HQN - MEMBERS' SERVICES - Network briefings

Here you will find our expert commentaries on goverment policy and legislation, best practice in housing, inspection and performance improvement. They are shown in date order, the most recent first.

3 December 2008

Responding to the Changing Economic Climate – Further Action on Housing

Network briefing note by Colin Armstrong summarises Responding to the Changing Economic Climate – Further Action on Housing

2 December 2008

Metropolitan Housing Partnership and sustainability

This Network case study by Matthew Bush summarises what they have achieved so far and where they are heading

28 November 2008

The regulatory and financial map of the affordable housing market

Network briefing by Charlie Hughes looks at regulation and funding and also includes both public and private players as we are increasingly operating in a mixed economy

25 November 2008

The Private Rented Sector – its contribution and potential (The Rugg Review)

Network briefing by Kirsten Firth looks in detail at the Rugg review and examines the implications for Housing Quality Network members

20 November 2008

Energy performance certificates: the new requirements

Network briefing by Janis Bright which considers the new requirements and some of the issues arising from a pilot of EPCs carried out by social landlords last year

18 November 2008

Bringing private sector empty homes back into use

Network briefing by Kirsten Firth, looks at how private sector empty homes can be brought back into use – including failed private rented properties, abandoned properties, and surplus buy-to-let flats

17 November 2008

Partnering and open-book – till dispute do us part?

TEAMnet briefing by Wayne Hughes and Rob McNaughton, made available here to Network members, explores the benefits and pitfalls of partnering

13 November 2008

Housing and Regeneration Act

Network briefing by Jamie Ewing explores the implications of the Act for the housing sector

11 November 2008

Tolerated trespass – the end is nigh

Network briefing by Tim Horsley rehearses the underlying issues, describes how TTs will be prevented and eliminated, and looks at the proposals for successor landlords put forward by the CLG in a recent consultation paper: Tolerated Trespassers: Successor Landlord Cases

4 November 2008

Effective procurement/VfM/contract arrangements

Network briefing by Rob McNaughton looks at joint procurement, whole life costing, partnering and other common issues

30 October 2008

Disabled adaptations - the current agenda

Complimentary SEN briefing by Vanessa Morton provides a detailed overview of the main policy agenda which is likely to frame the way in which adaptations are currently delivered and how they will be delivered in the future

28 October 2008

Communities and Local Government (2008): Allocation of Accommodation: Code of Guidance for local housing authorities – choice-based lettings

Network briefing note by Tim Brown summarises and comments on the Code of Guidance

24 October 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

21 October 2008

Tackling the green agenda

Network briefing by Richard Lupo outlines the main initiatives taken in the UK and what they mean for building practice with a particular reference to social housing providers

16 October 2008

Analysis of 2006/07 Housing Corporation performance indicators for housing associations in England

Network briefing by Clive Hall and Doug Edmonds, shows continuing improvements in void management and rent collection

14 October 2008

Tackling fuel poverty

Network briefing by Chris Bowen, explores amongst other things, the extent of fuel poverty, government targets and what a housing organisation can do to help reduce fuel poverty

9 October 2008

Housing IT solutions

Network briefing by Louise Russell sets out the work that needs to be undertaken in the planning and pre-procurement stages when considering the introduction of a new integrated housing management system

7 October 2008

The Respect Standard: what social landlords should be doing and what inspectors are looking for

Network toolkit by Tim Horsley includes background information, a self-assessment tool, examples of good practice involving young people, estate management, ASB management and support, and hyperlinks to key documents

Additional files:

Word version for completion purposes

1 October 2008

Developing Common Housing Registers in Scotland

This Network briefing paper by Colin Armstrong considers government policy and support for CHRs in Scotland, the progress that has been made to date in developing CHRs and some key best practice issues for CHR partners

30 September 2008

Quality counts - A brief guide to quality standards and systems

Network briefing by Cathy Jackson provides an overview of some of the key quality standards used by housing organisations, and whether anecdotal evidence would suggest that those organisations which have achieved externally assessed quality marks have improved their ratings in audit commission inspections

24 September 2008

Housing Supply Task Force – one year on

Network briefing paper by Colin Armstrong describes the progress the Task Force has made in its first year and considers the future direction of its activities

23 September 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

22 September 2008

National Tenant Voice

Network briefing by Sheila Adamson looks at how proposals for a National Tenant Voice are developing

18 September 2008

The inspection of Housing and Council Tax Benefits (and a reference to the National Fraud Initiative)

Network briefing by Ellis Blackmore looks at the inspection process, how LAs can prepare for inspection and the National Fraud Initiative

