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Harrow Council, Urban Living

Housing Services

Respect, Empowerment and Commitment

A Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Strategy for Harrow

Contents

Foreword 1. Introduction Why we are doing a strategy Structure of the strategy 2. Shaping the Strategy

The BME Housing Strategy in context Background information – Harrow in profile Further research undertaken to inform this strategy

3. Addressing Housing Needs and Aspirations

People in housing need / housing applicants Homelessness Locata Ethnicity and size of property needed Single homeless BME people Faith and housing need Young people from BME groups Tenants The role of RSLs in meeting housing needs – Supply issues, investment and development opportunities Private Rented and owner occupied accommodation Refugees and asylum seekers Services for older BME people Supported housing needs

4. Eliminating Discrimination and Inequality Equal opportunity policy Tackling racial harassment and discrimination Cultural awareness Customer care Monitoring Customer satisfaction

BME staff, representation in service provision Role of Black Workers Group Training for housing services staff Role of BME RSLs 5. Social Inclusion Communication issues and language barriers Empowering communities Access to services, employment and training, health, education, childcare,

after school groups 6. Conclusion 7. Appendices

Foreword Councillor Navin Shah, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships and Property, Councillor Keith Burchell, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development, Housing and Best Value Councillor Sanjay Dighe, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Human Resources and Performance Management

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Chapter 1 - Introduction Why we are doing a strategy The London Borough of Harrow has a diverse population. The 2001 Census shows that 70 different languages are spoken in the borough and that 41% of the population come from black and ethnic minority groups, making Harrow the 5th most diverse borough in the UK, As a council we are committed to ensuring that our services meet the differing needs of the communities we serve. We also have a legal obligation to provide a housing service that helps to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote equality of opportunities and good race relations. A dedicated BME Housing Strategy is not only essential to ensure that we meet our legal requirements and comply with guidance, but there is also a moral and public service business case for meeting the needs of communities from different ethnic groups and with different faiths. It is also important to recognise the role our partners play in providing services and meeting the needs of BME communities and ensure they are also committed to this strategy. Structure of the strategy This document focuses on three key areas, forming the basis of the chapters: • Addressing housing needs • Eliminating discrimination and inequality • Social inclusion Each chapter includes some background information in relation to the area and feedback from further research and consultation. There is a brief description of the issues and a summary box listing what we need to do to improve the position of BME communities in Harrow. Through a wide range of research, analysis and consultation, three themes for action are emerging, around: • Communication • Partnership working including with community groups • Training Whilst the BME Housing Strategy exists as a strategy in its own right, it also feeds into the Housing Strategy in recognition of the fact that equalities issues are intrinsic to all aspects of our work. It also supports the aims of Harrow Strategic Partnership’s Community Strategy 2004 in respect of equality and diversity.

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These strategic aims have been developed through consultation with a range of stakeholders, including Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), other service providers, voluntary and community groups, and residents. The long-term key aim is for the strategy to become integrated with the local Housing Strategy. This is important to ensure that whatever the issue being addressed, the needs of different communities are taken into account and reflected in future plans.

Strategic Aims and Objectives of the BME Housing Strategy: This strategy is a 3-year plan that aims: ♦ To gain a better understanding of the housing needs and aspirations of

BME and faith communities in Harrow ♦ To work in partnership with the community and other service providers to

address local housing needs ♦ To enable the Council to deliver quality services for all the people of

Harrow ♦ To eliminate discrimination and inequality in housing service provision ♦ To ensure housing services are accessible and appropriate for all the

people in Harrow ♦ To achieve greater levels of satisfaction with housing services ♦ To develop an effective, measurable, achievable and realistic action plan

to help the Council achieve its aims and objectives (Sources: CIH Good practice guide and feedback from Housing Strategy Conference 2003)

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Chapter 2 – Shaping the strategy The BME Housing Strategy in Context To develop an effective BME Housing Strategy, we must take into account legislation, guidance reports and good practice, as well as the context of Harrow in relation to local, sub-regional, regional and national policy. Legislation, Reports and Good Practice There are several pieces of legislation, reports and guidance notes that require us to adopt a strategic approach in delivering housing services, which meet the differing needs of local communities. These include; • Race Relations Act 1976 • Macpherson Report • Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 • Community Cohesion Report • LGA Equality Standard Local Government • Commission for Racial Equality Code of Practice in Rented Housing • ODPM Code of Practice for Social Landlords in tackling racial harassment (See Appendix A9 for more information) Regional, sub-regional and local context The regional context London Plan The draft London plan sets out priorities for housing including increasing the supply, density and quality of affordable housing, and in particular ensuring that BME communities are well served. This strategy acknowledges the London Plan, which calls on boroughs to identify the communities most at need within a particular area and the mechanisms that can contribute towards addressing them (pg 74). London Housing Strategy 2003 The London Housing Strategy 2003 sets out the priorities and actions for the next two years towards delivering the long-term vision of decent homes in sustainable communities for everyone in London. This includes priorities to: • Create mixed communities • Support and include vulnerable people and black and minority ethnic groups

within sustainable communities The sub-regional context Harrow Council has worked in partnership with 6 other London boroughs to develop the West London Housing Strategy. This includes action points about equality issues including: “To ensure that the social and ethnic diversity of the population is well served and that housing plays a full part in promoting the well being of local communities and supporting community cohesion.”

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The local context Community Strategy Harrow Council leads a well-developed strategic partnership that was re-launched in May 2003. A Community Strategy has been developed by the Partnership in May 2004 that includes specific objectives around community cohesion and equalities issues. The over-riding objective of the Community Strategy is for Harrow to be: “A borough that is safe, clean, healthy and prosperous, with equal life opportunities for all…” The Community Strategy explains how agencies in Harrow from the public, private, community and voluntary sector are currently working to address issues related to the quality of life of the people who live, work and visit Harrow. Local Housing Strategy Harrow’s Housing Strategy is a 5-year plan for investment and service development across all types of housing in Harrow (2002-2007). It includes plans for:

• Private rented housing • Owner occupied housing • Council and housing association rented homes • Intermediate housing – that is low cost home ownership or rented housing • Supported housing for people with particular needs

The housing strategy is important because it: • Supports the Council’s key priorities and influences other plans • Determines the amount of money available to spend on local housing

schemes • Is developed in consultation with all groups, individuals and organisations

with an interest in Harrow’s housing.

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The BME housing strategy is an integral part of the local housing strategy and should therefore be read in conjunction with it. The overall aims and objectives of the Housing Strategy and Community Strategy are taken into consideration in the development of the BME Housing Strategy. BME Housing Action Planning Day As part of the development of the BME Housing Strategy, we held an action planning day at the end of May 2004 at the Sangat Advice Centre. The purpose of the day was to ask the community and other service providers what we need to do to improve services to residents from all tenures and to make sure the housing needs of Harrow’s BME community are met. Over 50 delegates attended, representing a wide spectrum of interested parties and organisations including local residents, voluntary organisations, BME community groups and housing associations. Two guest speakers started the proceedings, with Councillor Navin Shah and Baldev Sharma, chair of Harrow Anti-Racist Alliance, stressing the importance of addressing the housing needs of Harrow’s BME community. Equality Works were commissioned to facilitate the day and after an introductory presentation, lead three workshops on the themes of the strategy. Feedback from the workshops has been fed into the action plan (Appendix 1). Some of the key issues highlighted were:

Harrow’s housing mission and strategic aims Our mission is to enable choice and access to good quality, affordable homes for all the people of Harrow We will achieve this by working: 1. To maximise the supply of affordable housing 2. To deliver excellence in housing services 3. To build quality and choice into housing options across all tenures 4. To combat poverty, social exclusion and increase community safety 5. To ensure housing meets the needs of all groups in the community 6. To make best use of the resources available – people, property, finance,

information technology and other assets – in support of strategic priorities 7. To work in partnership with customers, service providers and other

stakeholders to meet strategic and service objectives 8. To contribute to more sustainable communities in social, economic and

environmental terms 9. To ensure equal access to all services.

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• Need for larger housing in accessible locations • Better cultural awareness • Improving information including translations and interpretation • Communication and customer care • Partnership working including with community groups • Training • Effective remedies to anti-social behaviour and racial harassment

The day proved a great success with positive feedback from the delegates: “Quite informative and stimulating. I do like knowing the ‘why’s’ and ‘how’s’. I got some interesting ones.”

“Very useful information obtained…useful obtaining opinions of others.”

“Not enough time to read handouts – probably too busy networking” “Promises should be delivered”

“Workshop was excellent. I learnt a lot from this gathering” “Have it as a yearly gathering”

“Very informative, hope to see some results from the workshop” “Very informative day and pleasant, good networking.”

“Useful starting-point in the process of consultation.”

