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The questions every housing provider should be asking about their role in the pandemic
Housing providers, working with public health colleagues, could have a key role to play in successful track and trace systems and the rapid roll-out of a vaccine. But they must also be asking themselves whether their homes have been up to standard during the pandemic and what wider role they will play in the recovery, writes Joanne Roney
At the time of writing, England was in a second national lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19, against a backdrop of increasing infection rates across the country.
Of course, compared to much of the UK, Manchester has been in heightened restrictions since July and it is understandable that eight months on from the initial lockdown, some residents in our city are struggling. And businesses in the city are having to adapt and fight to survive.
We know that these are the sacrifices we need to make now – and hopefully as short term as possible – to do our part in slowing the transmission rate of the virus.
Going into lockdown part two has made me think carefully about what it means for people living in Manchester, what impact the virus is having on people’s mental health, and the vital role good housing plays in the global pandemic.
At a time when we’re all being asked to stay home as much as possible, the very notion of ‘home’ becomes incredibly important.
The critical role the housing sector plays during the pandemic cannot be overestimated.
One of Manchester’s key priorities is to ensure the people of this city have a safe, secure and decent place to live. That basic right should be unquestionable, but the pandemic has thrown social issues, such as homelessness and mental health support, into much sharper relief.
Imagine if your home – your haven from the virus – was compromised. It wasn’t safe and secure or you were under threat from eviction and potential homelessness. Imagine how much more difficult this period of uncertainty would be.
My question to the housing sector is: are we doing enough?
All housing sectors have a role to play – councils, registered providers and private landlords. Are the homes you have responsibility for up to standard. Do they provide genuine refuge for residents to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic?
If not, why not?
And what role will the sector play in the next phase of the crisis?
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The questions here is how strong are your local partnerships? Housing providers, embedded in local communities and working with public health colleagues, could have a key role to play in successful local track and trace systems, as well as the rapid roll-out of a vaccine in the coming weeks and months.
Collaboration is king at times of crisis and this will be essential as we rebuild following COVID-19.
The eviction ban that came into force in March meant that people whose income was affected by coronavirus had some protection. But when that protection comes to an end, it is likely we will see a spike in people losing their home and, as a result, more pressure on our homelessness services.
I would urge landlords to work constructively with tenants to help sustain tenancies as far as possible. But we also must recognise that a tenant in arrears impacts the livelihood of landlords, therefore support from government to support both parties would be welcomed.
Manchester Council wrote to the government last month to urge a continuation of the Everybody In scheme, to ensure rough sleepers are given private accommodation to effectively self-isolate during lockdown – along with sufficient funding to support those in need. We await their response.
“Collaboration is king at times of crisis and this will be essential as we rebuild following COVID-19”
However, we know that one of the barriers to ending a cycle of homelessness is a lack of one-bedroom accommodation in the city to provide follow-on home from emergency housing. We have just received funding to purchase 20 flats for this very reason. To ensure there is accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people currently homeless in the city.
For those at risk of homelessness because of arrears or tenancy-related issue, the best advice is to get help as soon as possible. Support is available from a range of services, including Shelter and Citizen’s Advice Bureau – I’d urge the sector to ensure tenants are aware of the help open to them.
When it comes to standards in the private sector, we know the vast majority of landlords in Manchester take their responsibility to their tenants very seriously. However, for the small number that don’t, it’s important we hold them to account. As such, we are currently looking to expand our selective licensing schemes from a current four pilot areas up to 12 locations – around 2,500 homes.
We have seen really positive results from our pilot schemes, and if the pandemic has shown us anything, it’s that the importance of good home can mean everything – especially during lockdown.
For me, the festive season is always a time of reflection. Christmas will likely be very different this year and I’ll be using some of this time to think about what we can do to make sure Manchester works for everyone – that includes homes that are fit for purpose.
My last column talked about the importance of attracting investment at this time to support economic recovery and this will continue to be a key focus for Manchester into the New Year and beyond. We have some exciting projects upcoming – Northern Gateway and the North Manchester Health Campus to name but two – so watch this space.
For now, as the darker nights have drawn in, I hope you can keep your spirits up. We will get through this together. Check in on loved ones, keep in touch with friends.
Stay safe.
Joanne Roney OBE, chief executive of Manchester City Council