17 September 2008

Short notice inspections (SNI) of housing associations

Audit Commission Consultation - HQN response

16 September 2008

Assisting leaseholders facing large bills for major works or improvements

Network briefing by Jeff Platt looks at the historical context and the current position of leaseholders, including; payment options offered by landlords, sinking funds and any other options to consider

11 September 2008

Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Tenant Services Authority (TSA)

Network briefing by Charlie Hughes summarises the background to splitting up the Housing Corporation's functions of funding and regulation and reminds readers of the reasons and objectives behind this change

10 September 2008

Ensuring a fair housing market for all - Latest housing market package

Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor, gives an overview of the latest housing market package, recently announced by CLG

4 September 2008

Housing association development in the aftermath of ‘Firm Foundations’

Network briefing by David Alexander brings readers up to date with this developing agenda

4 September 2008

St Basils starter homes initiative for young people

Network briefing by Jean Templeton looks at the research, which aims to demonstrate how a new type of medium-term supported housing could help young people gain the stability they need

2 September 2008

Housing Revenue Account subsidy review: can we learn from North Western Europe?

Network briefing by Tim Brown looks at the role, nature and funding of the sector

26 August 2008

Housing and planning: update on recent changes to the planning system

Network briefing by Suzanne McBride looks at key changes to the planning system since 2004, offering a quick guide to the new system, and considering changes proposed in the Planning Bill (including the Community Infrastructure Levy) and other reviews

21 August 2008

Designing the future - Lifetime Homes

This complimentary ACEnet briefing for Network members by Lynn Watson of Habinteg Housing Association sets out the background to Lifetime Homes, describes the criteria in some detail and evaluates the success of the concept of Lifetime Homes since its development in the early 1990s

19 August 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

12 August 2008

The Socially Excluded Adults Public Service Agreement

Network briefing by Bill Hewlett explores how the government is taking action through the Socially Excluded Adults Public Service Agreement

5 August 2008

Hand drill or PDA? A compendium of tools for managing value for money

Network briefing by Dylan Chipp has brought together the various measures and checklists that HQN has produced to assist asset management practitioners who are seeking to develop, embed and review their approach to VfM

29 July 2008

New deal for communities: lessons learnt

Network briefing by Sheila Spencer summarises the key messages coming from the evaluations so far, and draws some conclusions which may be of help to housing authorities and other housing agencies in developing their approach to tackling deprivation

25 July 2008

Making better use of the private rented sector

Network briefing by Chris Bowen explores how the PRS can provide a much greater role in meeting housing need and demand across the UK

22 July 2008

West Kent Housing Association/West Kent Extra case study on ‘worklessness'

Complimentary SUNnet briefing for Network members by Eammon Dillon, West Kent Extra, where they are tackling worklessness and disengagement, primarily through volunteering and employment opportunities in community projects

17 July 2008

London – a new Mayor. A new approach. A new strategy for housing?

Network briefing by Genevieve Macklin explores the changes and new ideas being introduced by the new Mayor of London

15 July 2008

Short notice inspections

Network briefing and guidance by Ellis Blackmore explains what to do in detail and how to overcome typical obstacles picking out the relevant key points for Network members

Additional files:

Guidance

Briefing

11 July 2008

Rewarding awards?

Network briefing by Cathy Jackson provides a flavour of some of the key awards that are available

8 July 2008

Learning the lessons from abroad

Network briefing by Tim Brown explores the UK’s track record of transferring policy ideas from other countries to Britain

1 July 2008

The government response to Our Shared Future: recommendations on community cohesion for social housing providers

Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager highlights those parts of the government response that have particular significance for social housing providers

26 June 2008

The joint Treasury/CLG review of council housing finance

Network briefing by Chloe Fletcher summarises the review process and highlights the key issues that are emerging from the review for local authorities and ALMOs as well as housing associations

24 June 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

23 June 2008

Preparing Britain for the future: The government’s draft legislative agenda 2008/09

Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor which considers the Bills in the draft programme relevant to the social housing sector

20 June 2008

Housing and Regeneration Bill update - The Social Housing Regulator

Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor explores the emerging implications of the Bill for the housing sector

17 June 2008

Preparations for digital TV transmission in rented housing

Network briefing by Mike Kelly, Arena Housing, is intended to give an outline of Arena Housing’s experience, so far, in getting an extensive programme of work under way to convert communal TV aerials for digital reception

10 June 2008

Tackling overcrowding

Network briefing paper by Wendy Murphy examines the actions being taken by the five pilot London boroughs, and others, to tackle overcrowding

9 June 2008

Reaching Out - working with ethnic communities in housing

Complimentary SUNnet briefing for Network members on addressing the issues surrounding worklessness

3 June 2008

The role of housing associations in Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships

Network briefing by Tim Horsley looks at the roles now expected of HAs, the methods they can use to fulfil them, and what more a CDRP can offer than just a quarterly meeting of partners