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Background Information – Harrow in Profile We used a number of different data sources to develop this strategy. This included existing data and research, namely: • 2001 Census • Vitality Profiles information • Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2003/04 results • Housing Services monitoring data • Harrow Housing Needs Survey 2000 and update 2003 The 2001 census provides us with the most up to date information about Harrow’s population and ethnic composition. At the time of the last census Harrow’s population was 206,814. The BME population has increased from 26.6% at the point of the 1991 Census to 41% at the time of the 2001 Census. The largest BME group is Asian at 29% of the population, of whom 73.8% are Indian. Only Leicester has a greater proportion of residents identifying themselves as Indian. The next largest ethnic group is Black at 6.1%, of whom 48.1% identify themselves as Caribbean. The figure of 41% does not include White Irish. This group represents 4.3% of the population, which is higher than the national average of 1% of the population. The pie charts below show the projected change in populations according to Harrow’s racial groups. Whilst the projections show an overall decrease in population by 2011, it is projected that BME populations will increase, especially the under 15’s and the over 65’s.

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Harrow Vitality Profiles The Vitality Profiles chart key information about Harrow, its people and their needs. The profiles show a large Asian community in South Harrow. Harrow’s black population live in Central and South Harrow, while Chinese and people from other BME ethnic groups live in South West Harrow. Whilst these are areas of predominant residence; groups remain dispersed across the borough. Refugees It is estimated that Harrow has over 8000 refugees. These refugees originate from diverse countries including Kosovo, Croatia, Somalia, Iran, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. These groups represent approximately 4.5% of Harrow’s population. Age According to the Office of National Statistics the age distribution of BME groups is younger than that of the white population of Harrow in general. The table and pie charts below show the estimated and projected figures on how Harrow’s population is expected to change according to age by 2011. 2001 Estimated 2011 Projected Aged under 15 38813 36838 Aged 15 to 64 141010 139574 Aged over 65 27067 26027 Source Greater London Authority1 Faith Communities The pie chart below shows the percentages of people belonging to the different faith communities in Harrow. Information derived from the 2001 Census shows that the largest faith group, after Christian, is Hindu at 20%. This makes the proportion of Hindus in Harrow the highest in England and Wales. Harrow also has a relatively large Jewish community. At 6%, only Hertsmere and Barnet have higher levels than Harrow.

Faith Communities of Harrow

47%

1%

20%

6%7%

2%1%9%

7%

ChristianBuddhistHinduJewishMuslimOther ReligionsSikhNoneNot Stated

Source: Office of National Statistics, 2001 Census.

1 p23 A Picture of Harrow

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Tenure and Ethnicity Census 2001 data shows tenure across Harrow by ethnicity. This provides a picture of whether different ethnic groups are more likely to rent or own their own home. The graph below highlights that Indian households have the highest levels of owner occupation, whilst black households are least likely to own their own homes and are more likely to live in either social or private rented accommodation.

It is interesting to note that the percentage of BME households in council rented accommodation is only slightly lower than for the borough as a whole (38.9% compared to 41%). However, BME households make up almost 56% of the total in other social rented accommodation and almost 48% of the total in private rented accommodation. Residents

Total 206817 BME% Non-BME%

Owned 156132 45.2 54.7 Shared Ownership 1276 31 68.9 Rented from Council 12546 38.9 61 Other Social Rented 8686 55.7 44.2 Private Rented 21980 47.9 52 Living Rent Free 4029 52.6 47.3 Living in a Communal Establishment 1716 22.9 77 Source: Census 2001

Census 2001 - Tenure and Ethnicity

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

British Iris

h

Other W

hite

White &

Blac

k Cari

bbea

n

White &

Blac

k Afric

an

White &

Asia

n

Other M

ixed

Indian

Pakist

ani

Bangla

desh

i

Other A

sian

Black

Caribb

ean

Black

African

Other B

lack

Chines

e

Other E

thnic

Group

Ethnic Group

Perc

enta

ge

Private Rented / Living rent freeSocial RentedOwned

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Housing Costs Housing costs in Harrow mirror the continued growth in the UK housing market. Housing costs relate to the initial cost of purchasing a home, the chart below displays data for comparing minimum and average house prices in 2000 and 2003. Property Size

May 2000 Minimum price Average price

August 2003 Minimum Price Average Price

% increase in prices Minimum Average

1 bed £69,000 £76,000 £124,500 £153,500 80.4% 100.6% 2 bed £88,000 £100,000 £153,000 £176,500 73.9% 76.0% 3 bed £135,500 £154,000 £219,000 £252,000 62.0% 63.6% 4 bed £176,500 £209,000 £282,000 £321,000 59.8% 53.5% Source: Harrow Housing Needs Survey Update 2003 Household Incomes The Harrow Housing Needs Survey (2000) highlighted the differences in income levels between different ethnic groups, particularly that White Irish and Black households have a much lower gross household income than the household average. Ethnic group Average gross household income (excluding benefits) White (non-Irish) £20,809 White (Irish) £15,477 Black £14,646 Asian £20,415 Chinese £23,630 Other £21,088 Refused £6,438 TOTAL £20,046

Source: London Borough of Harrow Housing Needs Survey 2000

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Further research undertaken to inform this strategy To complement existing data we carried out some additional pieces of research to address some of the gaps in our knowledge about BME and faith communities in Harrow, namely: • A postal questionnaire to key service providers in Harrow • A postal questionnaire to BME community groups in Harrow • A postal questionnaire to BME people in housing need (BME Locata applicants)

in Harrow • Focus group research with BME and faith groups in Harrow Postal Questionnaire to key service providers in Harrow A survey was sent to 65 service providers across the borough, of which 40% were returned. The survey asked questions about equal opportunities policies, training, staff profile and policies relating to tackling discrimination, monitoring, translation and interpretation and consultation with community groups. Findings from the survey can be found in Chapter 4 and a copy of the questionnaire is included in Appendix A3. Postal Questionnaire to BME community groups in Harrow A questionnaire was sent to a sample of 230 community groups in Harrow, whose members are Harrow residents from a wide range of faiths and ethnic groups. 54 surveys were returned, a response rate of 23.4%. Although a small response, the surveys returned represent a wide cross section of Harrow’s community. The purpose of this survey was to find out information about who the different community groups represent, to give us a better picture of the diverse groups living in Harrow. It asked questions about the size of the group and about members of the group, including gender, age range, ethnicity, religion and disability. It also asked what the purpose of the group is and what kind of advice and support is given to its members. A copy of the questionnaire is included in Appendix A4. Postal Survey of people in priority need for housing (Locata Members) As part of our routine work we already have available information about general satisfaction levels of BME and non-BME housing applicants. However, the purpose of this survey was to find out more information specific to the housing needs and aspirations of BME housing applicants. Postal questionnaires were sent out to 2195 housing applicants registered with Locata (the West London choice based lettings scheme) in bands A, B and C, indicating priority need. This accounts for 52% of all applicants registered with Locata. (Our survey did not include band D applicants, who are not classed as being in priority need; there are approximately 2069). 572 completed surveys were returned. This represents a response rate of 26%. The questionnaire asked questions about household makeup, ethnicity, faith, time living in Harrow, first language, causes of housing needs, housing for older people, suggestions for improvements to Locata and the housing service in general. Key findings of the survey are included in the chapters below. The survey feedback report can be found in Appendix A5.

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Focus Group Research To complement the information we have available about our tenants, leaseholders and housing applicants we commissioned a research company, Faith Regen UK, to facilitate consultation sessions with groups of people from BME and faith communities living in different tenure households. The groups included owner-occupiers and people renting privately. A total of 9 focus groups were carried out with the following BME and faith groups;

• Hindu (older people) • Hindu (women) • Hindu (young people) • Bengali • Sikh • Muslim (mixed sex) • Muslim (women) • Afro Caribbean • Jewish

We have used the findings from the discussions along with the other research findings to inform the strategy action plan. The views of the participants are not intended to be read as being statistically representative of all members of any particular BME group in Harrow. However, the views expressed provide us with a useful insight into the likely key issues for the BME group in question. The consultation sessions focused on the three key areas of this strategy namely; ♦ Housing needs and aspirations ♦ Eliminating Discrimination and Inequality ♦ Social inclusion The main points coming out of the discussion groups are discussed in the appropriate chapters below. Details of how to obtain a full copy of this report are available in Appendix A10 and on Harrow’s website at www.harrow.gov.uk .

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Chapter 3 - Addressing Housing Needs and Aspirations The high cost of housing in London, coupled with the fact that BME households are more likely to have a low household income, means that it is often difficult for BME communities to access the type and size of accommodation needed. Overcrowding and poor housing conditions can be the result. The 2001 census shows that in Harrow; • Asian and Black households are more likely to be overcrowded (23%) than White

households (7%) • Households from “other” ethnic groups have a much higher proportion of

overcrowding (30%) than white households People in Housing Need / Housing Applicants 70% of people registered for housing in Harrow classify themselves as BME. Nationally it is well known that BME households are more likely to be homeless than white households (source: Commission for Racial Equality). This is also the case in Harrow where black and ethnic minority households are over represented amongst the homeless. Homelessness Applications

Applicants by Ethnicity

33%

4%25%

22%

3%13% 0%

WhiteIrishBlackAsianMixed RaceNot DisclosedChinese

There were a total of 1827 homeless applications between April 2003 and March 2004; 55.3% came from BME applicants, 32% from White applicants. The remaining 12.5% chose not to disclose their ethnicity. Black Africans and Other Asians featured prominently within BME applications, with Black Africans constituting 18.2% and Other Asian 11.4% of the applications. These levels are reflected in homeless acceptances, where Black Africans constitute 20.5% of the BME acceptances, while Other Asian accounts for 16.3% of the BME proportion. The main reasons for residents applying as homeless are: • Parental exclusion • Domestic violence • End of tenancy Evidence shows that whilst black African females and males are more likely to be homeless through parental exclusion, residents of Indian origin are more likely to become homeless due to domestic violence (Source: Housing Assessment Team data).

