Housing Monthly Diary Archive

Research & Surveys

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January 1998
JRF Publications

January publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation included:

• Findings 118: Pakistani Housing Strategies in Britain.

• Findings 128: The Effectiveness of Energy Advice to Tenants.

Further information on JRF Findings and other publications from the Foundation can be accessed on their website: http://www.jrf.org.uk., or obtained by telephoning their Publications Office on 01904 615905.

January 1998
Study Compares Home Buying Process

Britain has the cheapest but also one of the slowest systems of house buying of ten countries surveyed world-wide, according to the first findings to emerge from the Government's investigation into the home buying process.

The review compared house market transactions in England and Wales with those in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the USA.

Some of the key findings of the study are:

• Most countries make use of contracts containing a number of conditions, the most common of which is a clause making the sale conditional on the buyer being able to obtain finance. The use of such clauses make it possible to exchange contracts at a much earlier date than would be normal in England and Wales.

• In most of the countries surveyed, contracts are exchanged at a much earlier stage than is the case in England and Wales. There are a number of reasons that explain this, including the use of conditional contracts.

Another key factor in speeding up the process is that a number of the enquiries that would be made in England and Wales before the contract, in other countries are made after the contract, with the right for the buyer to cancel the agreement if a search discloses adverse issues.

In most of the countries surveyed, the use of pre-printed forms of contract with standard clauses (which can be included or omitted) help to speed up the overall process.

In many other countries there is a duty on sellers to disclose to the buyer specific information about the property. This is the sort of information that would be the subject of pre-contract enquiries in England and Wales. The requirement on the seller to disclose this information also helps speed up the process.

The total transaction costs of house buying and selling in England and Wales are amongst the lowest of the countries reviewed.

Housing Market Transactions: International Comparisons (for further information: Tel. 0171 890 3333).

February 1998
JRF Publications

February publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation included:

• Findings 238: Local Initiatives in Property Repair and Maintenance.

• Findings 248: The Effectiveness of Local Service Partnerships on Disadvantaged Estates.

February 1998
Corporation's 1998/99 Research Programme

The Housing Corporation announced details of its 1998/99 research programme:

• A project on housing provision for black and minority ethnic communities, which would support the new BME housing strategy (launched in April 1998). The project would assess the record of RSLs and the Corporation in meeting BME needs and contribute to developing targets needed to drive the strategy forward.

• Research on sustainable investment, which would identify demand and investment in different parts of the country and specify the types of housing and the areas in which RSLs should be investing. A further objective of the research would be to quantify long-term housing demand, especially in those areas where housing stock had been transferred. The research would also aim to clarify strategies through which RSLs can support communities in the long term.

• A project studying the careers of a sample of RSL tenants, to establish whether those in social housing remain largely unemployed. The project would include a number of case histories, aimed at examining the economic situations of tenants - both before and after living in RSL homes.

February 1998
Housing Plus and Regeneration

A new study from the European Institute of Urban Affairs (EIUA) assessed the impact of Housing Plus initiatives in 6 regeneration areas around England.

Funded by the Housing Corporation's Innovation and Good Practice programme, researchers interviewed tenants and housing professionals in the Holly Street Estate, Hackney; Moss Side in Manchester; Blackbird Leys in Oxford; Bolton Community Homes; Hyde town centre and Norton Grange in Stockton.

Across the 6 estates, the study found that:

• Housing Plus initiatives tackled what mattered to residents;

• 40% of residents felt more confident about their community, as a result of contributions made by the Housing Plus initiative;

• RSL tenants were more optimistic about their communities' future than local authority tenants in similar refurbished property;

• 30% of residents were more likely to stay in the area given the contribution of Housing Plus initiatives;

• The most popular Housing Plus initiatives were community projects, such as improved child care, better shopping facilities, enhanced public transport and crime prevention projects; and

• Jobs and training projects had wider social benefits - they boosted morale and helped reduce crime and vandalism.

Whilst the study found that Housing Plus initiatives did increase community confidence overall, the often small scale of initiatives, relative to the profound deprivation of these communities, resulted in a significant proportion of residents being indifferent to the contribution of the projects.

Information Notes:

Adopted in 1995, the Housing Plus approach to sustainable communities sets sustainability as a goal of social housing to be achieved by registered social landlords (RSLs) establishing partnerships with tenants, local authorities and other stakeholders to meet communities' wider needs, such as access to employment, crime prevention, education and health.

