Industry news New PRS review


launched A new review of how the private rented sector works is to be undertaken by leading academics from York University’s Centre for Housing Policy. The independent study, funded by the Nationwide Foundation, is expected to be completed in a year with its findings published in 2018. It will be led by Julie Rugg and David Rhodes, authors of The Private Rented Sector: Its Contribution and Potential (informally known as the Rugg Review), which dates back to 2008. Dr Rugg said: “Our last review showed the


private rented sector is made up of lots of different sub-markets, meeting different types of need. Every one of those sub- markets has changed substantially. Without a better understanding of how the rented sector works, it’s unlikely that policy aimed at the sector will have the desired effect." The review will provide an independent analysis of the private rented sector in England and will particularly focus on: a comprehensive analysis of the current


‘state of play’; an assessment of the policy interventions currently impacting on the sector; and proposing policy options to contribute to more effective operation.Relevant stakeholders and industry experts will be invited to submit evidence. In addition to this review, the Nationwide


Foundation is also funding a separate research by the same academic team, assessing the extent to which the PRS meets the housing needs of vulnerable tenants. Its findings will be published alongside the main review.


commentator, in his annual health of the social housing sector report. Gary Moreton, head of social housing at


A


RSM consultants, says much confidence can be drawn from the commitment of governments in both England and Scotland, to fix the housing market and to deliver the many thousands of much needed new homes. In his introduction to the report, Mr Moreton wrote: “Today, the sector is in a stronger financial position than in the years before the recession. Turnover and surpluses have hit record levels, ambitious development programmes are starting to come forward and, in a clear sign of confidence, many are looking to award pay rises in the year ahead.” The report is based on the responses from HAs to an on-line survey conducted earlier this year. Among the many reported findings are the following: • 86% are actively seeking cost savings; • 82% are anticipating further welfare reforms to have a significant impact;


• 49% are expecting more RP/HA failures; • 79% say the target to build one million new homes by 2020 is not achievable;


• 65% say it will be difficult to achieve 1 for 1 replacements of properties sold through the RTB;


• 20% are considering mergers; • 35% are NOT considering any commercial diversification;


• 11% will reduce tenant services; • 22% will reduce community services; • 64% do not support the HCA charging fees


Rosey outlook for social landlords for regulatory work;


n extremely positive picture of the future has been drawn for housing associations by a leading


• 80% say that it is sensible for the Government to dilute regulatory work in order to declassify RPs; and


• 56% say deregulation will bring more risk. The firm’s ‘Health of the Sector’ survey has


been running for 10 years and Moreton highlighted that during this period HAs have had to face some of the greatest tests in their history - a global economic crash and drawn- out recession, four changes in political leadership, an unprecedented vote to leave the EU, an ever-deepening housing crisis and a policy and regulatory environment that rarely stood still. Despite this he claimed there is much to be


positive about and overall the sector’s confidence is on the up. “It’s clear that the sector has been able to


weather significant changes. Amid a difficult operating environment, many have continued to adapt, and not shied away from making radical updates when needed. The lessons, skills and experiences gained during the past 10 years mean the sector is now in the best shape possible to meet future challenges head-on.” Moreton also pointed out that there will be


some downsides to contend with, adding: “While there are reasons to be positive, history tells us that stability is unlikely to linger. Continued welfare reform, Right to Buy updates, deregulation and ambitious homebuilding targets will continue to exert day-to-day pressures.” He concluded: “Brexit and the prospect of a second


independence referendum in Scotland will only compound risks.”


Giant landlord takes its repairs service back in-house


One of the country’s largest housing associations has decided to repair and maintain all of its 56,000 homes using its own property management company. Sovereign operates throughout the south


and south west of England. It recently merged with Spectrum and as part


of a strategic re-organisation of the business, it will now use Sovereign Response and Spectrum Property Care to provide the full range of maintenance services to the association’s entire


housing stock. Steve Barford, executive director of property


at Sovereign, said “Sovereign will now provide in-house repairs, gas servicing and voids work to all of our 56,000 homes. “Taking greater responsibility for these


important activities is a key part of our plans to provide a consistent service for all our residents as well as bringing down costs, reinvesting the savings into new much-needed affordable homes and services.”


12 | HMM May 2017 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk


Upgrade for Manchester HA


Manchester-based housing association St Vincent’s has received a governance upgrade to G1 after making improvements to its controls over meeting health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements. The 3,769-home East End Homes has been


upgraded over its viability to V1. The regulator is now reassured the association has an “adequately funded” business plan, whereas previously it was exposed because of delays in completing its regeneration programme. This is now mostly complete.


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