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Acceptances

Acceptances by Ethnicity

27%

3%

25%

30%

3%

12% 0%White IrishBlackAsianMixed RaceNo ResponseChinese

From a total of 1827 homeless applications in 2003/04, 14.3% were accepted. This leaves a significant number of applications for which the Council did not accept a rehousing duty. However, 60.4% of acceptances were of BME applicants, which corresponds with the proportion of applications received from BME households. These figures therefore suggest that the low levels of acceptances are not impacting adversely on BME households. In order to assist those households whom the council does not have a duty to house, we have developed a range of options to assist in meeting their housing needs. Each applicant receives a housing options pack and an interview with a housing options adviser who will discuss all options including: • Our Housing Advice Centre and Housing Outreach Worker offer a free service to

those who live in the private sector. The service aims to prevent homelessness and improve living conditions in the private sector.

• As well as help with debt management, the options and advice service offers assistance in finding a home in the private sector, called Finders Fee.

• The Sanctuary Project is a victim centred scheme, which makes it possible for victims of domestic violence to stay in their homes and feel safe.

• The Fresh Start scheme helps people to find affordable housing outside of London if they want to move.

• The Mediation Scheme aims to prevent homelessness where possible. This scheme is important as most applications are from people being excluded by family or friends.

It is suggested that a more systematic monitoring system is needed to ensure that a comprehensive set of data is collected to analyse the take up of the housing options by ethnicity. This will then highlight any issues and further action can then be taken to address any inequalities in accessing the various housing options available. Locata Locata is a West London choice based lettings scheme for people who are registered with the council for social housing and who are in housing need. As of May 2004 there were 6714 people registered on Locata, of whom 70.1% identified themselves as BME.

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Ethnicity and size of property needed BME applicants are particularly affected by the lack of larger homes within the Council's own housing stock. In 2003, 70% of those people registered for housing for three bedroom properties and 79.95% of people in need of four bedroom properties were BME. This is due to the comparatively larger size of BME households. For example, of the people responding to the Locata questionnaire, 55% live in a family with 4 or more people. However, the council has a general lack of three bedroom and bigger properties. In 2003 we only had 1603 such properties in our ownership and of those only 56 became available to rent. The table below shows the percentage of BME households requiring different property sizes as at 31 March 2003.

BME households as a percentage of the total no. of households One bedroom

Two Bedroom

Three bedroom

Four bedroom+

Total

BME Locata Homeseekers (Housing Register)

62.92% 68.41% 79.09% 87.13% 70.83%

BME Locata Choice Tenants (Transfers)

42.95% 51.69% 59.54% 58.33% 52.60%

% of all Locata members (Bands A-C)

31.7% 34.8% 22.6% 10.9% 100%

Source: Housing Needs and Supply Report 2003 The Housing Needs Survey Update 2003 identifies the overall shortfall in social rented accommodation (a minus figure indicates a shortfall). Tenure One

bedroom Two Bedroom

Three bedroom

Four bedroom+

Total

Owner Occupation -54 -169 467 -92 152

Private Rented -120 -57 163 -3 -17

Social Rented -60 -420 -146 -239 -865

Total -234 -646 484 -334 -730

% shortfall social rented

7% 49% 17% 28% 100%

Although the suggested target for 2004/05 social rented accommodation is for 3 bed properties to make up 23% of new affordable housing and for 22% to be made up of 4+ beds, this falls very short of providing sufficient large housing to meet the needs of BME Locata members waiting for larger units. The council therefore needs to work with RSLs to maximise the provision of larger housing through other means.

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Single Homeless BME people The council hosts a weekly advice surgery in Harrow town centre for single homeless people. The percentage of BME attendees is disproportionate to the overall percentage of BME residents living in Harrow (41%). During the period of April to December 2003 72% of attendees were from BME groups, including White Irish. Men are particularly over represented in this group, accounting for 76%. Of all the BME groups using this service Black UK and Black Africans use this service the most and account for 33% of attendees during the period in question. Faith and Housing Need The findings of the Locata questionnaire show that the majority of respondents belong to a religious or faith group. The largest faith group is Muslim (53%) followed by Hindu at 20%. There is no over-riding evidence from the postal survey of Locata members that people belonging to different faith groups have differing housing needs. However 25% said they had special requirements from their accommodation relating to their religious beliefs. The most popular request was for a shower room. This highlights the need to consider the needs of different groups in the design of new housing. Young people from BME Groups Young people are particularly at risk from homelessness as the high cost of private housing (rented or owned) prevents young people from buying or renting in the private market. This is borne out by the consultation research carried out by Faith Regen UK, where discussions reflected this concern. Tenants We know from 2001 Census that 38.9% of council tenants are from BME groups. This is only slightly under the percentage of BME residents living in Harrow (41%). In 2000 we carried out a tenant census in the format of a postal survey to update our records with more information about ethnicity (using the new census classifications), disability and language requirements. Whilst the response rate to the 2000 survey was good, there are still some gaps in our data. It would therefore be useful to carry out a follow on survey to ensure that our records are comprehensive. The role of RSLs in meeting housing needs - Supply issues, investment and development opportunities Demand for housing in Harrow is strong amongst BME groups with evidence from the Locata questionnaire showing that most people would not be prepared to move outside Harrow to find accommodation. BME RSLs play an important role in meeting the needs of BME communities. However, BME RSLs in the main are not big enough to compete on the same terms as other larger RSLs to develop new affordable housing. The Council recognises that it must therefore set targets to ensure that a minimum proportion of units/investment is made available to BME RSLs. For the purposes of this strategy this includes units/investment made through the ADP, LASHG, Local Authority disposals or any other public funding investment route.

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This strategy also recognises that the development capacity of BME RSLs is even more constrained than that of larger RSLS and that additional capacity building support may need to be considered, such as the ability to charge policy rents at 130% of TCI. In recognition of the relative disadvantage of small BME RSLs in terms of their size, youth and lack of unencumbered housing stock, the Council will consider allowing small BME RSLs to set rents on new developments above the rent caps up to the level of their policy rents. However, this can only be considered on the basis that rent convergence in Harrow will be achieved within the timescales set by central government. This will help to ensure that the limited capacity of small BME RSLs to subsidise new schemes is maintained and allows them to reach viability. It also begins to take account of the generally higher level of housing and other services which BME RSLs provide to their tenants. It also recognises that in order to make best use of BME RSLs capacity building skills, there must be a reasonable number of units owned / managed by BME RSLs in the borough to support such activity. In responding to the outcomes of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry and the Harrow context, RSLs may want to consider whether a BME RSL would be better placed to deliver aspects of their housing management or support services. At the moment there are 147 units owned/managed by BME RSLs in Harrow, with an additional 26 in development. An overall target of 200 units is proposed for the period of this strategy. It is anticipated that this initial target will be met by March 2006. It is clear that opportunities for new affordable housing are limited in the borough. In order to reach the overall target, mainstream RSLs will need to be encouraged to undertake stock transfer to BME RSLs. Where large mainstream RSLs have relatively little stock in the borough they will be encouraged to rationalise with a view to transferring stock to BME RSLs where appropriate. The Council currently works with the following BME RSLS/housing associations who have (or are developing new homes) set out below: BME RSL as at

01.4.01 as at

31.3. 03 as at

31.3.04 from 1.4.04

onwards (in

development) Asra Greater London Housing Association Ltd

34 (18 in development)

34 54 13

Inquilab Housing Association

36 38 45 0

B'nai B'rith JBG Housing Association Limited

34 34 34 0

Innisfree 0 (7 in development)

0 7 0

Apna Ghar 0 (10 in development)

3 7 7

BME partner still to be identified

6

Total 104 (35 in development)

109 147 26

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Private rented and Owner Occupied Accommodation There is a lack of information about BME households living in the private sector. However, the majority of the participants in the focus group research live in privately owned accommodation (either rented or owned). The information we have collected from this shows that most of the participants lived in family unit, with young people mainly living with their families. Those involved were fairly satisfied with their homes and felt that their homes were suitably equipped with facilities. Given the comparative lack of information about residents living in the private sector, it would be useful to use the Housing Needs Survey planned for 2005/06 to find out more about BME needs relating to this tenure. One indicator of the housing needs of BME people living in private sector accommodation is the take up of renovation grants and services and Disabled Facilities Grants. These grants aim to improve the standard of homes in the private sector. Staying Put is a Home Improvement Agency that enables older people to stay in their homes by providing assistance with maintenance at a low cost. Data available for these services does not indicate lower levels of take up amongst BME residents than the average. Refugees and asylum seekers As stated above Harrow has a significant number refuges and asylum-seekers. An interdepartmental group has been working with the Harrow Refugee Forum to develop a draft multi-agency strategy about services available to these groups. The strategy is due for completion summer 2004. The BME strategy should consider the needs of this group carefully as the housing service is one of the most significantly used services by refugees and asylum seekers. For example 25% of temporary housing is being used for asylum seekers through the Asylum Team service. The work undertaken for the strategy to date based on discussions with staff, Refugee Community Organisations (RCO’s) and users has identified the following key housing related issues • Long periods spent in temporary accommodation • Poor quality and overcrowded housing • No statutory access to housing for single former asylum seekers • Insufficient access to information about housing options • Poor quality and cost of privately rented accommodation • Most groups urgently need information in their own languages Services for older BME people The findings from the focus group research underline a number of concerns about available services for older BME people. People felt there is a lack of day care facilities for individual BME groups and some people requested home help services to be provided in their own language. Others expressed a wish for improved transport services to enable older people to get to day care centres.

