Publications
Our publications focus on the latest policy topics and practical advice that you need to do your job. CIH members can access all our publication documents for free, please ensure you are logged into the website.
New ways of helping homeowners
The purpose of this paper is to consider alternatives to the operation of the current private sector grant regime in Northern Ireland.
Lets get building
A new report jointly produced by CIH, LGA, ARCH, CWAG and NFA which makes the case for allowing local authorities to raise loans to build more homes.
Housing Dispute Resolution - Briefing Paper
This briefing revisits the arguments for taking housing cases out of the courts and into a tribunal model of dispute resolution
An estimation of housing need among wheelchair users in Scotland
With support from CIH Scotland, this report recommends increased new build provision for wheelchair users and greater emphasis on adaptations as two key solutions.
How to work in partnership with the private rented sector to tackle homelessness
In recent years, homelessness has become an increasingly challenging problem and this has coincided with increased pressure on local authority housing budgets and continued constricted housing supply. A tougher economic climate and welfare reform is also likely to present further challenges.
This 'how-to' guide looks at how local authorities can develop relationships with the private rented sector to tackle homelessness and to support tenants to sustain their tenancies in the private rented sector.
Preparing for the Bedroom Tax and Beyond - Practice Guidance from CIH Scotland
Bedroom Tax and Beyond is a useful and practical guide to preparing for the Bedroom Tax from April 2013
This is also relevant to planning for the subsequent phased introduction of Universal Credit from October 2013
The challenges of developing and maintaining mixed tenure housing
CIH Scotland has carried out a short piece of research into the practical challenges of developing and then managing mixed tenure developments in Scotland.
How to help tenants manage their money
This guide considers the practical ways you can help your tenants improve their money management, access financial products which are right for them and know where to turn for advice and support.
How to tackle tenancy fraud
This guide provides an overview of the most effective counter-tenancy fraud measures, based on good practice collected from providers across England
Preventing the fraudulent misuse of socially rented properties is a priority for housing associations and local authorities alike, but concerns about where to start and how to make an impact without unnecessary expense can be a challenge.
Charter Toolkit – Measuring the Scottish social housing charter
This toolkit seeks to provide advice to councils and housing associations on how to respond to the challenge of evidencing compliance with Charter outcomes through a process of self-assessment
How to reduce under-occupation
With 1.7 million households on housing waiting lists in England and turnover of social rented homes at around 5 per cent, there has never been a more pressing need for social landlords to make the best possible use of the homes that they own and manage.
This briefing provides guidance on how to make downsizing a positive choice for tenants and includes several practical examples of organisations that run successful downsizing schemes.
Sponsored by Housing Partners
How to tackle disability related harassment
This how to briefing sets out what providers should be doing to respond to this challenge.
According to a poll commissioned by the Disability Rights Commission, one third of disabled adults and nearly half of adults with a mental health condition do not feel safe in their locality. As the social rented sector provides homes to a high percentage of disabled people, housing providers have a crucial role to play in tackling disability related hate crime.
How to deliver excellent customer service
To build a good and lasting relationship with your customers you need to find out what they want from you and – as far as you can – meet their expectations.
Excellent customer service is not an add-on to the business: it’s a vital component which needs to be valued and owned by all – if one part of the business doesn’t do this, it can affect the reputation and performance of the whole. It’s about getting the core business basics right and understanding how and where you can add extra value.
The practical implications of tenure reform
This how to covers the practical implications of tenure reform and will be of use to anyone who is likely to work with fixed term tenancies.
Areas covered include the nature of fixed term tenancies for both local authorities and housing associations, the relationship between fixed term tenancies and affordable rent, the rights of tenants with a fixed term tenancy and the processes for ending a fixed term tenancy.
How to develop your complaints process
This how to guide sets out key features of a successful complaints process, also summarising the forthcoming changes to regulation and to the ombudsman service that housing providers must be aware of
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