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NEW STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE WORST COULD BE OVER
24 August 2009
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New Government statistics showing a rise in the number of new homes built could signal that the worst of the slump is over, according to experts.
Figures published by the Government reveal that during the most recent quarter, between April and June 2009, both housing starts and completions increased compared to the previous quarter. In England, starts in the June 2009 quarter were up 63% on the previous quarter, the second successive quarterly rise.
However, they were also down nine per cent compared to the same quarter last year, while the overall annual starts for England were 41% down compared to last year, and 53% down on their peak in 2005-2006.
Meanwhile, completions in the June 2009 quarter were up 24% on the previous quarter. They were also up seven per cent on the same quarter last year.
Brigid O'Leary, senior economic at the RICS, said: "The figures provide further evidence that the dramatic scaling back in house building activity since the onset of the credit crunch has probably run its course.
"A second consecutive increase in housing starts in the private sector seemed likely after, earlier in the year, some major house builders noted that their inventory was being run-down and that they were considering restarting some mothballed projects."
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HOUSING FIGURES MASK HOUSING CRISIS, WARNS FMB
24 August 2009
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Brian Berry
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Housing figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG), showing a marked increase in housing starts and completions, mask the real housing crisis which is gripping the country, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said: “The fact that housing starts are 66 percent higher in Q2 compared to Q1 and that housing completions are 24 percent higher than Q1 is encouraging but the fact remains that housing building is still below 100,000 per annum compared to the Government’s annual target of 240,000.
“We are still not building enough homes to meet demand which means that there is still little hope for the 4.5 million people on council house waiting lists. To get the house building industry back on its feet the Government needs to do all it can to restore mortgage liquidity because house builders can only build homes that people are in a position to buy.
“The Government could also be doing more to tackle the growing burden of red tape on house builders because building new homes to meet new requirements to reduce their carbon emissions is adding an estimated £30,000 per property.”
Berry concluded: “Britain’s builders are ready and able to deliver the homes that are needed but first people must be able to get the mortgages and the increasing financial costs being placed on house builders as a result of additional regulations needs to be alleviated.”
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CENTREPOINT CONCERN OVER CITIZENSHIP TESTS
24 August 2009
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Centrepoint has grave concerns about the newly proposed Home Office ‘points test for citizenship’, which is likely to further marginalise young refugees, and we believe runs contrary to the UK’s obligations under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
More than a quarter of the young people that Centrepoint supports are refugees. Forced to flee their homes because of war and persecution, young refugees find themselves isolated and vulnerable when they arrive in the UK.
Without support networks, they have to overcome barriers of language, culture and isolation, and many suffer from mental health problems resulting from experiences of torture or from the trauma of leaving their home and family. Homeless young refugees at Centrepoint are desperate to build a new life for themselves, but the proposed measures will add yet more barriers to achieving this goal.
The new proposals will create an extra step on the road to citizenship called the ‘probationary citizenship’ phase. This process will take between 12 months and 10 years, depending on points earned by the applicant. When in this phase, refugees will be refused full access to benefits and public services.
The group believes this is contrary to the UK’s obligations under the article 23 of the UN Convention that states refugees must be provided the same “public relief and assistance as is accorded to their nationals”. The grant of long-term protection to refugees who have fled persecution cannot be something that refugees have to earn.
Centrepoint’s refugee advisor, Asmerom Woldegebriel, said: “These proposals will hit young refugees particularly hard. The Home Office has been vague as to which services probationary citizens will be unable to access, but given the vulnerabilities of homeless young refugees, lacking access to any public services is likely to have a damaging effect.
“Homeless young refugees need extra support because they do not have any family or support networks to fall back on. By limiting access to public services, the proposals will limit their ability to access education and work, and thus make it even more difficult for them to successfully integrate into British society.”
For many homeless young refugees full citizenship is an unachievable goal, meaning the proposals would leave them unable to access all public services for an indefinite period. The steps required to gain full citizenship are extremely expensive and most young refugees simply do not have the money to jump through the necessary hoops.
As of August 2009, the Life in the UK test costs £34 (which due to the high pass rate required most will have to take several times), the citizenship application costs £720 and the citizenship ceremony costs £80, meaning that many young refugees are required to pay nearly £1000 to become British citizen. The Government is also proposing further courses which will inevitably incur additional costs, including an orientation programme on British values and customs, and a examination on the UK political system.
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PROPERTY SECTOR NEEDS TO FACE THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
24 August 2009
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The building sector is not doing enough to deliver sustainable construction solutions, according to a survey of senior property professionals.
The research, compiled by global architecture practice Woods Bagot, revealed that 82% of respondents support the statement that the industry is not doing enough to deliver sustainable solutions
Earle Arney, Director at Woods Bagot’s London office, said “The property sector needs to refocus. Buildings currently represent 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions: if we continue on our current trajectory then the world’s buildings will be at the top of the environment’s epitaph.”