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Informal feedback has revealed that it is not known whether there is simply a low demand for BME housing for older people or whether low take up is a result of a lack of knowledge about what is available. The survey of housing applicants revealed that 45% of respondents felt that BME older people should live with their families, whilst 32% felt that older people should live in their own home in receipt of services and adaptations to met the older persons needs. The provision of services for older people is clearly an area for further investigation. Future work includes mapping the existing range of services and publicising these in relevant community languages. A separate review of older people's housing is planned in 2004 and this will look particularly at the needs and preferences of BME communities, including relation to sheltered and other supported housing services and all tenures. Supported Housing Needs The Harrow Shadow Supporting People Strategy (2003) looked at the need for supported housing services across a range of vulnerable groups in the community, using national and local needs data and information on local supply. It found that specialist services for BME groups in Harrow do not address the current needs of the population across all client groups. For example only 1.4% of Supporting People (SP) funded services are specialised for BME groups whereas a range of national data suggests that BME groups are over-represented in the need for supported housing services for mental health, learning difficulties, older people and domestic violence. The SP strategy is being reviewed in 2004/5. We will be carrying out further local needs analysis and setting out how future SP funding can best meet local priorities. In addition a SP service review is planned in 2004/5 with a specific focus on BME needs. The Harrow Learning Disability Housing Strategy (2203) also considers the current and future housing needs of people with a learning disability. It aims to expand choice and housing options for people with learning disabilities and to ensure they are involved in planning for their housing and support needs. One of the priorities of the strategy is to find out, plan and provide housing to meet the diverse needs of BME communities. Outreach work has started in 2004/5 on housing options planning with individuals and the results will feed into future supported housing schemes across all tenures.

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What we need to do • Consider how to improve information for BME young people about the housing

options available to them, should they be faced with homelessness. This could include more targeted circulation of the Housing Options packs, including translated material to youth centres and community groups.

• Consider how best to improve communication with Locata applicants with update

information • Work with the RSLs to maximise provision of larger housing (permanent and

temporary accommodation) to meet BME needs, ie including design issues • Follow up tenant census to complete update information about tenant records. • Consider how the forthcoming Housing Needs Survey could be used to find out

more about private sector needs and the aspirations of BME households. • Review the information requirements of refugee and asylum seekers in relation to

the temporary accommodation service. • Map the supply of services for BME older people and publicise these. Undertake

a survey of BME older peoples needs and preferences for sheltered housing and related services.

• Improve the system for monitoring housing options to identify any problems with

accessing the service • Take into consideration the needs of different groups in the design of new

housing (new build and refurbishment) • Ensure supported housing schemes meet the diverse needs of BME

communities.

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Chapter Four - Eliminating Discrimination & Inequality Across the council and Housing Services there already exists a number of policies and initiatives to tackle discrimination and inequality, for example: • Equal Opportunities Policy (Corporate) • Housing Services Racial Harassment Policy (tenants and leaseholders) • Anti Social Behaviour Unit (Corporate) • Caseworks (Corporate) • RaceActionNet (Corporate) • Black Workers Group (Corporate) • BME RSL policy (Housing) However, despite this there is evidence that BME groups do feel discriminated against in Harrow and that further work is needed. For example, the focus group consultation showed that many participants felt discriminated against in Harrow, either generally, or in their dealings with the council and Housing Services or felt that their children were being bullied at school. This chapter will outline the work undertaken to date and highlight the areas where more action is needed. Equal Opportunities policy The council implemented an updated corporate equal opportunities policy in 2002. The policy covers equality in employment, delivery of services, identification of target groups and translation requests. Given the evidence that some people believe they are treated differently due to their ethnic origin, we need to investigate how better we can publicise and raise awareness of this policy. Tackling Racial Harassment and Discrimination Racial Harassment We have collected information about racial harassment from a variety of sources including the Police, our questionnaire to Locata applicants and the STATUS tenant satisfaction survey. Provisional data from the police shows that around 320 racial incidents in Harrow were reported to the police in 2003/04. This number of incidents is well below the London average rate of racial incidents; Brent had approximately 500 reported incidents, Barnet around 740 and Hillingdon around 550. This suggests that there is an issue around under-reporting of racial incidents in Harrow The survey of Locata applicants reveals that 8% of respondents have been a victim of race related crime. One of the respondents to the Locata applicants questionnaire in response to how we could improve our housing service said:

"Take them more seriously - racial harassment."

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The Council Tenant Satisfaction Survey returned figures on racial harassment, which showed that 25% of tenants felt racial harassment to be a problem. This information shows that racial harassment is a real issue for Harrow Accordingly, Harrow council has developed strategies in order to combat racial harassment, anti social behaviour and domestic violence across the borough. . Housing Services Racial Harassment Policy (tenants and leaseholders) Housing services have recently updated its racial harassment policy for tenants and leaseholders (see Appendix A7). The policy provides comprehensive information about the options available to the council to tackle racial harassment and the level and types of support offered to families and individuals experiencing racial harassment. We have adopted the definition of “racial incident” set out in the MacPherson Report. This definition states:

“A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.” If a tenant or leaseholder reports racial harassment to us we will make a full investigation. Following the investigation there are a number of options to deal with the allegation, which we can employ. These include: • No further action • Local awareness campaign (to raise awareness of our stance on racial

harassment and to encourage people to provide information) • Security and repairs • Graffiti removal • Police alarms • Re-housing (temporary or permanent) Where the perpetrator has been identified we will make every effort to take action, working in conjunction with the police and/or the Crime and Disorder Team. Anti-Social Behaviour Unit The council also has an Anti-social behaviour unit, which is based at South Harrow Police Station. The unit receives complaints from the Council, the Police and the public. Details about the anti-social behaviour complaint are taken and information is entered onto the Police Intelligence System, which enables a joined up approach to be taken. An Anti-social behaviour strategy has just been developed, involving a wide number of agencies, which sets out the framework to address anti-social behaviour in Harrow. More details can be found in Appendix A10. Caseworks project The council is piloting a IT database to record hate crime, racial harassment and domestic violence. The purpose of this technology is to improve efficiency in monitoring, information gathering and managing race related cases. It is hoped that the use of this database will improve inter agency working as it will allow partners to access information about what other agencies are doing on the case. The system will also provide mapping and statistics.

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This project will meet a Macpherson report recommendation, namely: “that information on racist incidents and crime should be shared and made available to all agencies”. RaceActionNet The council is a member of RaceActionNet, which is an on-line network of organisations dealing with racial harassment and race hate crime in the home and neighbourhood. Members include the police, social landlords, criminal justice agencies and community and voluntary organisations. It contains government legislation, research and policy documents and relevant news stories relating to anti-social behaviour and race crime. It also provides the latest good practice guidance and examples of authorities working on race equality. Although the council is involved with a number of initiatives, the focus group research revealed some cynicism on the part of service users as to the council’s commitment to tackling harassment, discrimination and inequality. Further work needs to be undertaken to demonstrate to Harrow’s citizens our commitment in this area. For example, we need to consider how to raise awareness of the existing policies and other initiatives, whether this be by going to visiting local BME community groups to give a talk on the policies and various initiatives, or by producing leaflets and posters to display around Harrow. Cultural Awareness Feedback from the focus group research has revealed that service users feel there is a lack of cultural understanding in Harrow which affects the quality of life of BME communities. In addition some people expressed that the council does not appreciate the differing needs of each BME group. One approach to raising cultural awareness amongst council staff would be to develop a cultural awareness guide and accompanying training programme. Customer Care Feedback from our BME Housing Action Planning Day and the focus group research shows that service users and partners believe we could improve the standard of our front line customer services. Of course good customer service itself is not a race specific issue. However, when BME service users whose first language is not English receive poor customer service, this could affect their ability to access the service they need. It is suggested that we carry out a training needs analysis of front line staff requiring training in this area. Monitoring The development of this strategy has highlighted three areas where monitoring systems need to be reviewed:

1. Monitoring of the take up the Housing Options by BME groups as is discussed in chapter 2.

2. Monitoring of Locata. Previously we offered properties to people on the housing register. Now applicants are required to bid for properties which are advertised in a newssheet or website. This new way of letting properties demands ethnic monitoring of applications and successful bids to ensure BME households are accessing the scheme successfully. Applicants’ ability to use

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Locata is largely dependant upon the ability to understand written information either in the newsletter or website.

