20th May which is fantastic. The offer means that NHF members can save substantial amounts on recruitment advertising and more.

Find out more about opportunities for your organisation in the East of England

More details on DWP Work programme, Practioner group dates and contacts, Winter fuel payments survey, and lots more.

FREE Town Planning Advice

Do you know a residents’ group or community group who are concerned about their neighbourhood and would like to learn more now about how planning may be affecting their local area in future?

Planning Aid provides FREE independent, professional help and support on town and country planning matters. We can help people to enjoy understanding the planning system better and make a difference to their local area - we tailor our help to local needs.

Recently Published

Right Home, Right Time, Right Place – Regional Underoccupation Report

We have been oversubscribed for the launch of this regional project which has been attracting national attention. The report is based on research which we commissioned from the University of Cambridge, which found that 27,000 social homes are underoccupied across the region. The aim of the work is to raise awareness of the issue, and help landlords to develop their services to older people who want to downsize.

Forthcoming Events

• Retrofit Conference
• 9 September, Cambridge
• The programme is being finalised and will include sessions on government policy, funding, support to tenants and technical updates.
• Housing Benefit reform seminars
• 14 September - Novotel Birmingham Centre
• The Government wants to cut the housing benefit bill by £3bn, a mammoth task which will have a huge impact social housing tenants on low incomes and the organisations who house them.
  In this special seminar the Federation brings together the expertise of the people working on reforms at the DWP, local authorities who administer the system, senior housing association housing management professionals and welfare rights experts who will assess the impact.
  
• East of England Finance conference
• 10 October, Cambridge
• Regional Board Members’ Seminar, 29th September
• Board members from housing associations will be meeting in September to find out more about how localism will affect their organisations, and how their associations can adapt to the new arrangements.

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