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From the archive – scheme for dispersed asylum seekers opens earlier than planned
Inside Housing looks back at what was happening in the sector this week 10, 20 and 30 years ago
30 years ago
The Housing Corporation warned a group of housing associations not to sign up to a ‘social housing pact’ with Lewisham Council, which would have seen them agreeing to co-operate on projects.
The corporation said that landlords’ future funding was at risk if the group – known as Lewisham Housing Association Group (LewHAG) – agreed the deal. It was particularly concerned about clauses relating to tenants’ choice sales which, it said, could compromise associations’ independence.
It added that the clauses restricted “the freedom of tenants to take advantage of the opportunities presented by tenants’ choice by making participation subject to the council’s approval”.
Ron Tedman, chair of LewHAG, described the corporation’s tough stance as “a disappointment”.
20 years ago
A local authority scheme to find homes for dispersed asylum seekers was brought into action months earlier than planned, in response to the arrival in the UK of a wave of refugees from Kosovo.
The Local Government Association (LGA) already had plans in place to establish 11 consortia of councils to receive asylum seekers. But the embryonic Yorkshire Consortium was put to the test ahead of expectations following the arrival of 161 Kosovars at Leeds Bradford Airport the previous weekend.
Refugees from Kosovo, fleeing the war in their country which started the previous year, had been granted exceptional leave to stay for a year by the UK government, and were entitled to social housing and benefits.
Keith Murray, director of social services at Leeds Council, said: “Their predominant wish at the moment is to go home but that is tempered by a fear of returning if there is no stability.”
With more refugees expected to arrive in the UK later that week, Mike Boyle from the LGA praised the council’s efforts, adding that he was working on a regional plan to present to the Home Office.
Picture: Simon Brandon
10 years ago
Chancellor Alistair Darling unveiled a £1bn housing package focused on revitalising the UK’s ailing construction figures.
The largest part of the programme was a £400m fund aimed at kick-starting stalled schemes, many of which were stopped following the start of the global financial crisis the previous year. The government said this could deliver 9,000 extra homes, including 1,000 for social rent.
However, the National Housing Federation (NHF) was among critics of the package, having called for a £6.35bn boost.
David Orr (above), chief executive of the NHF, said the government’s failure to back a more comprehensive building programme would mean a record low number of new homes being built.