3. We need to be mindful of the impact of the increased use of new technologies to provide services, for example the Graphical Repairs Ordering System for council tenants and the web pages publicising low cost home ownership opportunities. BME communities may not have adequate access to computers and may find written information difficult to understand. This underlines to need to monitor the implementation of new initiatives carefully.

Tenant Satisfaction The 2003/04 Council Tenant Satisfaction Survey provides a good indication of the quality of the housing management, repairs and maintenance service. A large sample of tenants was asked for their opinions on the housing services, which are then analysed by indicators such as ethnicity. 23% of all respondents were BME and 4% Irish. The results showed that BME were only marginally less satisfied with the overall service than their white counterparts (73% compared to 79%). Similarly BME tenants were slightly less likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than white respondents (78% compared to 81%). 67% of BME respondents described their property as being in good condition. Private Sector Renewal Grants and Staying Put The council monitors take up of grants and assistance in the private sector by ethnicity. Our records show that satisfaction levels are high and that take up of services is in line with the profile of the borough. The Authority has signed up to the Home Improvement Trust Equity Release Scheme, which is currently aimed at older homeowners and those under the age of 60 with disabilities. This scheme assists in accessing finance to undertake necessary works in the knowledge that their home is not at risk from repossession and they will be helped through the process. The Trust is currently working with an Islamic lender, the objective of which is to establish an equity release loan that is appropriate to people of Islamic faith.

BME staff representation in Harrow Council Focus group research and the Locata survey highlighted service users concerns about the number of BME staff working within housing services. When asked about what improvements we could make to the housing service to benefit BME groups, one respondent replied:

“More black and Asian people to work in this section, so they understand better.”

Within Housing Services BME staff account for 44% of the workforce, which broadly reflects the BME population we serve. This is also higher than the overall proportion of BME employees in the workforce at the council at 27.4%. However, there is an under representation of BME staff at a managerial level. There are currently no BME senior managers and BME staff only make up 13% of officers graded at principal officer level. This is mirrored within the council as a whole, where council wide there

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are only 9% BME managers. Out of total of 63 Councillors, 25.4% come from BME groups. We need to consider what opportunities there are for training local BME people. This could possibly be achieved through the use of trainee placements. Council housing contractors should also be encouraged to implement initiatives such as construction training. Corporately there are a number of initiatives ongoing to address the issue of under-representation, for example advice to chairs of recruitment and selection panels and the development of an action plan relating to Asian applicants Role of the Black Workers Group Harrow Council’s Black Workers Group is a recognised employee support group for black members of staff providing support and sharing of experiences. It has been in existence since 1990 and has supported, encouraged and empowered black staff to achieve both personally and professionally. It also acts as a consultation forum for managers on service development, employment, training and career development issues for black employees and communities. Training for Housing Services staff Within the council there is access to training on race equality and equalities and some staff in housing have attended such training. A revised equal opportunities policy was put in place in 2002 and staff received training on this document. However, there is an argument that there needs to be a much more structured approach to equalities training, to ensure that all staff and managers have received sufficient training on race issues to enable them to respond sensitively and appropriately to the differing needs of housing services users. Tenants and Residents Associations and contractors should also be included in training. Equalities training also needs to be made part of a core induction programme for new staff joining the council. The role of BME RSLs BME RSLs can bring “added value” to housing because they provide culturally sensitive services and capacity build within the BME communities. They have access to networks and resources which larger bureaucracies will always find difficult to reach. BME RSLs are well placed to form partnerships with BME communities that can make a contribution to social inclusion and cohesion. “Added value” is likely to be provided in the following ways: • Through the provision of translation and interpreting services • Advice on housing, welfare and immigration issues • Care and support for vulnerable people • Identifying specific housing and community needs • Providing specific employment initiatives • Capacity building by helping with fundraising, buildings, IT, business planning and

management services • Promoting culturally sensitive local play and child care facilities • Health promotion, especially amongst older people • Support for cultural activities • Support for new arrivals

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For BME RSLs the provision of the above services has always been a core part of their business and is reflected in the organisational culture. (Further information can be found in a report titled “Roots Regained: housing plus and added value services in BME housing associations” by Gerard Lemos and Tony Soares.) There is a need to ensure that mainstream RSLs are also catering for BME communities, given the growing diversity of ethnic and faith communities in Harrow. What we need to do • Review publicity and awareness of the Equal Opportunities Policy and Racial

Harassment Policy, including making summary information available in leaflet and poster formats, to be displayed and distributed amongst community groups.

• Raise awareness of initiatives to tackle discrimination and harassment:

RaceActionNet, Caseworks, Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and the Sanctuary Project.

• Draw on best practice from local BME RSLs to ensure the Council and

mainstream RSLs are providing an equally high level of service to residents from different communities

• Develop a cultural awareness guide and training programme for staff • Provide customer care training to front line staff • Ensuring commitment to equal opportunities policy and strategy from all our staff,

partners, contractors and consultants, • Devise and implement a race equality and diversity training programme for front

line staff and managers. • Ensure that race equality and diversity training is incorporated into a core

induction programme for new staff joining the council • Develop more systematic monitoring of people who aren’t accepted for housing

(Housing Options) • Continue to develop ethnic monitoring of Locata lettings to ensure that the

scheme is not discriminating against any group or contributing to social exclusion • Set up a register of training needs for black and minority staff and the resources/

opportunities available in mainstream RSLs and the Council that promote secondments/mentoring etc

• Encourage contractors to implement initiatives such as construction training

placements to develop skills within BME communities.

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Chapter 5 - Social Inclusion Information on housing need provides only a partial picture of the barriers to social inclusion for BME communities. Data about income levels, employment, harassment and other crime, health and education gives a wider understanding of the needs of the BME community in Harrow. We have collected some information about social inclusion (income levels, employment etc) and ethnicity from our research for this strategy. We know nationally that like all forms of deprivation, poverty disproportionately affects BME communities. The Social Exclusion Unit reported that: “People from minority ethnic communities are more likely than others to live in deprived areas and in unpopular and overcrowded housing. They are more likely to be poor and unemployed.” This is borne out by Census 2001 data (see p. 16) and the data we collected from the Locata questionnaire: • 69% of respondents said they were not currently in employment • 19% said they have been faced with prospect of being homeless and • 8% said that had had a property repossessed within the last 5 years. However, more comprehensive data needs to be collected which analyses social inclusion data by ethnicity. This information will be relevant to the council and RSLs in planning how proposed new housing or existing services can be developed to encompass social inclusion. Once we have this information available to us it will need to be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that services are relevant, fair, accessible and improve the quality of life for the community. Communication Issues and Language barriers Knowledge about language requirements of service users We know that for many of our service users English is not their first language. The 2001 census tells us that there are more than 70 languages used in the borough. The survey we carried out about BME Locata applicants showed that 69% of the respondents did not speak English as their first language. However, our knowledge about the language requirements of our tenants and leaseholders is less complete; we have less information about the languages spoken and read by these groups. Translation and interpretation services Housing Services arranges for written information to be translated, upon request. A translation statement is enclosed with all information, which publicises the availability of the service. This service is bought in from external companies. Depending of the importance and relevance of the document we will also arrange for key information to be translated into key languages in advance. We will also arrange for interpreters as necessary, for example for conducting interview with customers.

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Use of plain English Evidence suggests that many households, for whom English is not their first language, do not read their own language. The advice from bodies such as the Plain Language Commission is that the best way to communicate is to use clear English. Writing in clear English is a skill. It can be particularly challenging to master when working in Housing, which is a profession that uses lots of jargon. This could be tackled through a comprehensive training programme for all staff.

Feedback from our research, the consultation groups and the BME Housing Action Planning day highlighted that some service users do not feel that documents and procedures are properly explained to them and that little material is translated. Partner organisations also had evidence that council staff themselves were unsure about how to access interpreters and translated materials. The Locata survey also showed that language issues are an area where service users think we can improve:

“Have more housing officers/translators from the Black and Minority Ethnic Groups” “Help them with their language. Have interpreters to help people with their language difficulties”

There are a number of projects that need to be considered in order to tackle these issues, which have been incorporated in the action plan. In the Locata questionnaire we asked applicants to tell us what one improvement we could make to the Locata scheme. Respondents feel that a key area for improvement is communication. Applicants want more up to date and accessible information about the status of their application, this could be by leaflets, meetings and website information. A common plea was.