Further information can be obtained from Richard Evans at the Housing Corporation - Tel. 0151 231 3430.

March 1998
JRF Publications

Publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) during March included:

• Findings 328: The Role of TECs and LECs in Regeneration.

• Findings 358: Assessing Housing Needs in Community Care.

April 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) published the following in its series of Findings:

• Findings No. 438: Evaluation of the Open House Programme for People Sleeping Rough.

• Findings No. 478: The Effect on Carers of a Frail Older Person's Admission to a Care Home.

• Findings No. 498: Service Users' Perspectives on Floating Support.

Further information: Tel. 01904 615905.

May 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) published the following in its series of Findings:

• No. 528: Low Support Options for People with Learning Difficulties.

• No. 548: Community Development: The Tyne and Wear Development Corporation's Approach.

• No. 598: Home-Owners and Housing Repair: Behaviour and Attitudes.

• No. 5118: Rents, Viability and Value in Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Associations.

May 1998
Research News in Brief

• Liverpool-based consultants CEDA Partnership were awarded =A322,000 by the Housing Corporation to collate information on how housing associations in the West Midlands were becoming involved in the New Deal. The two-month project is to advise associations on opportunities in their locality and make them aware of potential difficulties for landlords and tenants.

• The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions published the first edition of Housing Signpost, which provides practitioners with a guide on the latest research and statistics news. This first issue provided brief information on such issues as the recently published English House Conditions Survey (1996), tenants' Right to Manage and recent research/statistical publications. The intention is to publish Housing Signpost three times a year.

June 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation published the following in its series of Findings:

• No. 558: Attracting Private Finance Into Urban Regeneration.

• No. 638: Towards a Long-term Strategic Approach to Urban Regeneration.

• No. 648: Regionalism, Devolution and Social Housing.

• No. 668: Supporting People with Acquired Brain Injury in Their Own Homes.

• No. 698: The Impact of Urban Renewal on an Owner-occupied Inner City Market.

June 1998
CORE Data Contract

The National Housing Federation might have to shed up to six jobs from its CORE team, after losing the =A3360,000 per year contract from the Housing Corporation to manage data on new lettings.

The contract was awarded to Dundee University’s and St Andrew’s University’s Joint Centre for Scottish Housing Research, which already ran a similar service for the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and for Scottish Homes.

High administration costs associated with being London-based were seen as a major factor influencing the level of bid submissions.

July 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) published in its Findings series:

• No. 718: Housing Benefit: Time for Reform.

July 1998
Research News in Brief

• The Scottish Office awarded a research contract to the University of Glasgow, to study social housing and anti-social behaviour. The research focuses on actions taken by social landlords in dealing with anti-social behaviour, including the extent of the use of civil law. The research, which was due for completion in May 1999, aimed to draw conclusions that could lead to positive recommendations on reforms to the legal processes for dealing with anti-social behaviour.

• A =A325,000 study was commissioned by Scottish Homes, looking at how home owners with financial problems can release equity in their homes. The findings were due to be published in November.

• A study into available temporary accommodation to victims of domestic violence was commissioned by the Government. It was hoped that the research would establish a database which identified the extent of hostels and refuges available in England, as well as available support services - such as outreach, aftercare and advice. The findings would be used as a basis for developing inter-departmental strategies to tackle problems associated with domestic violence.

• Scottish Homes commissioned a =A313,500 study to review all the definitions of affordable housing adopted by member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The research was carried out by Steve Wilcox, research fellow at York University, and it was due for completion in October.

August 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) published the following in its series of Findings:

• No. 838: Combating Social Exclusion - Lessons From Area-based Programmes In Europe.

• No. 848: The Effectiveness of Legal Remedies for Neighbour Nuisance.

For further information on JRF Findings: Tel. 01904 615905.

August 1998
Planned Studies on Risk Management

The Housing Corporation and Audit Commission announced joint plans to work on a new set of value for money studies - concentrating on risk management. These were due to begin next financial year and 5 studies were planned:

• A study of the role of RSL board members, with particular reference to the type and quality of information that they received on which decisions were then based.

• An evaluation of the impact and the value for money of RSLs undertaking non-core activities, such as care services and student housing.

• An evaluation of good practice in the area of information technology for RSLs.

• A study that would offer advice on the financing and management of tenant participation as a key RSL activity.

• A study of the value for money of RSL maintenance services after a number of the Corporation's Innovation and Good Practice studies assessing this area were completed.

