Welfare Benefits a hot topic

I got back on Friday from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Conference in Harrogate.  Following a packed few days of speeches, exhibitions and meetings, it’s clear that the burning issue for all housing professionals and tenants alike is welfare benefit reform.

Transparency and scrutiny

The conference was a great opportunity for housing and welfare government representatives to come face to face with tenants and professionals, sparking some lively debates. 

In a climate of cutbacks, accountability was high on the agenda and Housing Minister Grant Shapps announced that Housing Associations are likely to become subject to freedom of information laws.  This would make Housing Associations even more accountable to the public, and is a topic we intend to discuss with our own tenant representatives at WPH.     

Empowering and listening to tenants

During the conference, WPH Tenant Board Director Jean McIntosh posed a question to Lord Freud, government spokesperson for welfare.  Jean asked why Lord Freud had sent personal responses to correspondence from Chief Executives, but had left administrative staff to reply to tenant representatives.  You can read Lord Freud’s response here: www.24dash.com

Like lots of other exchanges during the conference, Jean’s point highlights a growing feeling that ministers do not fully understand the housing sector or its tenants.  Members of the CIH used the conference to call for more support from the government and create the Housing Pact 2011 to measure progress against promises.

Outcome - what can we do?

The CIH is developing their ‘Housing Pact’ following the conference, which will set out expectations for both Housing Associations and policy makers for the next 12 months.

Make your voice heard and contribute to the CIH Housing Pact by completing this online survey: www.cih.org/housingpact

Don’t forget that WPH can give you welfare benefit advice, contact the team on 0151 666 7100 for more information.