“More communication from Locata”

Where BME residents go for information about housing The focus group research showed that some groups did not know where to go to access information about housing. The Locata questionnaire shows 40% of respondents have only been living in Harrow for between 2 and 5 years and 84% were not born in this country. This suggests that people in housing needs will not be as knowledgeable about Harrow and as confident about council services as someone who has lived longer in the borough. The results of the Locata survey show that large number of respondents had sought advice from the Citizens /Housing Advice Centre (62%) with the second most popular place to seek advice being their community centre. It is therefore important that we ensure that we circulate relevant information about services appropriately and ensure that up-to-date information goes to the Citizens/Housing Advice Centre and Community Centres.

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Empowering communities The Harrow Partnership also actively involves Harrow residents in the decision making process under the four partnership themes. The council was awarded Beacon status for promoting racial equality in 2001/02. This award was achieved with help of many community groups such as Harrow Council for Racial Equality, Harrow Police Community Consultative Group, The Refugee Forum and The Afghan Association. The status was given in recognition of how we use community partnerships to promote racial equality. The Community Consultative Forum (CCF) champions concerns from community groups. It helps extend the provision of service information through council leaflets as well as helping the council frame its Equal Opportunities Policies. Harrow Council for Racial Equality (HCRE) advises Harrow Council on many decisions and is a member of the Harrow Partnership. This group was formed four years ago and links the work of the council and local organisations to improve quality of life for those in the borough. The Partnership comprises 1,600 organisations ranging from The Refugee Association to Age Concern, and plays a key role in coordinating activities especially for groups for which racial equality is not their primary purpose. The key to designing appropriate services for our BME service users is consultation and involvement of these communities. Within Housing Services tenants participate and contribute to our work through the Harrow Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations (HFTRA). This is an umbrella organisation, which represents the Tenant and Resident Associations within Harrow. However, evidence to date shows that tenants and lessees from BME communities are under-represented in the membership of local tenant and resident associations. The focus group research also showed that BME and faith groups feel deprived of representation within the Council and expressed concerns about their opportunities to get involved in decision-making processes. We are currently revising our Tenant Compact. It will set out the opportunities for all tenants’ and residents’ associations to influence the decision making process. However, we need to develop more strategic and creative approaches to community engagement and involvement. We also need to be more proactive in liaising and developing links with local BME community groups as a source of local knowledge and expertise. Access to services - employment and training / health / education / childcare / after school groups In addition to collecting information, we also need to consider ways in which we and our partners can work with local community groups to support community initiatives which promote social inclusion for example maximising job opportunities, improving access to childcare, providing help with childcare costs. Access to Language Training The focus group research showed that is a demand for information about the availability of English for Speakers of Foreign Languages. Such training could be identified and publicised at the council offices and using the existing community groups.

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Support for BME Businesses Feedback from the Focus Group research shows that services users believe that there is a role for the council to support BME businesses. Initially, by monitoring the use of BME approved contractors and consultants the council can identify issues where action is needed to ensure equal access to contract opportunities. Provision of Community Centres The focus group research showed that there are a number of BME and faith groups (Bengali, Muslim women and Afro-Caribbean) who would like the use of their own community centre. There are community premises in Northolt Road, which already provides a base for several of the BME community groups. We could explore with these community groups whether the Northolt Road premises would provide a suitable venue for their needs. BME and faith groups use many community halls across Harrow that are managed by Harrow housing services. The use of housing’s community halls is being reviewed as part of housing’s Best Value review, so consideration could be given to the needs of BME groups as part of this review. Failing this we need to identify where support (including financial help) is available to assist such groups in finding a suitable venue. Activities for BME Young People and Access to Venues for Youth Clubs The focus group research shows that some BME groups experience difficulties in organising activities for BME young people. Corporately the council needs to publicise available support for BME young people using existing community groups to disseminate information.

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What we need to do • Undertake a mop up audit of the language requirements of tenants and leaseholders • Review the availability of interpreters within the council / housing services to provide

a more accessible interpretation service. • Review the procedure for housing staff using interpreters and translators and

develop a training programme. • Audit the availability of translated materials and review the quality of plain English in

key documents • Consider commissioning plain English training for staff • Conduct a needs analysis of specific language posts (e.g. a Somali / Afghani

homelessness officer). This work could be included in the production of a general Communication Strategy for Housing Services.

• Monitor the use of BME approved contractors and consultants • Map the current level of BME tenant and resident participation in the borough and set

targets for increasing it. Work with community groups to produce information on opportunities to get involved with the work of the council.

• Undertake analysis of social inclusion data by ethnicity • Identify where support (including financial support) is available for community groups

wishing to set up their own community centres. • Review the publicity available about the community premises in Northolt Road. • Produce a signpost pack of information – outlining who to contact for what service

within the council, this could also include information about Locata, Housing Options, the Equal Opportunities Policy and Racial Harassment policies, Translation and Interpretation services, English language training, Information about BME Housing Associations and what service they provide and to whom. To be translated into key community languages and distributed to community groups and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

• Review the council’s website in relation to improving the information available to

BME residents. • Publicise ‘English for Speakers of Foreign Languages’ training at council offices and

through existing community groups • Develop closer links with community groups – visit community groups to give

discussions on requested topics. • Publicise available support for young people to arrange activities and set up youth

groups.

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Chapter 6 - Conclusion The success of our strategy will depend on its implementation. This section of the strategy presents the action plan, which shows how we will deliver our policy objectives. The action plan includes both long term and short-term targets. Targets are not confined to those that can be met through local authorities roles. It is important, for the success of the strategy, that the council works in partnership with RSLs, including BME RSLs, community groups and voluntary organisations to achieve these objectives. Role of BME Reference Group The BME Reference Group, that was set up to oversee the development of the BME Housing Strategy, will play an important role in the ongoing monitoring and review of the action plan. The reference group members are: Alan Peel The Homeless and the Churches in Harrow

Homeless Forum, Harrow Association of Voluntary ServicesAsha Kalib Somali Women’s Association Ben Laryea Acton Housing Association Chris Wren Warden Housing Association Debbie Cole Housing Strategy & Communications Officer Denise Bryant Harrow Primary Care Trust Donald Graham/ Carmel Miedziolka

Harrow Churches Housing Association

Eric Savundranayagan Black Minority Ethnic Tenants Forum Gina Amoh Inquilab Housing Association Joy Anandappa Harrow Federation of Tenants and Residents Association Kris Fryer Citizens Advice Bureau Laurence Coaker Housing Needs Manager Lizzie Reid Drug Action Team Phiroza Gan Harrow Interfaith Council Rebecca Caprara Harrow Housing Strategy & Resources Manager Sandie Roberts Harrow Supporting People Team Sara Clarke Bnai Brith JBG Housing Association Ltd. Quarterly meetings will be set up to monitor progress against actions and discuss ways to take forward some of the action needed. Reviewing the strategy - future plans This strategy has a life of 3 years, at which time it will be reviewed in conjunction with the local housing strategy 2002-2007. The long term aim is for this strategy to be an integral part of the new local housing strategy from 2007.

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Chapter 7 - Appendices Contents A1 Action Plan 2004-2007 Who we consulted A2 Faith Regen UK Focus Group Report A3 Service provider Survey feedback report A4 Community Groups survey feedback report A5 Locata Register survey feedback report A6 BME Housing Action Planning Day Report Further Reading A7 Housing Racial Harassment Policy, Harrow Council A8 Brent Housing Protocol A9 Glossary of terms A10 Contact List for strategies and documents A11 Acknowledgements

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Appendix A1: Action plan BME Housing Strategy Aim:

To gain a better understanding of the housing needs and aspirations of the BME and faith communities in Harrow

Medium Term Action Plan 2004-2007 Lead Officer 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Resources and Action

Progress 1 Ensure Housing Needs and

Private Sector stock condition survey planned for 2005/06 includes additional focus on specific needs relating to BME and faith groups, particularly those in the private sector.

Rebecca Caprara, Strategy & Resources Manager

Develop brief for Housing Needs and Private Sector stock condition survey, including consultation with community representatives.

Complete Housing Needs and Private Sector stock condition Survey

Develop further action plan from findings of survey

Budget required 2004/05 for preparation work and 2005/6 for completion of survey £XX,XXX total

2 Review the information requirements for refugee and asylum seekers in relation to the temporary accommodation service.

Asylum Seekers Team with Harrow Refugee Forum/ Hilary Wright, Housing Provision Manager / Housing Assessment Manager

Review existing information produced in consultation with service users produce information pack translated into key languages and information about how to arrange for interpreters

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Lead Officer 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Resources and Action Progress

3 Map supply of services for BME older people and publicise. Undertake a survey of BME older peoples needs and preferences for sheltered housing and supported housing services.

Jane Fernley, Strategy and Service Development Manager

Map supply and survey BME needs as part of older people's Housing Review.

Publicise results of review and mapping. Implement action plan resulting from review.

Implement action plan resulting from review.

£75,000 04/05 to fund older people's housing review and officer time.

4 Undertake further analysis of Vitality Profile data by ethnicity to draw links between BME communities and social inclusion issues in specific areas of Harrow

Housing Research and Information Officer, Strategy and Resources

Complete analysis. Highlight gaps in data sources.