September 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) published the following in its series of Findings:

• No. 918: Including Young People in Urban Regeneration.

• No. 928: The Role of Mutual Aid and Self-Help in Combating Exclusion.

• No. 948: Supporting People with Mental Health Problems in Ordinary Housing.

• No. 958: Future Strategies for Medium-Sized Housing Associations.

• No. 968: Good Practice for County Court Housing Advice and Representation Schemes.

Further information on Findings: Tel. 01904 615905.

October 1998
JRF Publications

October publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in its Findings series included:

• No. 18: Housing, Disabled Children and Their Families.

• No. 38: The Role and Impact of Befriending.

• No. 48: Housing Officers and Multi-Agency Work with Children and Young People on Social Housing Estates.

• No. 58: Local Authority Stock Turnover in the 1990's.

• No. 98: The Impact of Housing Benefit Restrictions on Young Single People Living in Privately Rented Accommodation.

• No. 108: Inclusive Strategies for Race and Gender in Urban Regeneration.

• No. 118: Patterns of Neighbourhood Dissatisfaction in England.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation published the latest edition of Findings In Focus, which provides a summary of recent research conclusions.

Also published during October by JRF in its Foundations series is Effective and Protected Housing Investment. This paper took as a background the Government's recent announcement that the Housing Corporation would be asked to consider implementing flexible tenure in some circumstances and that a form of low-cost home ownership, HomeBuy, would be extended from Wales to England. The study also recognised that further measures had been announced under the New Deal for Communities. The report by HACAS suggested that this would be a first stage in rationalising the patchwork of housing subsidies and taxes that had developed historically.

The findings of the research argued that the current system was inadequate for maximising private investment in housing, making public investment effective, or encouraging practices that will protect housing investment in the long term.

For further details of publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Tel. 01904 615905.

December 1998
JRF Publications

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) released two publications in its Findings series during December:

• D28: Reviewing the Right to Buy.

• D48: Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion.

JRF also published during December Failure: Equity Release, as part of its programme of research and innovative development projects.

Further information: JRF: Tel. 01904 615916.

January 1999
JRF Publications

Publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) included:

• Findings 139: Private Welfare and Public Policy.=

• Developing Effective Community Involvement Strategies: Guidance for Single Regeneration Budget Bids.

• Foundations: Low Intensity Support: Preventing Dependency.

Further details: Tel. 01904 615905

February 1999
JRF Publications

Publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) included:

• Findings 219: Sustainable Suburbs.

• Findings 229: European Approaches to Financing Owner-Occupied Housing Repair and Maintenance

Further Details: Tel. 01904 615905, or the JRF web site: http://www.jrf.org.uk

April 1999
JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in its Findings series included:

• Modernising Local Government.

In the wake of the Government's proposals for modernising local government, this study describes and analyses the changes facing councils, what they mean and how they connect with other programmes.

• The Effectiveness of Mortgage Payment Safety Net.

This summarises the findings of a study into the impact of Government policy, which has seen an increasing demand on mortgage borrowers to protect themselves from loss of income and a substantial cut in the State safety net for mortgagors. The research evaluates the effectiveness of both Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) and Income Support for Mortgage Interest Payments (IMSI) for those on Income Support (now Job Seekers Allowance).

• The Characteristics of Frequent Mover.

Based on a study of tenants in the West End of Newcastle, this report looks at reasons why some families choose to frequently move. Its findings suggest that there is a pattern that has its origins in childhood or adolescence experience, and frequent moving is not necessarily the result of either economic factors or illegal activities.

• Extending Social Landlords' Repair Services to Homeowners.

Based on a study of a few social landlords that already offer a repair service to homeowners, this research looks at the potential for further developments - particularly in contributing to reducing disrepair in the private sector and to furthering community regeneration objectives.

This study examines initiatives undertaken by local authorities to promote repairs and maintenance by homeowners. It identifies over 30 different types of activity, ranging from advice and information to the organisation of group maintenance schemes.

• Neighbourhood Images in Teesside.

This research explores residents' perception of life on their two estates (both of which have had a long history of disadvantage and have remained unpopular), their views of regeneration and their future hopes and expectations. It reveals that stigma and social exclusion have remained, despite extensive regeneration initiatives.

• Neighbourhood Images in Liverpool.

With a growing recognition that needs, aspirations and potential of people and communities in disadvantaged areas need to be taken into account if urban regeneration is to become sustainable, this study of two neighbourhoods in Liverpool examines residents' own perceptions in this regard.

