Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

8.85 In the longer-term, the limited possibilities of recycling SP resources into new schemes will tend to
impose an upper limit on capital investment. At this point in time however, it is impossible to
estimate what this might be and therefore the target level has been set at a nominal 15%. In the
short-term, the target has been set at 8%, reflecting the extent to which uncertainty over revenue
funding is preventing schemes needing SP grant from being prepared.
8.86 It is of urgent importance that the SPERG develops a regional strategy for use of SP resources, tied
to a development plan into which capital investment could be targeted. No geographical targeting
can be undertaken without such a strategy.
8.87 Initial indications point to a central role for investment in the remodelling of existing supported
housing schemes. Properly anchored in an over-arching strategy, remodelling has the potential for
making best use of existing properties and revenue resources, and also for creating
accommodation best tailored to the residents’ needs.
Housing for Black and Minority Ethnic communities
8.88 Households from BME communities should have the same level of access to housing as the wider
community in the East of England. However, research in a few areas of the Region has
demonstrated that this is not always the case. Part of the problem is the variety of factors which
lead to members of BME communities effectively not being able to exercise the same choice in
housing. Other culturally specific factors can lead to special housing needs for which there is
simply insufficient provision.
8.89 Since the RHS aims to ensure that all people in the East of England have access to good
housing, it proposes that, wherever appropriate, specific investment should be targeted
on BME needs where these would not otherwise be addressed.
8.90 The implementation of this policy will be challenging, given the poor quality of information
generally available on this issue; it also demands that housing providers and enablers develop
better channels of communication with the communities whose needs are not being heard. This
is evidenced in the poor response of recent years to regional initiatives inviting bids for schemes
to be funded under this theme.
8.91 Until a better regional evidence base has been developed, it is proposed that up to 3%
of investment is allocated under this theme, and that it should be targeted on
Bedfordshire and Essex, where recent research work has created a basis for enabling
appropriate schemes to be brought forward.
Housing for refugees
Regional Housing Strategy for the East of England: 2005–2010
8.92 SRHP investment provision for refugees is informed by the regionally commissioned research into
the accommodation needs of refugees. Any specific provision for refugees would be encompassed
within the BME community theme as detailed above.
8.93 The research has highlighted the types of areas where the asylum seeker population is located.
Once permission to settle has been received refugees may seek social housing, and may be more
likely to do so in these areas. Access to social housing in suitable types and locations in these areas
must be kept under review, with EERA/RHB considering how investment should be targeted,
particularly in the dispersal areas and other areas with significant numbers of asylum seekers. This
should be linked to the emerging NASS accommodation strategy.
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