The role of the Housing Network is to address crosscutting issues around housing and sustainable neighbourhoods. Priorities include:

·          Creating & maintaining sustainable neighbourhoods,

·          Adding to the supply of housing,

·          Managing & maintaining the current supply of housing,

·          Delivering decent homes,

·          Providing support for vulnerable people and effective communication on housing options.

In order to achieve our aim we will:

·          Work jointly across all key delivery agencies, whether public, private or voluntary sector to deliver the housing related LAA outcomes

·          Develop, commission and monitor projects using NRF and other funding to support the strategic aim outlined above

·          Liaise with the other WCP Networks and their members, in particular Westminster Works, LiveNet, the Health & Care network and the Local Area Renewal Partnerships, on the wider renewal agenda

·          Support the work of partners in achieving goals and targets relating to the supply of good quality affordable homes, decent housing conditions, tackling homelessness and meeting the housing needs of vulnerable people.

·          Share information on all funding bids relating to the Housing agenda

·          To co-ordinate the development of joint and/or complementary service delivery plans for all agencies working in housing, including the housing section of the City Plan

Current Activities

The Housing Network has commissioned a range of projects to meet housing needs in the city. These are outlined briefly below:

· Tackling the effects of overcrowding through the provision of after school clubs and activities, family learning sessions on I.T and the long term loan of lap top computers to children from over crowded households.

Space to Learn case study

· Providing support to households in temporary accommodation enabling them to access local services and become part of the community. With the Church St. Neighbourhood Team a guide to local services for households in temoporary accommodation was produced which has since been replicated for other areas.

Church St. Guide

· A Local Labour initiative providing modern apprenticeships for young people and training and employment opportunities to people living in social housing

Apprenticeships

· A single access point for housing services aimed at co-ordinating service delivery across a number of RSLs

· Two hubs for older people's services

· Two projects aimed at improving resident engagement and delivering a consistent approach across housing providers

· Project exploring ways of tackling under occupation

· Work has been commissioned from external consultants to work with RSLs to achieve Respect Standard for Housing Management.

Key Documents and Links

Westminster Housing Renewal Strategy - the overarching aim is to bring about the long term physical, economic and social sustainability of neighbourhoodsand to create high quality urban areas

Westminster Housing Strategy - Sets out the strategy for delivering housing objectives in the City over the next 5 years to 2012

Westminster Housing Commission Final Report - Brings together the conclusions and recommendations of the Commission together with the evidence it received

Contact

Lead Officer Gez Kellaghan

Organisation Westminster City Council

Phone 020 7641 2609

Email gkellaghan@westminster.gov.uk

Upcoming Network Events

The Housing Network meets approximately four times a year. Dates for 2010 are as follows:

21st January

27th April

20th July

20th October

These meetings are for Housing Network members only.

For information on upcoming events and meetings contact Gez Kellaghan at gkellaghan@westminster.gov.uk

Westminster City Partnership

Housing Network

Quick Launch

Role of Network

Current Activities

Key Documents and Links

Contact

Upcoming Network Events

Network Meeting Agendas

Network Members

Quick Links