Woods Bagot surveyed more than 200 senior property professionals in the Europe, the Middle East, Asia United States, and Australasia to determine an honest appraisal of a sustainable future for the construction industry.
The respondents felt that despite the awareness of climate change, the property industry’s two most significant challenges are the lack of industry support to deliver sustainable solutions, and the ability to provide a convincing argument for the benefit of sustainability to clients.
The survey revealed that energy efficiency and generation is the most important issue for the future. This was followed by reducing carbon footprints of new and refurbished developments as well as the reduction of water usage.
There was industry awareness of the potential for sustainable construction. 86 per cent of respondents believed that green buildings improved corporate reputation, reduced operational costs and risk, and improved staff productivity. And 73 per cent believed that going green was an effective tool for attracting and retaining key talent in the industry.
A third of respondents from the poll believed that the cost premium for creating a sustainable building was 6-10 per cent more than the cost of a standard building.
Arney said: “The industry is more than aware of the convincing arguments for sustainable developments and the benefits are well known. What we need to move beyond is apprehension at increase in construction costs as these are more than offset by staff retention, attraction, and improvements in productivity over the long term.
“Encouragingly what we have found of late is that the challenges the global financial crisis has imposed mean that there is now a growing appreciation that old developments approaches need to be aligned to the change in attitude and a realisation that the workplace is an effective instrument to drive organisation change and business effectiveness.”
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WATCHDOG BANS REPOSSESSION ADVERT
24 August 2009
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An advert claiming homeowners could avoid repossession by selling their properties but still remain in their homes has been banned by the advertising watchdog.
The ad for Land and Property Bank claimed people dealing with financial problems could cash in on their house without moving by selling it and then renting it back. The deal would allow people to stay in their properties as long as they wanted, the advert claimed.
But the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled the ad was misleading as it did not make clear that "significant terms and conditions" were attached to such an agreement.
ASA spokeswoman, Olivia Campbell said: "The ASA is here to ensure advertisers do not mislead either by inaccuracy, ambiguity or omission.
"The ASA had not seen evidence to show that tenants could always remain in their home for as long as they wanted to and Land and Property Bank did not make clear that there were significant terms and conditions attached to their claims."
The ad was banned and is not to be used again in its current form.
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HOUSEBUILDERS ANNOUNCE NATIONAL ‘NEW HOMES WEEK’ FOR SEPTEMBER
24 August 2009
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David Pretty
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Britain’s house building industry has unveiled plans for a national New Homes Week to promote the many benefits of buying a new home.
The New Homes Marketing Board (NHMB) says New Homes Week 2009 (NHW09), scheduled for September 12-20 this year, will be a nationwide celebration of all that’s great about new homes – and will demonstrate why now is a great time to buy.
It will see events and launches aimed at promoting the benefits of new homes taking place on homebuilders’ sites the length and breadth of the country. Similar promotional weeks were last held in 2005 and 2006, with plans for another last year cancelled due to the scale of the market downturn.
David Pretty, Chairman of NHMB, said: “With some good early indicators of consumer confidence returning, we feel that mid-September is the perfect time to launch New Homes Week 2009. Our own recent surveys show that nine out of ten people still firmly believe that buying their own home is a sensible investment in their future, but last year was clearly just too challenging for them.
“Now, though, we are seeing the beginnings of an improvement in mortgage availability, prices have dropped, affordability has improved and our house builders have seen a modest but steady increase in sales over recent months. So, we believe now is an ideal time to celebrate all that’s great about new homes. There are some fantastic deals out there, and we want to see people visiting their local show homes to see the fantastic choice of new homes available.”
While New Homes Week 2009 will largely focus on the thousands of new home developments and their show homes up and down the country, the New Homes Marketing Board will be providing strong national support.
Press releases will be produced for each day of the week, highlighting different aspects and benefits of new homes. Daily themes will include Cost – prices are lower and you can now get fantastic deals on new homes; New homes are ‘green’ homes – and offer big savings on utility bills; Advice and tips on mortgages; Why buying new is a better option than buying second-hand; and Retirement properties – security, affordability and freedom.
NHMB will also be producing a 16 page consumer-targeted newspaper featuring a wide range of articles promoting new homes. All articles will be available in advance to the media in Word format for use during NHW09.
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JUST A MINUTE: GRAHAM CAWTHORN, GWK CHARTERED ARCHITECTS
25 August 2009
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Graham Cawthorn
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Graham Cawthorn, Director of Development, GWK Chartered Architects
How did you get started in the industry? After University worked for a local contractor as a Site Engineer on Newcastle Dental School and then joined Home Housing Association as their Tyne Regional Development Manager. 8 years ago joined GWK as Director of Development.
Biggest professional achievement: GWK were Architects and Project Managers for the new 1200 place Cardinal Hume Catholic School. As Project Manager, leading the delivery team was probably an unrepeatable milestone in my career.
