Study on work-for-homes policy

Allister Hayman, Regeneration & Renewal, 28 March 2008

Caroline Flint said two stakeholder groups of independent housing sector experts would be established to look at potential "incentives, obligations and support" for those entering social housing to improve their skills or find work.

Jane Slowey, chief executive of youth homelessness support network Foyer Federation, will lead the incentives and obligations policy group, and June Barnes, chief executive of housing association group the East Thames Group, will lead the housing support group, Flint said.

The groups will explore the idea, suggested by Flint last month, of "commitment contracts" - agreements between unemployed tenants and housing providers that a tenancy is granted on condition that the tenant will seek employment, with the help of the landlord and other agencies. Flint said such measures could tackle entrenched worklessness on council estates.

Speaking last week at an event organised by the Housing Corporation, Flint said: "The debate that I started a few weeks ago will continue over the coming months. And the more I've talked to those working in the sector, the more impressed I've been with the work that is already going on to try and address these issues."

Adam Sampson, chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, said there was a need for more access to advice and support to help unemployed people living on social housing estates get back into work. However, he added, access to social housing must not be made conditional on getting work.

He said: "Social housing should be available for those in the greatest need. Making people jump through hoops or sign contracts to get it will stop the most vulnerable from accessing a decent home."

Flint also announced plans for 15 local authorities to provide pilot services offering integrated advice about housing options and other areas such as childcare, training and employment.