Written evidence submitted by Lister
INTRODUCTION
1. Lister is a registered social landlord, registered
with the Scottish Housing Regulator HAC 150 and the FSA 1876 R(S)
as an industrial & provident society. As a fully mutual housing
co-operative our Management Committee comprises 100% tenants,
elected from the tenant members at our AGM.
IMPACT UPON
LISTER'S
TENANTS OF
PROPOSED CHANGES
2. We believe that there will be an adverse impact
for our tenants and their household income/benefits eligibility,
especially from these measures:
- (a) Non-dependents having to contribute more
towards rental costs or the tenant will need to pay more. In some
cases the non-dependent deduction will remove the household from
being eligible for housing benefit.
- (b) This could lead to pressure on non-dependents
to leave the home, which will put pressure on housing lists and
others seeking rehousing, as well as stress and strain on the
individuals involved.
- (c) Loss of income for those tenants on Job
Seekers Allowance for more than one year, causing pressure for
people on very low incomes already.
- (d) Pressure on those deemed to be under-occupying,
and under retirement age. This could break up communities and
family networks, if people have to move, to stay in affordable
housing.
IMPACT UPON
LISTER AS
AN ORGANISATION
3. The measures are very likely to increase the rent
arrears at Lister, and increase the amount of staff time needed
to manage the rent arrears. We could see an increase in legal
action over arrears, possibly culminating in evictions.
4. Increased demand for housing, particularly from
former non-dependents now looking for a tenancy of their own.
5. Possible more people looking for transfers to
more suitably-sized accommodation.
6. More pressure on staff when dealing with tenants
under stress and financial constraints.
The Management Committee of Lister urges the Government
to reconsider these proposals as they impact adversely upon the
housing sector and their customers.
1 September 2010
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