27 May 2008

Community Gateway briefing

Case study briefing by Paul Roberts explores why this approach was taken, looks at their model, community empowerment and what the future holds for Preston’s community gateway model

22 May 2008

Credit crunch checklist

The current economic climate is affecting all business sectors, including the housing sector. The checklist can be used to test key elements of your organisation, be it a housing association, ALMO or local authority

20 May 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

13 May 2008

Three stars for equality and diversity: lessons from recent inspections

Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager highlighting good practice and areas of weakness identified in recent inspection reports

9 May 2008

Choice-based lettings update: spring 2008

Network briefing by Tim Brown gives a round up and an update on Choice Based Lettings progress and an insight into government policy

1 May 2008

The longer-term outcomes associated with families who had worked with intensive family support projects

Network briefing by Mark Connolly looks specifically at four aspects of the research, including; An overview of outcomes for families, families achieving partial success, the impact of interventions on children’s wellbeing and the impact of IFSPs on communities

30 April 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

25 April 2008

Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A national strategy for housing in an ageing society

Network briefing by Hazel Summers outlines the key elements and implications of the national strategy for housing in an ageing society

22 April 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

18 April 2008

Aids and adaptations toolkit

Network toolkit for aids and adaptations by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager

Additional files:

Word version for completion purposes

15 April 2008

Financial inclusion

Network briefing by Chloe Fletcher outlines good practice and explores the issues raised by financial inclusion

8 April 2008

The Independent Living Strategy

Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager explores the Independent Living Strategy and its impact for service providers

3 April 2008

Disabled Facilities Grant reform - the package of changes

SEN briefing by Vanessa Morton highlights key issues and areas where action is needed to improve disabled people’s ability to access independent living, and sustain it. It draws attention to the national agendas and direction of travel, and provides examples of different perspectives and good practice

28 March 2008

Don’t miss out, Part 2 - supported and sheltered housing policy and practice

Network briefing by Wendy Hayhurst, we have focused on two publications; Review of Sheltered Housing in Scotland and Supporting People: Costs and Benefits (final report)

27 March 2008

Disabled Facilities Grant reform - the package of changes

25 March 2008

Equality and diversity - New guidance from the Housing Corporation

Network briefing, by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager, describes the scope of the new guidance as well as its limitations

18 March 2008

The Housing Quality Network revised performance indicator handbook for councils 2008

Part three Housing Benefit performance – based on performance during 2007/8

10 March 2008

The Housing Quality Network revised performance indicator handbook for councils 2008

Part 2 Homelessness PI’s – based on performance during 2007/08

5 March 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

4 March 2008

The Housing Quality Network revised performance indicator handbook for councils 2008

Part 1 Housing PI’s – based on performance during 2007/8

26 February 2008

The Big Picture

Network briefing by Chloe Fletcher highlights the main policy changes over the past year and outlines what it will mean for housing providers in the coming few years

22 February 2008

Don’t miss out, Part 1 – housing policy and practice

Network briefing by Wendy Hayhurst focussing on three publications; an evaluation of LA antisocial neighbour noise nuisance services, the impact of local ASB strategies at the neighbourhood level and tensions between allocations policy and practice

18 February 2008

HQN briefing series – ASB questions and answers

Network briefing by Wendy Hayhurst and Natalie Pace provides responses to the most popular and topical questions posed by Housing Quality Network members during late 2007

12 February 2008

Analysis of local authority housing management performance 2006/07

HQN’s annual analysis by Professor Hal Pawson of local authority performance shows costs stabilising while repairs and relets get faster and arrears reduce

4 February 2008

Audit Commission consultation on proposed revisions for Key Lines of Enquiry 10 – Supporting People

Network briefing by Lesley Healey summarises the main changes proposed for KLOE 10 and some of the themes that emerge in this latest review

29 January 2008

The Mayor’s Housing Strategy for London

Network briefing by Sheila Camp which outlines the draft strategy as it stands January 2008

28 January 2008

Recent housing management inspections: some data and observations

In depth analysis of recent inspection reports by Clive Bayliss. What drives the results? Are the inspectors' consistent? How should I approach inspection in 2008?