Biggest mistake: Should have married my wife Lynn earlier, and replaced our Border Collie (Moss) when we lost him 3 years ago.
Best advice you received: There is always a valid reason why someone is having a bad day.
What do you like most about your job? Meet and work with a great and diverse range of people and personalities
And least? OJEU and other project hindering bureaucracy
What you would most like to change in housing? Removing Home Information Packs and housebuilders who use a “one design fits all” on their sites.
What future issues do you see arising in housing? Can Eco Homes with all the sustainable trimmings really be affordable to everyone in terms of capital cost?
Do you read a daily newspaper? Yes, If time The Journal, but always the Evening Chronicle to find out whats happening locally (or not)
How are you making use of the internet? Great for research on property and developments and always book our holidays on it.
Hobbies and interests: Holidays, Running, Gardening, Reading, Music, Dining Out and Indian Cookery. Anything but the television really.
Favourite holiday destination: It has to be Kalkan in Turkey, need a fix there at least once a year (twice this year). Busy learning Turkish (seriously).
Favourite Music / Bands: Dating me, Creedance Clearwater Revival. Up-dating me. Killers and anything that chills with a glass of wine.
www.gwkarchitects.co.uk
If you would like to feature in Just A Minute, please email: news@housingnews.co.uk for more information.
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CALL FOR PRIVATE LANDLORDS TO BE EXEMPT FROM S106
25 August 2009
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Landlords have called for the private rented sector (PRS) to be exempt from affordable housing contributions under section 106, according to Planning Resource.
A review for the DCLG last year, led by Julie Rugg of the University of York centre for housing policy, said the PRS should expand to help meet demand for homes.
The government has since published a response announcing that the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will play a key role in encouraging the sector's growth.
But the Residential Landlords Association argued that section 106 contributions are stifling investment and private rental should be seen as an alternative to affordable housing.
Secretary, Richard Jones said: "You should not be loading PRS developments with costs. Such developments are going to be catering for the affordable market. There are private landlords out there who want to build but the section 106 costs are standing in the way."
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MOD TO IMPROVE ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS
25 August 2009
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The Ministry of Defence has said that it aims to have all UK service families living in the highest standard of accommodation by 2020.
The aim is revealed in the Defence Estates (DE) 10 Year Accommodation Management Strategy, which sets out plans for improving housing for both Service Families Accommodation (SFA) and Single Living Accommodation (SLA) over the next decade.
DE will now target its major upgrade programme on improving 4,000 houses in the worst condition (Standard 3 and 4) every year for the next three years. By March 2013 very few, if any, families should be living in houses that don’t meet the top two condition standards. By the same date, 50 percent of single living accommodation should also be at the top grade.
The MOD has made major investments in Single Living Accommodation over the past seven years, providing 35,000 trained military personnel with accommodation of the highest modern standard. By 2020, Defence Estates aims to provide 70 percent of SLA at the top level (Grade 1) and the remainder at Grade 2.
Key features of the strategy include: better communication of upgrade plans to military personnel and their families and tough action to reduce the proportion of accommodation that is lying empty.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones said: “Our military personnel work extremely hard and both they and their families deserve accommodation of a high standard. This strategy builds on the principles set out by the Service Personnel Command Paper and shows that we have solid plans in place to improve accommodation for all our personnel. “
Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, the Chief Executive of DE, said: “This strategy sets out how Service accommodation will be managed over the next 10 years. Given the unique factors surrounding the provision of military accommodation, and the current economic pressures, we have set ourselves some very challenging targets.
“But it is right that we should aim high. It is most important that we understand and adapt to the continually evolving requirements of the Armed Forces, working shoulder to shoulder with all three Services to ensure that their future accommodation demands are met as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.”
Over the next 10 years the MOD plans to spend over £3 billion on new-build, upgraded and improved living accommodation for the Armed Forces.
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SHELTER ADDS NEW DATES FOR YOUTH HOMELESSNESS SEMINAR
25 August 2009
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Shelter has launched a number of nationwide seminars on youth homelessness, following huge demand from housing practitioners for information on the impact of two recent House of Lords judgements.
The Children Act aimed to create the first clear powers and duties towards young single homelessness people, but many practitioners became extremely frustrated by their inability to use the Children Act help young people affected by homelessness.
The introduction of the additional priority need categories in 2002 made it even harder for advisers to enforce the act. However, two recent House of Lords judgements have clarified the interpretation of the priority need category for homeless 16/17 year olds and highlighted the primacy of the Children Act in responding to young single homelessness.
After initially planning a one-off event in London, demand has been so high for clarification on the impact of these judgements that Shelter has added a further 12 dates nationwide, with more on the way.
John Macklin, Shelter’s young homelessness trainer said: “The judgements bring much needed clarity to the role of the Children Act in responding to young single homelessness and could usher in a period of improved joint working. However practitioners need to understand the impact of these judgements and use them effectively to help young people affected by homelessness.
