Stock transfer and homelessness the context

1
Stock transfer and homelessness the context

• John Puzey
• Shelter Cymru

2
Why is this an issue?

• In 2004 recorded homelessness was at its highest
  ever level in Wales
• More people than ever were in temporary
  accommodation and BB
• If the only way to achieve WHQS was Stock
  Transfer what would be the impact?
• Has the transfer debate focussed on tenants to
  the exclusion of people who want/need to be
  tenants?

3
What is the fear?

• Transfer reduces the amount of available stock to
  local authorities.
• New social housing companies more interested in
  creating balanced communities?
• New social landlords more interested in
  restrictive lettings and avoiding difficult
  tenants?
• New social landlords not plugged in to other
  key corporate services?
• New social landlords more likely to evict?

4
What had already happened?

• Not enough learning from England and Scotland?
• Homelessness a marginal issue in the transfer
  debate (maybe even one to avoid?)
• Almost half transfer authorities reported greater
  difficulties in discharging statutory duties.
• Issue is there something inherent in the
  transfer process that will make matters
  inevitably worse?

5
But take another look

• In fact the picture from England and Scotland was
  mixed.
• In some areas services improved evictions fell
  in others matters seem to have worsened.
• Clear contributions to community regeneration,
  skills training and employment.

6
Where are we now?

• Prevention/options approach
• What is best for applicants?
• Social housing a safety net of last resort
• Essential approach for new providers?
• Recorded homeless has fallen

7
What is really happening?

• Recorded homelessness no longer comparing like
  with like.
• Demand still rising.
• How sustainable are the options?
• What happens when the options run out?

8
Whats next?

• New providers must take into consideration from
  the outset - how they respond now and in the
  future to homelessness.
• Social Housing a community asset what more can
  be done with new investment to respond to current
  and future homelessness?