Ensure BME specific issues considered as part of targeting areas for specific social inclusion projects.

5 Supporting People strategy review 2004/05 to include BME needs analysis

Christopher Holley, Supporting People Manager

Complete analysis.Develop action points within revised Supporting People strategy

Implement action plan

Implement action plan

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Appendix A1: Action Plan BME Housing Strategy Aim:

To work in partnership with the community and other service providers to address local needs


Progress 1 Take into consideration the

needs of different groups in the design of new housing (new build and refurbishment)

Alison Pegg, Development Manager / RSLs

Ongoing

2 For the period of this strategy the Council will set an overall minimum target of 20% of new units being transferred to/managed by BME RSLs. On schemes of over 40 units RSLs will be encouraged to increase this percentage.

Alison Pegg Development Manager

200 units owned/ managed by BME RSLs in Harrow by March 2006

3 All schemes in Harrow, which involve BME RSLs working in partnership with other larger RSLs, will adopt the “Brent Protocol” (see Appendix A8) which sets out the agreed obligations for all parties.

Alison Pegg Development Manager

4 Work with the RSLs to maximise the provision of larger housing (permanent and temporary accommodation)

Alison Pegg, Development Manager

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5 Monitor the use of BME approved contractors and consultants

Spire Community Homes Managing Director./ RSLs Lead Officers

Monitor tender submissions. Audit existing approved contractor list

Develop action plan to address inequalities and encourage tender submissions

6 Increase BME tenant and resident participation in the borough and set targets

Spire Community Homes Tenant Participation Officer with HFTRA / RSLs / Community group representatives / local residents

Map the current level of BME tenant and resident participation in the borough and set targets for increasing it.

Work with community groups to produce information on opportunities to get involved with the work of the council.

7 Develop BME tenants forum to include capacity building and training opportunities to assist BME residents in becoming more involved with the mainstream TRAs and decision-making processes.

Spire Community Homes Tenant Participation Officer with HFTRA / RSLs / Community group representatives / local residents

Identify best practice and develop plan

Implement training / capacity building opportunities

Review TRA membership and assess impact on BME residents of training

8 Identify where support (including financial support) is available for community groups wishing to set up their own community centres and publicise

Partnership Unit

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9 Include needs analysis of BME community groups in review of housing managed community halls

Spire Community Homes - Resident Services Manager

10 Publicise available support for young people to arrange activities and set up youth centres

Harrow Youth Affairs Team

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To enable the Council to deliver quality services for all the people of Harrow


Progress 1 Follow up tenant census to

ensure up-to-date information available about individual tenants. Provide training to staff on use of database and information.

Spire Community Homes - Resident Services Manager

Collect data and input information onto database. Arrange and roll out training

Develop reports to monitor profile of tenants. Conduct follow-up census of leaseholders.

2 Test resident satisfaction of housing services provided by the council and other service providers

Christine Caton, Performance Review Officer / Alison Pegg, Development Manager

Conduct annual satisfaction survey in conjunction with RSLs



Budget provision made for regular tenant surveys

3 Work in partnership with BME RSLs to identify best practice in service provision to BME residents and encourage all social housing providers to meet these standards.

Alison Pegg, Development Manager / RSL’s

Identify best practice. Incorporate specific service standards into practice

Monitor and review

Monitor and review

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To eliminate discrimination and inequality in housing service provision


Progress 1 Review publicity and

awareness of Council: • Equal Opportunities Policy • Racial Harassment Policy to housing customers

Strategy & Communications Officer, with Spire Community Homes – Resident Services Manager

Make available in summary leaflet and poster formats and pre-translated. Distribute to community groups Train staff

2 Conduct a needs analysis of specific language posts (e.g. a Somali/ Afghani homelessness officer) in Housing. This work could be included in the production of a general Communication Strategy for Housing Services.

Rebecca Caprara, Strategy & Resources Manager / Laurence Coaker, Housing Needs Manager

Complete needs analysis. Research best practice. Develop communication strategy in consultation with community representatives.

Revise job descriptions to include specific language requirements. Revaluate posts. Implement posts.

Survey BME service users to highlight improvements or areas for further improvement.

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Lead Officer 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Resources and Action

Progress 3 Improve the system of

monitoring access to housing options to highlight issues with accessing the service

Laurence Coaker, Housing Needs Manager

Review existing data collected. Evaluate the options for collecting and storing the data.

Implement data collection systems and training staff. Produce monitoring reports and make reports available to service users.

4 Continue to develop systematic ethnic monitoring of the Locata scheme to ensure that the scheme is not discriminating against any group or contributing to social exclusion

Hilary Wright, Housing Provision Manager / Locata

Review data currently collected., considering feedback from partners and Locata BME day

Map lettings across the borough to identify specific issues

5 Monitor take-up of low cost home ownership schemes

Elaine Slowe, Project Manager - Enabling

Report at March 2005 and review marketing procedures.

Ongoing

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Progress 6 Ensure commitment to the

council’s equal opportunities policy from all our staff, partners, contractors and consultants

Rebecca Caprara, Strategy and Resources Manager / Spire Community Homes / RSLs

Develop training programme for new and existing staff. All new contracts with contractors / consultants to include a clause committing to the Council’s equal opportunities policy

7 Devise and implement a race equality and diversity training programme for front line staff and managers.

Strategy and Communications Officer with BME RSLs

Agree on format of training required and identify trainer.

Roll out training programme to appropriate staff. Ensure commitment from staff at senior level. Train staff to train

Monitor and review

8 Ensure that race equality and diversity training is incorporated into a core induction programme for new staff joining the council

Rebecca Caprara, Strategy and Resources Manager / HR/ Central Training Unit

Include race equality and diversity training into the induction programme

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Progress 9 Set up a register of training

needs for black and minority staff and publicise the resources/ opportunities available in mainstream RSLs and the Council that promote secondments/mentoring etc

Rebecca Caprara, Strategy & Resources Manager / Alison Pegg, Development Manager / RSLs / Spire Community Homes

Develop register. Work with RSLs to identify training / development opportunities. Research views of BME staff

Develop programme

Monitor and review

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To ensure services are accessible and appropriate for all the people in Harrow


Progress 1 Raise awareness of initiatives

to tackle discrimination and harassment: RaceActionNet, Caseworks, Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and the Sanctuary Project.

Strategy & Communications Officer / Anti-Social Behaviour Unit / Laurence Coaker, Housing Needs Manager

Evaluate options for publicising work and launch publicity using preferred mediums

Disseminate publicity to BME community

2 Develop a cultural awareness guide and associated training programme for staff

Strategy & Communications Officer / Community representatives (BME Reference Group?)

Identify good practice and existing information.

Research material for guide and produce in consultation with service users. Publish and disseminate. Roll out training

3 Develop closer links with community groups. Visit community groups to give discussions on requested topics.

Strategy & Communications Officer with Housing Assessment Team / Community representatives / BME Reference Group

Contact community groups to discuss information requirements and agree on format. Develop programme.

Deliver information sessions to community groups requesting information

Monitor and review take-up

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4 Improve information for BME young people about the housing options available to them, should they be faced with homelessness. (This could include more targeted circulation of the Housing Options packs, including translated material to youth centres and community groups.)

Laurence Coaker, Housing Needs Manager / Harrow Youth Affairs Team

Identify where information needs to be circulated to and the languages required. Disseminate information

Review access to information

5 Review the availability of interpreters within the council / housing services to provide a more accessible interpretation service

Partnership Unit / Urban Living Equalities Task Group

Identify gaps in interpretation service and resources required. Publicise the availability of service to service users

Potential need for increased financial resources to fund additional use of interpreters

6 Develop a procedure for housing staff about using interpreters and translators and develop a training programme

Strategy and Communications Officer

Review, revise draft procedure. Launch and provide training to staff

Review impact on service users through regular 6 monthly satisfaction surveys

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7 Audit the availability of translated materials and review the quality of plain English in key documents

Strategy and Communications Officer / Spire Community Homes / Laurence Coaker, Housing Needs Manager

Identify gaps in translated material and resources required to provide additional translations Review English in key docs

Increased resources required to provide additional translations and for Plain English review

8 Develop plain English training programme for relevant staff

Organisational Development / Strategy and Communications Officer

Complete feasibility study Identify relevant staff Identify suitable trainer

Conduct training

Cascade to new staff

Additional resources may be required to fund training programme.

9 Review the housing pages of the council’s website to identify areas where more accessible information is required.

Strategy and Communications Officer

In consultation with BME stakeholders, agree on what information is needed and in what format. Undertake audit of existing information and develop programme to upload to the website.

Investigate feasibility of providing web-based information in different languages

Monitor access to information and review.

Potential need for increased staff resources to undertake work

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10 Produce a signpost pack of information – outlining who to contact for what service within the council, this could also include information about Locata, Housing Options, the Equal Opportunities Policy and Racial Harassment policies, Translation and Interpretation services, English language training, Information about BME Housing Associations and what service they provide and to whom. To be translated into key community languages and distributed to community groups and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Strategy and Communications Officer with Housing Assessment Manager, Housing Provision Manager, Enabling Manager, Partnership Unit, Organisational Development

Consult with service users what is required.Consider publicity and access to information. Undertake audit of existing information (see 10 above) and provide to community groups and other agencies.