“Our seminar is vital for anyone working with this vulnerable group and we would urge anyone interested to sign up soon to avoid disappointment.”
From urban myth to does ‘Every Child Matter’? Homelessness and the Children Act will be running at venues in London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and York across October and November.
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NUMBER OF PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RISES
25 August 2009
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The number of homes changing hands jumped by 17% during July as buyers continued to return to the property market, Government figures have shown.
Around 76,000 residential properties were sold for at least £40,000 last month on a seasonally adjusted basis, up from 65,000 in June and the highest figure since May 2008, according to HM Revenue & Customs.
The figures are further evidence that the housing market is benefiting from the traditional summer bounce. But economists have warned that the improvement may not be sustained during the second half of the year, due to the ongoing problems in the mortgage market and rising unemployment.
The number of transactions was even higher on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, with 82,000 properties changing hands during July. It was also the sixth consecutive month during which sales have either risen or stayed the same on this basis.
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RTPI DIRECTOR HEADS TO PLANNING INSPECTORATE
25 August 2009
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Rynd Smith, currently Director of Policy and Partnerships at the RTPI, has been appointed Director of Policy, Quality and Development Plans at the Planning Inspectorate.
Rynd succeeds Leonora Rozee and will also become Head of Profession for Inspectors. Rynd served the RTPI as Head and then Director of Policy, leading the RTPI’s response to the Planning White Paper and preparations for the Planning Act 2008. He has a longstanding interest in planning reform, planning appeals and development plan examinations.
Between 1999 and 2006 he served as a senior Planning Inspector in Victoria, Australia, chairing major examinations and inquiries.
Rynd said: “The Planning Inspectorate lies at the heart of the planning systems for England and Wales, where it stands for sustained excellence. It has a key role to play in the ongoing delivery of planning reform and I look forward to making my contribution there.”
Sara Drake, RTPI Managing Director, said: “We are sorry to lose Rynd but we are pleased his appointment demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to having planning professionals in very senior roles.”
Katrine Sporle, Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, said: “Rynd has the experience and expertise we need to ensure that the Planning Inspectorate continues to develop its reputation and standing for quality and impartiality. I look forward to working with him immensely.”
Rynd will leave the RTPI at the end of September.
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SIR ROBIN YOUNG ANNOUNCED AS CHAIRMAN OF CIRCLE ANGLIA
26 August 2009
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Sir Robin Young
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Sir Robin Young, former Permanent Secretary at both DTI and DCMS, has been announced as the Incoming Chairman of Circle Anglia.
Taking up his position in January 2010, Sir Robin will initially spend three months working alongside outgoing Chair, Roger Humber, as a member of the Management Board.
Retiring from the Civil Service in 2005 after 31 years working across numerous departments on a wide-range of policy issues, Sir Robin enjoyed a successful career in which he quickly rose to the highest echelons in Government. Sir Robin will be helping the housing association, which has grown substantially over the past year, to become the most respected housing group in the UK by re-enforcing its core mission to ‘enhance people’s life chances’.
Sir Robin said: “I am delighted to be taking up this challenging role at such a crucial time for social housing. Since Circle Anglia’s inception in 2005 they have grown to become a well respected housing association. As Incoming Chairman, the challenge will be to continue to grow the organisation at the same time as maintaining and improving the quality of services delivered to tenants.”
Mark Rogers, Chief Executive of Circle Anglia, said: “I would like to pay tribute to Roger Humber for his exceptional contribution to Circle Anglia, during what has been an exciting time of expansion for the group. He will be missed, both personally and professionally.
“Sir Robin’s appointment coincides with a new era for Circle Anglia; the recent addition of Mercian and the successful stock transfer vote in Merton demonstrate the strong growth we continue to experience at Circle Anglia.
“We are ambitious in delivering exceptional housing and support services that will enhance the life chances of our residents. Sir Robin’s appointment marks another watershed for Circle Anglia in assembling a high-calibre team to consolidate and build on the successes of the last four years.”
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RIVERSIDE TO CREATE 50 WORK PLACEMENTS
26 August 2009
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Riverside has successfully bid to create 50 work placements over the next 18 months through the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.
Riverside is part of a national consortium of housing associations, lead by the National Housing Federation and Groundwork UK, which will deliver 6,500 jobs across the country.
Stephen Chapman, Regeneration Officer, said: “As the recession bites, young people are being hit hardest in the labour market which can have a negative impact not only on the individuals concerned, but also on communities up and down the country.
“Through Future Jobs we are able to offer young people the chance to develop workplace skills and enhance their career potential. For many this will be the first break into the world of work, and Riverside as well as the communities we serve will benefit from their valuable contribution”.
Future Jobs is mainly supporting young people who are aged 18-24 and experiencing long-term unemployment. The scheme forms part of the Government’s “guarantee for young people” during the recession with 150,000 gaining access to employment and training opportunities.
