Responsibilities powers and opportunities Fiona Cruickshank Director South

Responsibilities, powers and opportunities Fiona Cruickshank Director South East Housing Corporation

RSLs – Working with Gypsies and Travellers • Why RSLs should get involved • How RSLs can get involved • How the Housing Corporation can help

RSLs • 2000 RSLs registered with the Housing Corporation • Size from under 10 to over 50, 000 homes • 1000 have fewer than 250 homes

Types of RSL Mainstream • Social rented • LCHO Specialist • Elderly • Learning difficulties • Young homeless BME

Why should RSLs get involved • Number of homes owned • Geographical coverage • Experience of dealing with diverse groups

Number of Homes Rented from LAs and RSLs 1991 - 2005: ENGLAND

Number of Homes Rented from LAs and RSLs 1991 - 2005: SOUTH EAST

Number of Homes Rented from LAs and RSLs 1991 - 2005: EAST OF ENGLAND

Why should RSLs get involved • • Sole landlord Strong housing management skills Already providing support to other residents Already housing Gypsies and Travellers

How RSLs can get involved • Providing new sites • Managing existing sites • Providing new schemes suited to Gypsy and Traveller needs • Renting trailers on sites?

How RSLs can get involved • Good relationships with LAs • Experience of working with support agencies • Ability to integrate communities

How can the Housing Corporation help • • Site design guidance Management guidance Financial information Good practice on relationships

How can the Housing Corporation help? • Support and advocacy with local authorities • Support for funding at the regional level

Don’t wait • 100% funding • Need is clear • Support local authorities

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