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Housing associations and home adaptations: finding ways to say yes
- Authors:
- MACKINTOSH Sheila, FRONDIGOUN Rachel
- Publisher:
- Foundations
- Publication year:
- 2022
- Pagination:
- 152
- Place of publication:
- Glossop
This study looks in depth at how adaptations are funded and delivered – including minor adaptations and use of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG); examines how funding arrangements might be improved and the delivery process made quicker and more effective; explores how the moving process might be improved, when adaptations are not the right solution, to see; and aims to encourage a longer term and more strategic view of home adaptations. The report identifies good practice, particularly in LSVTs that control their own adaptations budgets, those fully engaged with their disabled and older tenants, or where there are effective partnership arrangements. However, there are also issues in funding and delivery including splits in legal responsibility, a confusing pattern of funding, a post code lottery in the type of services provided, complex customer journeys and frustration for staff in local authorities and associations. Rather than saying ‘yes’ to adaptations, barriers are often placed in the way and adaptations may be refused, especially in general needs properties. Furthermore, moving home is not easy if a home is unsuitable or not possible to adapt, including because not enough accessible homes are being built and adapted homes are not recycled effectively. Most associations see adapting homes as a minor operational issue and there is a lack of disabled people working in the sector. The report provides recommendations for associations, local authorities, central government, and the Housing Regulator and provides practical solutions to put disabled and older tenants at the heart of decision-making, an inclusive approach to services, and for home adaptations to be part of the new customer-focused inspection regime. (Edited publisher abstract)
The hidden housing market: a new perspective on the market case for accessible homes
- Authors:
- HABINTEG, PAPWORTH TRUST
- Publishers:
- Habinteg Housing Association, Papworth Trust
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 26
- Place of publication:
- London
Highlights the hidden housing market for 1.8m disabled people who have an identified need for accessible housing. At least 1 in 6 households that need accessible homes do not currently have all the accessibility features they need, with working age households less likely to have the features they need than older households. The report reveals that one million households that have a need for accessible housing are already owner-occupiers and of these some 230,000 are of working age. Significant numbers of people with needs for accessible features also have the means to consider the purchase of a home. However, there is a shortage of accessible housing in the UK and time after time housebuilding targets have not been met. People with unmet needs surveyed for the in depth research study reported a negative impact on ability to carry out everyday tasks. They are also likely to experience increasing dependence on others and are at higher risk of social isolation. The findings of this research programme point to four main recommendations: developers and their marketing teams should target the market of people that have or anticipate having needs for accessible features in their home; developers, planners, and health and social care commissioners should take note of the overwhelming desire of the general public to maintain independence in mainstream housing as they age and/or develop needs for care and support; Government departments should collaborate to investigate the correlation between unmet need for accessible housing and being out of work; and data resources should be improved to respond effectively to the housing needs of the nation. (Edited publisher abstract)
Ecologies of housing and underlying assumptions of vulnerability
- Authors:
- FRANZ Jill, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Housing Care and Support, 18(2), 2015, pp.41-50.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand the difficulties in implementing models of housing, and to help address the lack of accessible and affordable private housing for people with disability in Australia. In responding to this aim, the study formulated an ecological map of housing models, which are examined in this paper in terms of their underlying assumptions of vulnerability. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved explanation building, using a multiple case study approach, informed theoretically by an ecological framework. It included organisations, families and individuals with disability. Findings: For the purpose of this paper, the study revealed a direct relationship between the nature of the housing models proposed, and assumptions of vulnerability. In the context of the study findings, the paper suggests that attempts to address individual housing needs are more likely to achieve a positive outcome when they are person driven, from a premise of ability rather than disability. Overall, it invites a “universalistic” way of conceptualising housing issues for people with disability that has international relevance. Practical implications: This paper highlights how assumptions of vulnerability shape environmental responses, such as housing, for people with disability. Originality/value: This paper is based on a study that reconciled a person-centred philosophy with an ecological appreciation of the external and internal factors impacting housing choice for people with disability. (Publisher abstract)
Locked out: the Trailblazers' report into accessible housing
- Author:
- TRAILBLAZERS YOUNG CAMPAIGNERS NETWORK
- Publisher:
- Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 16p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This investigation into accessible housing and the services of the UK’s housing providers was instigated following concerns raised by members of the Trailblazers network and their families when searching for accessible accommodation to rent or buy. Members reported having to wait years to find wheelchair-accessible homes, despite local authorities providing funds for adaptations to the homes of thousands of disabled people every year. The report was compiled using the views and experiences of 200 disabled members. It found that eight out of 10 members were not confident they would find a suitable property if they moved out of the family home, and the same number were not confident they would be able to access the same level of care if they moved out of their local authority. It also showed that a lack of information from estate agents, local authorities or other providers has prevented or deterred half their members from living independently. The charity is calling on local authorities to make it easy for young people to transfer their healthcare packages between regions.