The programme starts in October and placements delivered by Riverside will continue for at least six months and will include roles that benefit the community in environmental services, financial inclusion projects, housing management, customer service, construction recycling and community engagement.
Those embarking on a Future Job with Riverside will gain valuable experience in the workplace, acquire new skills and develop a portfolio of their learning in support of their future career prospects.
The project will also draw upon the expertise of local agencies skilled in getting candidates ready for work, and those that provide on-going support such as mentoring and career advice and guidance. Ensuring people are equipped with the skills to move on to permanent employment will be a key priority of the project.
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NEA TO MONITOR AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
26 August 2009
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National Energy Action is at the forefront of the new technology revolution as it embarks on the monitoring of over 200 air source heat pumps as they are trailed for Government’s Warm Front Scheme.
The trials which are taking place in rural, off gas areas in the North, East and South West regions of England are being delivered in an focused attempt to prove that the new technology is a reliable, cost effective and efficient source of providing heating and hot water for hard-to-treat homes, with the hope of relieving many households from the misery of living in fuel poverty.
NEA first trialled the technology in 2006 when a park home in Peterborough became the first in England to have space heating provided by an air to water heat pump. At the time of installation, park home owner Mr Meja was paying over £40 a week for solid fuel and was classified as being in fuel poverty.
After replacing his coal fired heating system with the heat pump his bills were reduced to less than half that amount, just £14 a week, as well as benefiting from much improved comfort levels and reduced condensation and mould growth.
The trials are to take place over the current financial year and a final report will be delivered to government in 2010 making a case for the technology to be delivered as part of the scheme.
Arthur Scott, Head of Technical Services at NEA said: “Air Source Heat Pumps are becoming familiar to both clients and installers as a product that can be used to provide cost effective space heating in homes that are not connected to mains gas or for homes that need to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The aim of the ASHP trials is to provide the Department for Energy and Climate Change with a detailed report on the benefits of their use within the home and provide clear a case for them to be included in future Warm Front funding, helping to overcome the problems associated with hard-to-treat homes.”
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LIB DEMS: SURPLUS GOVERNMENT LAND COULD HOUSE 100,000 HOMES
26 August 2009
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Sarah Teather
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The Government owns an area of surplus land almost as big as Slough that could be used to build almost 100,000 new homes, the Liberal Democrats have claimed.
The party claims that more than 3,100 hectares of surplus land are owned by the public sector.
Guidelines say that property must be sold within six months if it already holds housing, but can be left for three years if it is empty. The land is owned by government departments and the Ministry of Defence.
Liberal Democrat shadow housing minister, Sarah Teather said: "Ministers need to do a thorough audit of the surplus land in their departments and work out what could be used to benefit homeless families.
"Land shouldn’t sit empty for years on end if there are people with nowhere to live.
“We have a unique opportunity to build much-needed social and affordable homes, boost the struggling construction industry, and protect future generations from the misery of temporary accommodation."
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PERSIMMON HOPEFUL DESPITE ADVERSE CONDITIONS
26 August 2009
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Persimmon has said market conditions are improving, despite releasing a set of half year results that are down on 2008.
An update for the six months to the end of June shows the company made a £18.1m pre-tax loss before exceptional items are taken into account, compared with a £100.9m for the same period the previous year. The company has released £27.9m this year through a review of its land, but was hit with a £64m exceptional charge last year.
Revenue has fallen from £998.4m in the first half of 2008, to £611.8m. Completions are down, from 5,501 units in H1 2008 to 4,006 units, and the average price has dropped from £181,485 to £155,524.
However, the company has found visitor rates increasing, and cancellation rates are down to 16%, from a 2008 average of 30%. It says the government’s Homebuy Direct shared equity scheme is gaining momentum and helping first-time buyers into the market.
Group chairman, John White said: “We expect sales to remain resilient due to the successful destocking that has occurred in the industry combined with the continuing good levels of underlying demand for new homes in the UK.
“Recently, selling prices have stabilised in most parts of mainland UK. Future volume increases and price movements will be dependent upon mortgage availability, job prospects and the health of the general economy.”
The company has managed to reduce its debts from £905.5 million in the first half of 2008 to £494.2 million, and is now aiming to cut this below £400 million by the end of the year.
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ABBEYFIELD SUPPORTS EAC HOUSING FOR OLDER PEOPLE AWARDS
26 August 2009
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Abbeyfield is pleased to promote the new awards by the Elderly Accommodation Counsel.
The EAC Housing for Older People Awards are supported by both the Department for Communities and Local Government, and the Housing LIN of the DH Care Networks. These awards cover all forms of retirement housing.
For the first time, residents of retirement housing, sheltered housing, assisted living, extra care housing, etc, will nominate schemes through a consultation involving them in small groups as well as individually.