Produce, and circulate

Possible need for additional resources to fund publicity materials

11 Review the publicity available about the community premises in Northolt Road

Partnership Unit

Produce information sheet and circulate to community groups

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To achieve greater levels of satisfaction with services


Progress 1 Develop a customer care

training programme for front line staff

Strategy and Communications Officer / Spire Community Homes

Identify training requirements and research training providers. Link with corporate training programme where relevant

Roll out training programme for all front line staff Monitor service satisfaction and publicise

4 Improve communication with Locata members to raise awareness and understanding of Locata and increase satisfaction levels

Hilary Wright, Housing Provision Manager / Locata

Continue to use Homeseeker News to communicate information about Locata.

Conduct survey of Locata members to test satisfaction.

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Appendix A9 - Glossary of Terms Affordable Housing Homes available at below market prices. These are usually Council or Registered Social Landlord/housing association tenancies or shared ownership dwellings. The Council no longer builds affordable housing for those in housing need. It is financially better value for money to work in partnership with Registered Social Landlords/housing associations) because they can borrow money on the private markets, which means more affordable homes can be built for the same amount of public money. Approved Development Programme (ADP) Public funding made available to housing associations by the government through the Housing Corporation. It is distributed through a competitive bidding process in discussion with each local authority. Funding is available for social housing for rent, low cost home ownership and temporary social housing. It is paid as Social Housing Grant (SHG). Black Minority Ethnic RSLs Some RSLs were set up by black and ethnic minority communities to offer housing and specific cultural support that was lacking in larger organisations. These are referred to as black and ethnic minority RSLs (BME RSLs). In this strategy we include BME housing associations who are not registered with the Housing Corporation. Census 2001 The government conducts a census every 10 years of all households in the UK. The results provide information on population numbers and household composition, as well as ethnicity, language, employment and tenure to name but a few. More information can be found at the Office for National Statistics website www.ons.gov.uk Community Cohesion Report - Home Office This report defines a “cohesive community” as one where diversity is valued, but also that there is a common vision and sense of belonging for all communities. The report calls for councils to conduct a baseline assessment of how effectively current policies promote community cohesion for communities throughout their areas. Depending on the outcome of the assessment a council may need to develop action plans to complement the community strategy. It requires councils to promote good race relations by: • Creating opportunities for people from different communities to discuss common

issues, and • Consulting with all groups to involve them in service planning and policy

development Harrow Council has been working with 5 other West London boroughs as part of the West London Alliance and has produced a West London Community Cohesion report in response to the Home Office’s report.

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CRE Code of Practice in Rented Housing and ODPM Code of Practice for Social Landlords in tackling racial harassment The council is required to report to the Government, through Best Value Performance Indicator 164, whether it meets the CRE Code of Practice in Rented Housing and ODPM Code of Practice for social landlords in tackling racial harassment. The aims of the CRE Code of Practice in Rented Housing are to: • Provide detailed guidance on the use of the Race Relations Act 1976 in relation to

rented housing and the elimination of racial discrimination, and • Give examples on good practice in the implementation and promotion of equal

opportunities. The ODPM Code of Practice for social landlords in tackling racial harassment sets out good practice standards that social landlords should adopt around: • Multi-agency working • Prevention and publicity • Encouraging reporting and monitoring • Supporting victims and witnesses • Action against perpetrators LGA Equality Standard for Local Government The equality standard was developed in partnership with the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. The standard provides a framework for a generic approach to implementing equality in local government to avoid councils having the juggle different approaches from three commissions. The standard became a best value indicator in 2002. Councils are required to report on whether they have adopted the standard and what level of the standard they have achieved, ranging from one to four. Harrow is currently working towards level two. Local Authority Social Housing Grant (LASHG) Public funding made available to housing associations by the local authority from its own capital resources. Locata Locata is a West London choice based lettings scheme for people who are registered with the council for social housing and who are in housing need. Total Cost Indicators (TCI) A system for assessing the value for money of a proposed affordable housing scheme using standard cost indicators developed and updated annually by the Housing Corporation. Housing Association A non-profit making organisation that provides affordable housing for those who cannot afford to buy a home. Most housing associations are also Registered Social Landlords.

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Macpherson Report The publication of the Macpherson report following the Stephen Lawrence inquiry underlines the need for a BME Housing Strategy. The report highlighted the continued existence of endemic racism within public services. It stated; “It is incumbent on every institution to examine their policies and outcome of their policies and practices to guard against disadvantaging any section of our communities.” In relation to housing, the report concludes that; “all too often housing departments were seen to be slow and bureaucratic in their response to racist behaviour”. Race Relations Act 1976 This legislation places duties on housing providers to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity. It also introduces the key concepts of indirect and direct discrimination and makes it lawful to use positive action to allow access to services for particular ethnic groups. Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 In response to the Macpherson report this legislation extends the provision on direct and indirect discrimination to all functions of public authorities, including central and local government. It also places the duty to promote race equality on a wider range of public authorities and extends to contractors of public bodies. Registered Social Landlord (RSL) A non-profit making organisation providing affordable housing registered with the Housing Corporation. RSLs are very diverse organisations ranging in size of stock ownership from a few units to thousands of units that rival large local authorities Acronyms used in the strategy ADP Approved Development Programme (see above) BME Black and Minority Ethnic BME RSL Black and minority ethnic Registered Social Landlord (see above) CCF Community Consultative Forum CIH Chartered Institute of Housing CRE Commission for Racial Equality GLA Greater London Authority HCRE Harrow Council for Racial Equality HFTRA Harrow Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations HSP Harrow Strategic Partnership LASHG Local Authority Social Housing Grant LGA Local Government Association ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister RCO Refugee Community Organisation SHG Social Housing Grant (see above) SP Supporting People TCI Total Cost Indicators TRA Tenant and Resident Association

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Appendix A10: Contact List Additional information on strategies and documents mentioned in this document can be obtained as follows: Document Contact Source

Best Value Performance Plan

Malcolm Rappaport Tel: 020-8424 1876 [email protected]

BME Housing Strategy 2004-2007

Rebecca Caprara Tel: 020-8424-1339 [email protected]

BME RSL Strategy Alison Pegg Tel: 020-8424-1933 [email protected]

Community Strategy Bindu Arjoon Tel: 020-8420 9637 [email protected]

Crime & Disorder Reduction Strategy

Ian Pearce Tel: 020-8424 1997 [email protected]

Harrow Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Strategy

Jackie McCormack Tel: 020-8423-9360 [email protected]

Harrow Homelessness Strategy

Laurence Coaker

Tel: 020 8420 9638 [email protected]

HouseProud Scheme Options Appraisal

Paul Bandy Tel: 020-8424-1902 [email protected]

Housing Domestic Violence Policy

Laurence Coaker Tel: 020-8420-9638 [email protected]

Housing Needs Survey Rebecca Caprara Tel: 020-8424-1339 [email protected]

Housing Racial Harassment Policy

David Hooper

Tel: 020-8863-5611 [email protected]

Housing Strategy 2002-2007 & 2002 Facts & Figures

Rebecca Caprara

Tel: 020 8424 1717 www.harrow.gov.uk

HRA Business Plan Rebecca Caprara Tel: 020-8424-1339 [email protected]

Improving Health 2003 Jane Thomas Harrow PCT

Tel: 020-8422-6644 [email protected]

Learning Disability Housing Strategy

Jane Fernley Tel: 020-8424 1283 [email protected]

Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy 2003-2005


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Private Sector Stock Condition Survey 2000


Race Equality Scheme Michael Hart Tel: 020-8424 1024 [email protected]

Shadow Supporting People Strategy

Chris Holley Tel: 020-8424 1895 [email protected]

Single Homeless Initiative 2001 Options Appraisal

Laurence Coaker Tel: 020 8420 9638 [email protected]

Tenant Compact Adrian Bebbington Tel: 020-8420 9608 [email protected]

Vitality Profiles Rebecca Caprara Tel: 020-8424-1339 [email protected]

Your Home Your Needs Best Value Review Report 2003

Jane Fernley Tel: 020-8424 1283 [email protected]

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Appendix A11 – Acknowledgements We would like to thank a number of individuals, organisations and voluntary and community groups for their involvement in the development of this strategy: Alan Peel Acton Housing Association Asha Kalib, Somali Women’s Association Asra Greater London Housing Association Ltd Bnai Brith JBG Housing Association Ltd. Citizens Advice Bureau Equality Works Eric Savundranayagan Faith Regen UK Harrow Asylum Team Harrow Churches Housing Association Harrow Federation of Tenants and Residents Association Harrow Primary Care Trust Inquilab Housing Association Phiroza Gan, Harrow Interfaith Council Sangat Advice Centre Warden Housing Association …and all those too numerous to mention who were involved with the focus groups returned a survey or attended the action planning day.

Thank you BME Strategy final version 090704

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