National Housing Federation: Impact of welfare reform on housing associations
In this final wave of Ipsos research for the National Housing Federation with housing associations, the longer term impacts on landlords appears to be mixed.
In this final wave of Ipsos research for the National Housing Federation with housing associations, the longer term impacts on landlords appears to be mixed. Results show a drop in the number of tenants affected by the size criteria since it was first introduced (a fall of 13%), although half of all associations reported being significantly affected (either a great deal or fair amount) by the size criteria since being introduced. Those mainly operating in the North of England were more likely than associations overall to record significant impacts, both in numerical terms and across a range of perception based measures.
Associations estimate that three in ten of those affected by the size criteria at the time of the survey were registered to downsize, while more than half (57%) said they had changed their allocations policy to give greater priority to those wishing to downsize.
Rising levels of arrears was a key concern for associations prior to implementation but the latest survey results suggest that estimated overall outstanding arrears levels were lower than they were immediately prior to introduction of the size criteria policy. However it is also estimated by associations that around two-thirds (64%) of those affected at the time of the survey and in arrears, are in arrears due to a failure to pay the size criteria shortfall, compared to an estimated 52% in autumn 2013.
This latest research also suggests that the impact on planned development programmes has been mixed. Around one in five associations currently developing (18%) said the size criteria will make it harder (a great deal or fair amount) to deliver new homes after 2015, although 66% said it will make little or no difference.
When asked about the introduction of Universal Credit, the latest research continues to highlight significant concerns over the capability of their tenants to cope with monthly budgeting (98% very or fairly concerned) and the capability of tenants to access online systems (94%). Nevertheless more than eight in ten (85%) associations said they were very or fairly prepared for the introduction of Universal Credit.
Technical note
The survey was conducted online and is based on 185 responses completed between 28 July and 3 September 2014. Survey participants account for 70% of the general needs rented stock owned or managed by Federation members. Data has been weighted to the known profile of housing association general needs stock across England and by size of association.More insights about Public Sector
