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Better Homes, Better Places

Glossary

Adaptations Adapting a property with mobility aids to enable independent living. Examples include grab rails, showers over a bath, level access showers, stair lifts, through floor lifts, ramps etc

Affordable Housing Housing that is safe, appropriate and accessible and where rent or mortgage plus taxes are 30 percent or less of the household's gross annual income.

Ageing population An increase in the population's average age. A decline in the proportion of the population composed of children and young people, and a rise in the proportion of the population that is elderly.

Carbon Intensive Describing any process that has a high carbon footprint in relation to its economic importance

Decent Homes Programme St Leger Homes is the Arms Length Management Organisation for Doncaster and has a programme of work to improve the Decency of Council housing (see Non-Decent)

Energy Inefficient Refers to heat loss and inefficient use of energy by living in cold homes and paying for high heating bills because of bad insulation and poor heating appliances

Hit Squad The Neighbourhood Hit Squad is an initiative targeted at a specific area where the Council works with the Police, the Fire Authority, NHS and other voluntary organisations to offer advice and assistance to raise the quality of housing, improve the local environment, deal with problem rubbish in gardens, tackle antisocial behavior, offer community safety advice, offer advice with fire precautions, improve health, increase the energy efficiency of homes and offer access to employment, training and benefits.

HMR Pathfinder Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder (HMR) is a government initiative over a 10 to 15 year timescale to take radical and sustained action to replace obsolete housing with modern sustainable housing by demolishing and building new housing or refurbishment of existing housing. This initiative also takes into account good design and a clean, healthy, safe and attractive environment which people can take pride in.

Housing Hazards The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a risk assessment of the estimated threat to health and safety from defects and deficiencies in housing. It is measured using 29 hazards (see below)

Physiological Requirements Damp and mould growth etc Excessive cold Excessive heat Asbestos etc Biocides CO and fuel combustion productions Lead Radiation Uncombusted fuel gas Volatile organic compounds Psychological Requirements Crowding and Space Entry by intruders Lighting Noise

Protection Against Infection Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse Food safety Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage Water supply Protection Against Accidents Falls associated with baths etc Falling on level surfaces Falling on stairs etc Falling between levels Electrical hazards Fire Flames, hot surfaces etc Collision and entrapment Explosions Position and operability of amenities etc Structural collapse and falling element

HRA Councils are required by The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (section 74) to keep a Housing Revenue Account to record all revenue and income for the provision of Council housing and related services.

Innovative Services Providing services differently to get better results

Intermediate Housing Choices This is known as Shared Ownership which is part owned by two parties i.e. the owner occupier and a social landlord (usually by an RSL). Different models of shared housing exist and aim to allow access into home ownership for those who cannot afford a 100% mortgage.

Live Independently Living independently could mean staying in your own home with adaptations provided or moving into a more suitable property to meet your needs.

Non-Decent The decent homes standard indicates the condition of stock applied in England. A dwelling is decent if it meets that statutory minimum standards, provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort, is in a reasonable state of repair and has reasonably modern facilities. A non-decent home does not meet these standards.

Section 106 agreements Section 106 Agreements can be used to add conditions to development where it is not appropriate to use a condition in the planning permission. They also enable the Local Authority to secure provision or improvement of existing infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of the occupiers or users of new development. This is done by using land or finance contributions.

Social Housing Registered Social Landlord (RSL) is a term introduced in the 1996 Housing Act to define Housing Associations registered with the Housing Corporation. RSL’s have access to Social Housing Grant public funding for the capital costs of providing housing. Social Housing also includes Council Housing.

Statutory Duties Government Legislation passed by law and having legal authority, influencing policies and working practice.

St Leger Homes Doncaster’s Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) who deal with the day to day housing management role of the landlord. The Council retains ownership of the housing and tenants are secure tenants of the Council. St Leger Homes operate under a management agreement between the Council and St Leger Homes.

Vulnerable People who are at risk of losing their home due to an inability to cope with the demands and requirements of living independently, i.e. in a tenancy, as an owner-occupier, or as a lodger or other semi-independent arrangement.

Vulnerable client groups include:

Young person at risk or leaving care Person with a learning disability Person with a physical disability/sensory impairment Person with a mental health problem Person with substance misuse issue Person who is homeless Teenage parent Older person with support needs Women fleeing domestic violence Women exiting prostitution Person at risk of re-offending Refugee

Young Person Under the Children's Act 2004, The Council has a statutory duty towards Children and young people aged 0 - 19yrs

Zero Carbon Housing Zero Carbon Housing lowers the carbon footprint by producing its own energy and storing it to heat the home. This can be done by being aware of carbon dioxide emissions and energy use, taking advantage of natural sunlight, using solar panels supplemented by a low powered gas heating system, oil or condensing boiler, energy efficient lighting, A+ rated appliances, draught proofing the home, the use of rainwater, recycling of waste, using friendly insulating materials and the preservation of wildlife

For more information contact: Telephone: 01302 737032 Email: housingstrategyconsultation@doncaster.gov.uk