Review of care and repair projects
- Authors:
- SCOTT John, et al
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Care and Repair in Scotland primarily supports older and disabled people living in the private sector to remain living in their own homes by providing assistance with housing repairs, improvements or adaptations. This review provides a contextual analysis of Care and Repair projects and makes a series of recommendations as to how Care and Repair could be strengthened to support the delivery of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. Key findings are presented.
Reviewing Care and Repair in Scotland 2009: report of the findings of the review of care and repair
- Author:
- SCOTLAND. Scottish Government
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 41p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Care and Repair projects provide a range of property based, but personalised services to support older and disabled home owners, tenants of private landlords and crofters, to help them remain in their homes. They make it easier for people to improve and adapt their homes by helping them to decide what work is required, choose reliable tradesmen, obtain finance and oversee the work. Small repairs services may also be available. The ethos and approach taken by Care and Repair is unique, offering a flexible, person centred, property related service. They deliver a flexible and holistic approach that is independent, confidential and non-judgemental and are seen as approachable, trusted and responsive to individual needs. As part of the review, interviews took place with the Care and Repair Forum Board members followed by a more in-depth review of local services by an independent consultant (ODS Consulting) appointed by the Scottish Government. This work included a structured telephone survey of the managers of Care and Repair projects, followed by an online survey of managing agents, management board representatives, local authority sponsors, partner organisations and other providers of Care and Repair type services. National consultation events also took place to bring together anyone with an interest in Care and Repair, to talk about its potential future role. It is primarily for Care and Repair projects and their key stakeholders to decide how best to make use of the tools that these review findings provide.
Review of care and repair projects
- Authors:
- SCOTT John, et al
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 136p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
In October 2008, the Scottish Government appointed ODS Consulting to undertake an independent review of Care and Repair projects in Scotland. The report was commissioned against a background of the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and specifically the requirement on local authorities to produce a ‘Scheme of Assistance’. The objective of the study was to provide a contextual analysis of Care and Repair projects in Scotland at the current time, the contribution they make to meeting national housing objectives and the potential role they could play in the future. The study took place between October 2008 and April 2009. It involved a desktop review, telephone and online surveys and two stakeholder workshops. The researchers also identified innovative examples of how Care and Repair projects in Scotland are adapting to the changing context.
Evaluation of ownership options’ pilot advice service on disability issues for registered social landlords taking part in Scottish Government funded shared equity provision
- Author:
- REID HOWIE ASSOCIATES
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 76p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Reid Howie Associates was commissioned by the Scottish Government in Summer 2008 to carry out an evaluation of a pilot advice service on disability issues provided by Ownership Options for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) taking part in Scottish Executive (now Scottish Government) funded shared equity provision in Scotland. The pilot service provided advice, support and guidance to RSLs across Scotland, to try to maximise the impact of the development of the 'Homestake' shared equity schemes on the housing circumstances of disabled people. The evaluation took place from June to August 2008.
Help with adaptations to your home: a guide for disabled people in private housing in Scotland
- Author:
- SCOTLAND. Scottish Government
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 8p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This leaflet is for people living in privately owned housing. It explains about the help available from the local council with the cost of adapting a home for a disabled person.
Evaluation of ownership options’ pilot advice service on disability issues for registered social landlords taking part in Scottish Government funded shared equity provision
- Author:
- REID HOWIE ASSOCIATES
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Ownership Options provided a pilot advice service on disability issues for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) taking part in Scottish Government funded shared equity provision in Scotland from July 2006-March 2008. The service provided advice, support and guidance to RSLs, to try to maximise the impact of shared equity schemes (formerly known as ‘Homestake’) on the housing circumstances of disabled people. An evaluation of the service took place between June and August 2008. Main findings are presented.