Newsflash

Bank Account Fraud Alert
A fraud recently perpetrated on a Scottish housing association could signal further attempts in the sector. This particular fraud involved a fairly crude forging of transfer documents and signatures. Monies were transferred to bogus bank accounts in London, thus prompting suspicion of wider activity.

Further details are posted on the Federation's web site at www.housing.org.uk/uploads/ documents/14/hffi2002br08.pdf.

Overpayment of VAT
A recent European court decision confirmed that the three-year capping provision previously applied by Customs & Excise was unlawful. Repayment for overpaid VAT back to 1973 may be available, subject to supporting records, and claims must be submitted as soon as possible.

For a full explanation, provided by Deloitte and Touche, see www.housing.org/uploads/ documents/14/hffi2002br09.pdf.

Results

Help for BME associations
The Federation has welcomed the announcement to make funding available to BME housing associations facing difficulties as a result of rent restructuring. The Federation led the call for money for BMEs to restructure their rents while preserving their service quality. Up to a total of £15m will be available to help BME associations and will be paid over the three financial years after 2003. The Federation will be discussing the criteria for allocating with the Corporation.
Further information will be available shortly at www.housing. org.uk.

Signpost

London plan
The London Housing Federation will be leading a response to Ken Livingstone's London Plan. The plan positively recognises the need for affordable housing in the Capital. Amongst other recommendations it proposes targets to be achieved through planning. It also encourages higher density housing, an issue recently explored by the LHF through their publication "Capital Gains". For further information on the LHF's work on the plan contact dinop@housing.org.uk.

Forum 3
As part of its work on staff recruitment and retention, the Federation is co-sponsoring (with the Housing Corporation and the Chartered Institute of Housing) the housing section at Forum 3 – a leading recruitment and volunteering fair, 6-7 September, at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London. 10,000 visitors are expected and entrance is free. Contact: www.forum3.co.uk.

Transfers today
Issue 10 now out. Contact ruthv@housing.org.uk to go on the mailing list.

New publications
The following publications have just been published:

  • Implementing the Clients' Charter: A step-by-step guide.
  • Making the links: implementing neighbourhood renewal.
  • Open Door: a resource pack for mental health supported housing staff.

Order directly from www.housing.org.uk/services/pubications.

Member services

Affinity deals for Federation members
Three brand new affinity deals are now available for Federation members:

  • NHF Value Talk – privilege mobile phones with highly advantageous phone tariffs and monthly line rentals (www.housingcommunications.co.uk – Paul Mongini tel: 01743 356999).
  • NHF RoadRunner scheme(Godfrey Davis) – privilege vehicle leasing scheme for all car manufacturers (www.gdch.co.uk Claudio Bracaliello tel: 020 8420 5654).
  • Microsoft software – savings of 50% through Phoenix Software (www.phoenix.co.uk – Keith Martin tel: 01904 700101).

Decent Homes Standard
The importance of the Decent Homes Standard cannot be under-estimated. To help you prepare, the Federation, in partnership with the Housing Corporation, is organising three regional seminars (3 September 2002 – Exeter, 16 October – York, 30 October – London). Costs are £125 per person for Federation members. For further details email: bss@housing.org.uk

Winning the War of Words
One-day workshop on PR skills for effective communication of affordable housing, organised by London and South Regions on 27 September. The venue is the Imperial War Museum, London. Special delegate rates for Federation members. Contact: southeast@housing.org.uk.

Source

Housing Today