• Neighbourhood Images in Nottingham.

This research reveals that local residents on the adjacent Nottingham inner-city neighbourhoods of Hyson Green and Forest Fields take considerable pride in their area. It identifies many positive features, despite the fact that both estates are areas of long-standing multiple disadvantage.

• Neighbourhood Images in East London.

This study of two estates in East London finds a picture of a vibrant and complex community life, which illustrates both variation and consensus within and between the two neighbourhoods in regeneration areas, and explores underlying influences.

Other recent publications from JRF included:

• Findings in Focus, providing an opportunity to scan recent research conclusions from the JRF programme.

• Foundations: Social Cohesion and Urban Inclusion for Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods, summarising the findings in the four recent projects in Teesside, London, Liverpool and Nottingham (see the last four Findings listed above).

• Findings Index, providing a guide to Findings issued by the JRF between January 1998 and April 1999.

Further information: Publications Office, JRF: Tel. 01904 615905. Details are also available on the JRF website: http://www.jrf.org.uk

May 1999
JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in its Findings series include:

• The Problem of Low Housing Demand in Inner City Areas.

This summarises a study that examines city areas where there is virtually no demand for housing and concludes that the reasons are centred on issues concerned with severe poverty and joblessness within neighbourhoods, rather than the quality of the housing provided.

The full report, The Slow Death of Great Cities? Urban Abandonment or Urban Renaissance - by Anne Power and Katharine Mumford, is published for the Foundation by York Publishing Services. The price is =A316.95 plus =A32 p&p and details are available from York Publishing. Tel: 01904 430033.

• The Jobs Gap in Britain's Cities.

This study examines urban economic change over the last two decades and the impact on local people, with particular attention given to employment trends. The full report, The Jobs Gap in Britain's Cities: Employment Loss and Labour Market Consequences - by Ivan Turok and Nicola Edge, is published for the Foundation by The Policy Press. The cost is =A313.95 plus =A32 p&p and it is available from Biblios Publishers' Distribution Services. Tel: 01403 710851.

June 1999
JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in its Findings series include:

• The Experience of Racist Victimisation.

Whilst racial harassment is well researched in terms of its nature and extent, the impact it has on aspects of people's lives beyond the actual racist experience itself is not so well understood. Further, the experiences of victims are poorly reflected in research and policy development. This study centres on the impact of racist experiences on individuals and families in four areas in the UK. In addition to the findings, a full report is available - We Can't All Be White: Racist Victimisation in the UK - from York Publishing Services - Tel: 01904 430033, price =A312.95 plus =A32 p&p.

• Financial Institutions and Private Rented Housing.

This summarises research that builds on a 1994 study and shows that there has been a marked change in attitudes among City institutions in the last five years towards providing both loans and equity funding for private rental houses. Whilst the study identifies an increased interest, it also finds that there are still important barriers to large-scale funding. A full report is also available - Financial Institutions and Private Rented Housing - from York Publishing Services - Tel: 01904 430033, price =A313.95 plus =A32 p&p.

• Perceptions of Low Demand for Housing and the Reality of Housing Need and Demand.

This reviews the latest population data and available information about moves into and away from local authority and housing association accommodation and vacancy rates there, to see whether reported indicators of low demand call into question published estimates of newly arising housing need for England. The research also explores numerical evidence for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and examines case study evidence. A full report - Low Demand: Separating Fact From Fiction - is available from the Chartered Institute of Housing - Tel: 01203 694433 (=A313.95).

• Emerging Issues for Independent Local Housing Companies.

This study highlights the experiences of the local partnerships which have been involved in developing the first local housing companies - a product of the Estate Renewal Challenge Fund, aimed at facilitating the transfer of run-down urban council housing to new landlords, including local housing companies. A full report is also available - Local Housing Companies: Progress and Problems - from the Chartered Institute of Housing - Tel: 01203 694433 (=A312.95 plus =A31.50 p&p).

• Employment and Training Schemes for Homeless Young People.

This examines a variety of specialist employment training projects for homeless young people in London. It focuses on the experiences of the projects, the young people who use the schemes and those who do not. A full report - Ending Exclusion: Employment and Training Schemes for Homeless Young People - is available from York Publishing Services - Tel: 01904 430033 (=A313.95 plus =A32 p&p).

 

July 1999
JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) include:

• Findings No. 729: Agreements for Supported Housing Organisations and Residents.