22 January 2008

Analysis of 2006/07 Scottish Local Authority Housing Management Performance Indicators

Housing Quality Network report by Hal Pawson analyses performance across Scotland LA’s key housing management functions at the national scale

22 January 2008

Valuing people now

Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager sets out the main elements of the consultation document and highlights some of the key implications for social housing providers

15 January 2008

Working in partnership with the private rented sector

Network briefing by Claire McMullen explores how housing providers can successfully engage and work with the private rented sector

8 January 2008

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

28 December 2007

Overcoming worklessness

Network briefing by Janis Bright explores the role that social housing can play in addressing worklessness within the sector

19 December 2007

The use and impacts of ASBOs

Network briefing by Hal Pawson summarises newly published research evidence on the use and impacts of ASBOs in England and Wales, as well as in Scotland

18 December 2007

The Housing Revenue Account: 2008/09 Draft Housing Subsidy Determination

HFExpert complimentary briefing by Simon Smith, summarises the major elements of the 2008/09 Draft Housing Subsidy Determination, issued 23 November 2007. Please note that some parts of the determination have been re-submitted since this briefing was issued

10 December 2007

Private sector strategy: the government’s housing agenda

Network briefing by Vanessa Morton focuses on key points for housing organisations’ work with the private sector

6 December 2007

Housing and Regeneration Bill

Network briefing by Gwyneth Taylor outlines the key provisions of the Bill together with the implications for social housing providers

3 December 2007

Reducing numbers in temporary accommodation

Network briefing by Chris Holmes explores the practical steps that can be taken to reduce the numbers in temporary accommodation

29 November 2007

Consultation on the setting of guideline rents in Local Authority Housing Subsidy

Hf:expert briefing

29 November 2007

Crerar, Cave, Firm Foundations and their impact on the Scottish housing regulation

Crerar, Cave, Firm Foundations and their impact on Scottish housing regulation Network briefing by Rob Hughes explores these in detail including the implications for housing providers

29 November 2007

Tightrope or safety belt? Building board and council relationships at ALMOs and LSVTs

Tightrope or safety belt? Building board and council relationships at ALMOs and LSVTs Network briefing by Debbie Ounsted examines why ALMO and LSVT boards alike have an interest in polishing their partnerships with their council for mutual benefit in the longer term

19 November 2007

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

16 November 2007

Firm Foundations: the future direction of housing policy in Scotland

Firm Foundations: the future direction of housing policy in Scotland Network briefing paper by Dave Alexander explores the Firm Foundations discussion paper in detail

14 November 2007

Revised performance indicator handbook for housing associations

The handbook has been revised, updated and new material written by HQN Associate John Wheeldon

5 November 2007

All you ever wanted to know about surveys

Network briefing by John Wheeldon aims to update members on the options available and discusses the pros and cons of different approaches

26 October 2007

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

23 October 2007

Almos - renewing your management agreement

Network briefing by Nick MacKenzie, Anthony Collins Solicitors, considers the process for renewing an ALMO’s management agreement

15 October 2007

Tolerated trespass – the beginning of the end?

Network briefing paper by Tim Horsley takes an up to date look at Tolerated Trespassers including CLG’s Tolerated Trespasser consultation paper

12 October 2007

Housing finance and value for money headlines from the pre-budget report and CSR

Complimentary hf:expert briefing by Dylan Chipp intended to highlight financial headlines and CLG’s expectations of Local Government to deliver HM Treasury’s 3% budget savings target

12 October 2007

Communities Scotland and the Care Commission

Network briefing by Janet Dickie and Marcia Ramsay explores, in detail, the roles, responsibilities, and how the two organisations work effectively together

10 October 2007

Strategic housing - Green Paper response and housing headlines from the pre-budget report and CSR

Complimentary SEN briefings by Gill Leng are intended to highlight the kind of areas where you may feel it appropriate to focus your responses and has been made under headings that will be more relevant to local authorities rather than Green Paper headings

Additional files:

Document

8 October 2007

Independence and opportunity – the national strategy for Supporting People

Network briefing by Lesley Healey provides a summary of the key themes within the national strategy for the future of the supporting people programme

1 October 2007

Neighbourhood charters – making them work for you

Network briefing by Natalie Pace outlines how neighbourhood-based charters and agreements work, the different models that can be used, and gives a number of case studies to illustrate how they are developed, implemented and monitored

24 September 2007

Social housing and child protection policies

Network briefing by Jeannie Swales examines why West Kent decided to develop a child protection policy and how other organisations could do the same

19 September 2007

Equality impact assessments

Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager examines the benefits of carrying out EIAs and offers practical guidance

17 September 2007

Preventing tenancy breakdown, promoting tenancy sustainment

Network briefing by Wendy Hayhurst, examines tenancy sustainment, looking at the possible causes of tenancy breakdown and suggesting some ways in which social landlords can overcome it

12 September 2007

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
10 September 2007

HQN Scottish newsletter

Our September issue, with all the latest from HQN

10 September 2007

Housing market assessments

Network briefing by Stacey Sleeman offers an overview on how local authorities and regions can work together to identify sub-regional housing markets

5 September 2007

New KLOEs for old?

Network briefing by John Wheeldon outlines changes to the Audit Commission's Key Lines of Enquiry and offers tips on self- assessment

3 September 2007

Positive practice information

Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission

31 August 2007