28 March 2008
Local authorities are being invited to offer careers advice and other guidance to tenants who rent from the council or housing associations.
Fifteen councils will initially get the go-ahead to set up enhanced 'housing options' services as part of the government's drive to reduce the number of unemployed people in social housing.
In addition to giving tenants information on jobs and training, they will provide advice on home ownership schemes. This will build on existing advice services aimed at reducing homelessness.
Last month, housing minister Caroline Flint provoked consternation when she suggested that tenants sign 'commitment contracts' and seek jobs in return for being offered a home.
Extended housing options services are part of a £70m package of measures announced by Flint on March 20 during a meeting with local authority leaders, chief executives of registered social landlords and other stakeholders.
Other plans include a £4m employment agency to assist rough sleepers and homeless people in London, along with nationwide projects aimed at helping homeless people to get into work. Two advisory groups of housing experts will study further incentives to encourage tenants to find jobs.
Notting Hill Housing Trust is already piloting a scheme in which people who accept homes in parts of west London agree to undertake training and make other efforts to find work.
Flint praised the sector for helping to break the cycle of 'chaos and dependency' affecting many tenants. 'Social landlords are getting involved in a whole range of activities, not just to tackle worklessness but to overcome economic inequality and promote social mobility,' she said.
Many schemes depend on joint initiatives by councils and RSLss. According to a Housing Corporation survey published on March 19, 63% of authorities rate management by RSLs as effective, while 55% believe RSLs promote sustainable neighbourhoods.
But only 46% of councils thought RSLs contribute to tackling homelessness, with 13% saying they do not.
PFmar2008