This presents the findings of research carried out by the Welsh Federation of Housing Associations and the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Cymru, which sought to explore whether variations or additions were needed to agreements currently in use in supported housing, so that all services that supported housing residents receive are reflected.

 

A full report has been published - Knowing Where You Stand: Agreements for Supported Housing Organisations and Residents - which is available from Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Ltd - Tel: 01273 623222 (=A313.95 plus =A32.50 p&p).

• Foundations No. 739: Insights into Low Demand for Housing.

This draws on recent JRF research projects to present some of the insights that they provide on the causes and implications of low demand for housing.

 

The Foundation also publishes Findings In Focus, which provides brief summaries of recent research conclusions from the JRF programme and an order form.

 

For further information on JRF publications, contact its Publication Department - Tel: 01904 615905, or by e-mail: publications@jrf.org.uk= .

August 1999
JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) include:

• Findings No. 829: The Social Consequences of Mortgage Repossession for Parents and Their Children.

In 1998, an average of 650 households per week were losing their homes through repossession. This qualitative study from the University of York explores the impact on households with dependent children.

• Findings No. 839: Getting Employers Involved in Area Regeneration.

Securing sustainable area economic regeneration has proved difficult. It is increasingly recognised that the employing community has a key role to play in the process. This study from the University of Glasgow presents research on the effectiveness of a range of area regeneration projects where employers have made a significant input. It also provides comment on how such effectiveness may be improved.

August 1999
Landowners in the Rural Housing Market

New research commissioned by Scottish Homes and the Scottish Landowners Federation aims to lead to more affordable homes becoming available in rural areas of Scotland.

Prompted by the concern of both organisations over the lack of affordable accommodation in rural communities, in particular a shortage of rented housing for low-income households, the research will examine the role of landowners in the rural housing market.

The project, which was being carried out by the School of Planning of Heriot-Watt University, will seek the views of landowners, residents and tenants on the development of land and buildings for rent and low-cost home ownership.

The final report was due at the end of the year.

September 1999
JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) included:

• Findings No. 9109: Mortgage Lenders' Contribution to Repair and Maintenance.

• Findings No. 939: Older Owner-Occupiers' Perceptions of Home-Ownership.

• Findings No. 949: Home-Ownership in Old Age: Benefit or Burden?

• Findings No. 959: Housing Association Investment in People.

For further details - Tel: 01904 615905.

September 1999
Research & Surveys - Update

• The National Housing Federation announced that it would conduct a study to evaluate reasons why tenants quit housing association homes. Associations involved in the study were named as Home, New Progress, North British, Northern Counties, Ridings and Riverside. Other RSLs might also join the project.

• A Housing Corporation funded study by Rocc, an umbrella group for supported housing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, published An Evaluation of Five Floating Support Schemes. Further details - Tel: 01703 230307.

October 1999

JRF Publications

Recent publications from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) included: Findings 19: The Training Needs of Managers of Long-Term Care. A full report is also available - Managers in Long-Term Care: Their Quality and Qualities, from Biblios Publishers Distribution Services Ltd - Tel. 01403 710851 (£14.95 + £2 p&p). Findings 49: Current Practice in Housing Sex Offenders. A full report is available - Housing Sex Offenders: An Examination of Current Practice, from the Chartered Institute of Housing - Tel. 01203 694433 (£13.95 + £1.50 p&p). For further details on either of the above in the JRF Findings series, contact the JRF Publications Office - Tel. 01904 615905. November 1999 JRF Publications The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) published the following in its Findings series: N49: Housing and Support for People with Learning Difficulties: A Local Authority Development Programme. The Housing and Support Partnership initiated a group development study with six local authorities, with the aim of creating more diverse housing and support services for people with learning difficulties. This report summarises the key issues that came out of the exercise. N59: Housing and Employment Problems for Young People in the Countryside. This summarises the research findings from a study carried out by the Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York, exploring the experiences of 60 young people growing up in rural parts of North Yorkshire and their difficulties in finding both a job and somewhere to live in the countryside. December 1999 JRF Publications The only December issue in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's Findings series was: Findings D29: Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 1999. This reports on the updated and extended data of the New Policy Institute's fifty indicators of poverty and social exclusion, which was first published last year. The data is the most comprehensive and up-to-date available (1998 or 1999). JRF also published Findings in Focus, which provides a quick summary of recent research conclusions from its programme and an order form.

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