A deck of cards has been designed to stimulate discussions and help capture satisfaction ratings on design, services, and well-being. The Nomination Packs will be posted in early September 2009 and the Awards event is scheduled for late January 2010.
Posters and application forms are available now. Please write to EAC Housing Awards, 3rd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP, email housingawards@eac.org.uk , or phone 020 7820 3755. More details at www.housingcare.org.
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HCA ANNOUNCES SCHEMES FOR LOW CARBON FUNDING
27 August 2009
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Details of the successful schemes for the second round of funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s low carbon infrastructure initiative, totaling £8.80m, have been announced.
The initiative, a partnership with the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Communities and Local Government, will provide funding for schemes to benefit from new and existing low carbon energy plants by creating the infrastructure needed to link them up.
The successful bidders are:
Hackney - £0.5m to install pipework to retrofit CHP energy to three high density housing estates. The funding will help provide risers in the high rise blocks and interface units in the homes.
Greenwich - £3m for a number of schemes that will eventually deliver 10,000 homes. The funding will make provision to connect the homes to a London wide heat network, provide two heat spines for CHP energy and will support the construction of an energy centre.
Rowner, Gosport - £1.12m to connect 700 new homes, of which 40% will be affordable, to a CHP plant.
Hanham Hall, South Gloucestershire - £0.8m to extend planned onsite biomass CHP plant that will power 195 zero carbon homes and take waste heat for use in neighbouring secondary school.
Manton and Reynolds Towers, Birmingham - £0.78m to connect two thirteen storey tower blocks to a new biomass energy system at the nearby Holte School. There is also potential for some of the funding to be used alongside PFI funding to connect planned new housing in the area to the system.
Wood End, Henley Green and Manor Farm (WEHM) estates, Coventry - £1.6m to help develop a community energy scheme using ground source heat pump technology that will provide heating and hot water for 154 homes, the first phase of a scheme that is ultimately planned to include a district CHP plant to power the whole neighbourhood.
Yarn Street, Aire Valley in Leeds - £1m to provide a new heat network supplying CHP energy from waste plant and micro-technologies to power 280 new homes that will form part of the urban eco settlement vision for the area.
Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of HCA, said: “Together with nearly £12m we allocated to low carbon infrastructure schemes in July, this funding will help ensure that more people have access to energy that is both less harmful to the environment than traditional sources and lower cost for them.
“The range of projects we have been able to allocate money to shows there is a real appetite for this kind of infrastructure and the benefits it brings to communities and the industry as a whole. We look forward to using the lessons we learn from these innovative projects in our future work at the HCA, to help create and support sustainable places around the country.”
Housing Minister, John Healey said: “Homes account for a quarter of carbon emission so reducing this is a major part of our efforts to tackle climate change. By making all new homes zero carbon from 2016 we are already leading the way to a much greener housing stock, and lower energy bills for residents. But we also have to make existing homes greener, and this funding will help both new and existing developments to access clean energy sources.”
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SOCIAL TENANTS AMONG WORST HIT BY 'BROKEN SOCIETY'
27 August 2009
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Chris Grayling
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Social renters are among those suffering most from a society that resembles US TV show The Wire, according to shadow home secretary, Chris Grayling.
Speaking on violence in society, Mr Grayling said it had become the norm, and gun, knife and gang crime was rife in British communities.
He said: “Since Labour came to power, the level of violent crime in Britain has risen dramatically, by 70%. Gun crime is up by more than half and there are more than 100 serious knife crimes each day. Under Labour, fatal stabbings reached the highest level on record.
“The culture of violence that was a feature of US cities a generation ago is now a feature of British cities. The Wire used to be just a work of fiction for British viewers. But under this Government, in many parts of British cities, The Wire has become a part of real life in this country too.”
He said figures show households with the lowest income are most at risk of violence, unemployed people are more than twice as likely to be a victim of violent crime than the average, and 4.2% of social renters were victims of burglary in 2008/09 compared with 1.7% of owner occupiers.
A Conservative government would ‘create an environment where it just isn’t possible to build a life sitting at home on benefits any more’ to tackle the problems.
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TAROE HITS OUT AT WAIT FOR DECENT HOMES CASH
27 August 2009
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TAROE has said it is ‘disappointed’ with the Government’s announcement that the 13 round six ALMOs awaiting two-star ratings would not receive decent homes funding until 2011/12.
Michael Gelling, Chair said: “TAROE is disappointed that some ALMOs are now having to face restrictions on finance that place in jeopardy their ability to meet and maintain the Decent Homes standard.
“Raising the standards and quality of tenants’ homes has been the driving force behind the creation of ALMOs.
“Promises by the Government have been made to both tenants and local authorities, that if tenants vote for the ALMO and performance is improved, then the money to achieve Decent Homes will follow.
“Expectations have been raised. It is only right that these assurances are honoured and delivered upon and the Government should do all that they can to make sure this happens.”
