Housing Needs Challenges being faced on the Isle of Wight

1. Housing NeedsChallenges being faced on the Isle of Wight Phil Taylor – Housing Needs Manager Jacqui Foster – Homelessness Prevention Officer

2. Aim of the Workshop Presentation: • Outline the Housing Needs on the island • Outline measures being taken to respond to the problem of homelessness Workshop: • Identify what might be done to i) reduce the problem of homelessness ii)better respond to the housing needs of the island

3. Island Context • Population approximately 133,000 • Population aged over 60 approximately 37,500 • Total number of properties approximately 67,000 • Total percentage owner occupied 82% • Total percentage of private rented 8% • Unfit houses approximately 1,750 • Total percentage of families whose head of household income is less than £8,000.00 per annum 17.9% • GDP 67% of national average • Lowest average male earnings in UK • 18% of households in receipt of income support (highest in region outside of London) • Unemployment 4.8% (against 2.1% SE Region, 3.7 UK)

4. Housing Shortfall • Total affordable housing need annually is for 1,061 units. Re-lets of existing stock average 686. An average of 133 new rental units and shared ownership are predicted to be delivered. “…there will be an annual affordable housing shortfall of 375 units” Housing Needs Survey - 2001 • The 2003 Housing Needs update identified the annual shortfall to have increased to 1,263 • Between 1999-2004 the island increased its stock of affordable housing by only 158 units. • In 2003/4 43 new units were completed and 53 units were sold under Right to Buy. • There are currently 3,885 households on the islands Common Housing Register

5. Homelessness on the Island • 451 homelessness applications received in 2002/3 • 302 accepted as statutorily homelessness and in priority need • 756 homelessness applications received 2003/4 • 390 accepted as statutorily homelessness and in priority need • Island is 11th out of 67 authorities in the South East in terms of homelessness acceptances • 8th highest in terms of those housed in temporary accommodation • Highest in terms of those ‘homeless at home’

6. Current Need for Temporary Accommodation • Those accepted as homeless and in some form of temporary accommodation: • Net cost per week of Private Sector Leasing £14,655

7. Homelessness Affects the Whole of the Island Community Young People Health Women Education Minority Ethnic Groups Social Inclusion Rough Sleepers Safer Communities Mental Health Supporting People Disabilities Equalities & Diversity Care Leavers Drugs & Substance Misuse Discharged Prisoners Employment Institutional Background Community Regeneration Single People Family Housing

8. Current Prevention Initiatives • Advice leaflets and Information Packs • Twice yearly Newsletters • Mediation for parental exclusion • Storeroom for furniture and removals • Private Rented Scheme – Deposit • Landlords Forum • Law Centre acting as front desk for Housing Services to intercept notices and encourage people to look privately • Mrs Fix It Scheme • Challenging Rent Officer levels • Housing Benefit forum and liaison • Supporting People referrals • Court Order requirement • Deposits to young people referred by 16+ team who have to leave supported lodgings once 18 • Court Desk

9. Prevention Cases / Measures Used • Of 258 cases during April 2004 – December 2004, 97were prevented, 46 not prevented and 115 had an unknown outcome.

10. Breakdown Against 3 Main Causes

11. Housing Strategy – Emphasis on Prevention – Successes to Date • Long term use of Bed & Breakfast for families ended in 2004 • Homelessness acceptances have been reduced: end of year projection is 330 – compared to 2003/4 total of 390 • Information and Advice has been improved and is contributing to success • Inter-agency working is improved

12. Challenges Ahead • End the use of all Bed & Breakfast by April 2006 • Reduce homelessness acceptances by a third over 2004-9 • Improve and redefine services • Improve access to accommodation to all