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From the frontline - Paul Black
Paul Black, tenancy sustainability officer at South Liverpool Homes, explains why he wants the sector to challenge government policy more
Tell us about your job.
My role involves supporting the most vulnerable tenants in the area to remain in their homes.
I provide support to people who have previously had a history of homelessness, are enduring mental or physical health issues, as well as to families who have been rehoused via the refugee resettlement programme.
How did you get into housing?
My first job in housing was working in 24-hour supported housing accommodation for people with severe and enduring mental health issues.
I was employed there for more than nine years and it gave me invaluable experience of working with vulnerable people.
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What is the best part of your job?
The best part of the job is supporting people into their first tenancy. I work with a number of tenants who are homeless or are moving into their own accommodation from a homeless hostel.
I am lucky that I work for an organisation that is willing to offer homes to people who would otherwise find it extremely difficult.
What’s the worst part?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, tenants aren’t able to sustain their tenancy. There are a number reasons for this but finances quite often play a role in tenancy sustainment.
In my opinion, the recent welfare changes, as well as energy tariff increases, have affected the vulnerable people in society the most.
While as a worker this can be frustrating, it’s always important to remember that you are giving people an opportunity.
What would you change about the housing sector?
I would like the housing sector as a whole to challenge government policies that have in some instances hit the poorest tenants the most.
Changes like the bedroom tax and benefit cap have really affected some of the tenants I support, as well as the changes to housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds.
If you could be prime minister for the day, what would you do?
From a housing view, I would look to replace the amount of council and social homes lost to the Right to Buy scheme, and reintroduce mandatory housing space requirements along the lines of the Parker Morris standards.
From a personal view, I would renationalise public transport and energy suppliers.
What’s the most private thing you’re willing to admit to your colleagues?
I admit to crying when my team, Liverpool, won the Champions League in 2005.