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GOVERNMENT TO APPOINT CONSTRUCTION ADVISER
27 August 2009
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The Government plans to appoint a Chief Adviser to Government on Construction to equip Britain's construction industry with the skills and knowledge to become competitive in the 21st century.
He/she will chair the Board responsible for securing value for money from the Government’s procurement of construction, promote innovation and sustainability in the industry, and be responsible for ensuring Government takes full account of the impacts of the regulatory regime on the construction industry. The Adviser will be independent and report to BIS and HM Treasury Ministers.
The successful individual will chair a new Construction Category Board, which will build on the existing Public Sector Construction Clients Forum (PSCCF), to oversee the implementation and further development of best value Government construction procurement; and chair an enhanced sustainable construction strategy delivery board to help ensure policy regarding the industry is effectively co-ordinated.
Ian Lucas, the Business Minister with responsibility for construction, said: “We have taken our time to get the role right to ensure that it fits well with a range of new and existing initiatives. But I have heard the calls from the Construction Industry loud and clear since my appointment in June. We are now pressing hard ahead with recruiting. I want to see a high quality individual in place by November.”
Ian Pearson, the Economic Secretary, said: “This role will provide a central “focal point” for the construction sector acknowledging the value of this sector and the importance of delivering a sustainable and low carbon economy that remains competitive. The Chief Construction Adviser will help ensure that Government secures maximum value for money in its procurement of construction and thus support the aims of the Operational Efficiency Programme.”
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HOUSE PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE
27 August 2009
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House prices rose for a fourth month running in August as demand for properties continued to outweigh supply, Nationwide has announced.
Nationwide's latest snapshot of the housing market showed the average cost of a home rose by 1.6% over the month to £160,224. The monthly increase reduced the annual rate of price deflation to 2.7%, compared with July's figure of 6.2%.
The society said prices were now 3.2% higher than at the beginning of 2009, although they were still 14.4% below their peak in October 2007.
The three-monthly trend, which is considered a better indicator of how the market is faring than the one-off monthly figure showed an acceleration in price rises, increasing from 2.7% in July to 3.3% in August. This is the highest level of three-monthly growth since February 2007.
The figures are part of a growing collection of data that suggest the housing market is starting to bounce back from the nadir it reached over the winter, and follow news earlier this week that the number of mortgages approvals rose to a 17-month high in July.
However, Nationwide said prices were still being supported by a lack of homes coming on to the market and the current low interest rate environment and a rise in rates to more normal levels could hit the recovery.
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HACT WANTS H.A.s TO HELP TEACH ENGLISH
27 August 2009
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The Housing Association Charitable Trust is calling for more housing associations to teach English to its non-English speaking tenants.
It said that housing bodies are in a unique position to ease the chronic shortage of English language classes in this country.
A project it runs with the CIH, Partners in Opening Doors, found that refugees and migrants could wait up to two years for English language classes. HACT is highlighting the work housing organisations have done to help with the problem, to encourage other agencies to follow their example.
In Lincolnshire, the absence of local classes and poor public transport means many refugees and migrants find it impossible to attend an English class. Local housing group Longhurst Homes has helped increase the number of English language lessons by funding Spalding International, a local community organisation.
Alex Ray, from Longhurst Homes, said the lack of appropriate classes means many migrants and refugees have little choice but to rely on benefits in a competitive jobs market.
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HOUSING NEWS: INNOVATION ROUND-UP
28 August 2009
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Click the picutre to see who these people are
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LANDLORDS COULD HAVE TO CONVERT HOMES FOR DISABLED TENANTS THEY DON’T HAVE
28 August 2009
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Proposed European legislation could force UK landlords to convert their rental properties for disabled tenants that they don’t have, according to the Residential Landlords Association.
That could mean fitting houses with entrance ramps, wider doors, grab rails, stairlifts, signs in Braille, redesigning bathrooms and kitchens and even re-positioning electricity sockets as if they were tenanted by disabled people.
Richard Jones, lawyer and secretary of the RLA, said: “This is particularly wasteful and excessive when landlords cannot possibly know in advance what work may be needed to cater for a tenant who, in most cases, will probably never appear anyway.”
The RLA has asked the European Union to think again. The landlords’ response - part of a consultation on a proposed EU directive on discrimination outside the workplace – asks: “how much would all this cost, who pays for it, and is it really necessary in the first place?”
Mr Jones added: “If every rented house or flat has to be adapted in the same way, in case disabled people become tenants, how can landlords be expected to anticipate the needs of the many disabilities they may need to cater for?”
“It’s wholly unrealistic, costs could be enormous and able bodied tenants would then have to live in a property designed for disabled people. But if this was not provided then landlords could face substantial claims for damages for failing to have the work done ‘just in case’ … when no one is clear what needs to be implemented in the first place.
“Serial complainers would have a field day going round all kinds of premises for rent and then bombarding the landlords with claims. We are not saying that adaptations for disabled tenants are never necessary but funding should be more thoroughly thought out.
“As for further legislation, however, the UK already has well developed laws addressing different types of discrimination and another one is simply not needed - particularly at a time of deep recession when yet more regulatory burdens on small businesses would prove very costly.
“The likely result would be fewer businesses choosing to provide rented accommodation. And the people who would suffer are the very ones that the government says it is trying to help - the disabled, poor and others who need a good affordable supply of rented accommodation.”
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TPAS SEEKS GOOD PRACTICE IN DECENT HOMES
28 August 2009
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TPAS is seeking examples of good practice or challenges relating to the implementation of Decent Homes work.
If you can highlight good aspects of tenant participation or if you have any overall views on the Decent Homes programme of funding and standards, TPAS would like to hear from you.
It is proposing to make a submission to the House of Commons Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee on the Decent Homes programme.
TPAs wishes to highlight the importance of tenant influence in the process of Decent Homes. Any comments or, examples you have relating to this area would be gratefully received.
Please send them to nigel.long@tpas.org.uk bu August 28.
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PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS URGED TO UPDATE RECORDS
28 August 2009
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Property professionals are being urged to update their records relating to enquiries over building protection and preservation.
The Property Care Association (PCA) represents the UK’s structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp-proofing, flood remediation and structural repair sectors. Formerly the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), the PCA has, since 2006, been a stand alone association.
It still incorporates the BWPDA, which has been in formation for more than 75 years, but specifications and enquiries should be directed to the PCA.
Yasmin Chopin, executive director of the PCA said: “Property professionals have for many years contacted the BWPDA for advice on damp and related matters. We still find that enquiries come to us in the name of the BWPDA, and would urge people to come directly to the PCA.”
The Association has developed a range of initiatives for property professionals, including a specifier-led magazine Property Care, and the availability of technical documents online at www.property-care.org.
PCA has also introduced two new RIBA-approved CPDs detailing key issues in building protection and preservation, covering Flood Remediation, as well as The Treatment of Rising Damp and the Preservation of Timber.
Of interest to architects, the CPDs are also aimed at a wide-range of people working in the property sector, including surveyors, construction managers, local authority and social housing professionals, facilities managers and heritage specialists. The PCA is also a major training provider, with a well-established training educational programme in place.
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HOME MORTGAGE APPROVALS JUMP TO 17-MONTH HIGH
28 August 2009
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The number of mortgages approved for house purchase jumped to a 17-month high during July as buyers continued to return to the property market.
A total of 38,181 loans were approved for people buying a home, 77% more than in July last year and the highest level since February 2008, according to the British Bankers' Association.
There was also a rise in total mortgage advances, with £8.4bn lent during the month, up from £8.1bn in June. But despite the increase the BBA said the figures were below seasonal expectations.
It added that new lending was being offset by people reducing their mortgage debt, with net lending, which strips out redemptions and repayments, falling to £1.6bn, its lowest level since October 2000. BBA said slower housing market activity meant it was taking longer for mortgage approvals for house purchase to work through into the gross and net lending figures.
BBA statistics director, David Dooks said: “The numbers of mortgages approved for house purchase each month by the high street banks have continued to recover from last November’s low point, but new lending is largely being offset by repayments, so that net rises remain relatively weak.
“Unsecured borrowing is subdued, with households focused on managing their personal finances and building up deposits. Lending to non-financial companies has contracted over the last year, as would be expected given both the recession and large corporates using the capital markets to raise funds, but amounts outstanding are only three per cent lower than a year ago.”
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TAROE LAUNCH INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH HOUSING E-ACADEMY
28 August 2009
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TAROE has teamed up with the Housing e-Academy to promote and drive forward learning and best practice across the housing sector.
The e-Academy offers an alternative way of learning to traditional face-to-face methods by providing access to specially developed online resources.
This approach removes geographical barriers to learning by providing individual training records, e-learning modules, online assessment and evaluation tools that are accessed via the Internet, therefore enabling learners to study in ways and at times that suit them, while ensuring that the quality and consistency of training is maintained.
Michael Gelling, Chair of TAROE, said: “We welcome this innovative partnership with the Housing e-Academy, which we believe can be used to drive up knowledge and skills across the sector for tenants and housing staff. The Tenant Plus package offers tenants a great opportunity to build their skills and put them ahead of the game when applying for employment.
“We are looking forward to working with the Housing e-Academy to develop similar products that will give tenants the skills and knowledge to play an active and empowered role in shaping their landlords’ services and holding them to account.
“We are also pleased to announce that all TAROE members and Friends of TAROE organisations will benefit from a generous discount when purchasing products from the Housing e-Academy.”
Chloe Weatherhead, Housing e-Academy Manager, said: “We are really excited about working with TAROE to ensure that we can develop products that are of benefit to tenants and which provide a valuable resource within a dynamic and rapidly changing housing environment.”
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