Community Development Foundation research identifies Phoenix as an example of good practice

In ‘Growing and sustaining self help: taking the Big Society from words to action’ Phoenix’s Housing Plus project is highlighted for its important contribution to delivering locally managed, community led self help solution to the on going problems of empty buildings and the under supply of affordable accommodation. To view the full report, please click here. As part of the process Phoenix staff and members were invited to attend a meeting with government officials from Communities and Local Government, the Office for Civil Society and the Cabinet office.
Many thanks to all the members who took part in this research!

http://www.phoenixhousingcoop.org/docs/CDF_report_2010.pdf

How do we maximise the use of empty homes?’ Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) report

The HCA has published its summary report from the online consultation discussion which took place between 12th July to 31st August 2010. Many thanks to all Phoenix members who contributed to our consultation response. In total, 138 individual comments were submitted and some of the key messages were:

• Tackling empty homes should become a statutory responsibility

• Housing associations need to take on a more proactive role in bringing empty properties back into use

• A consensus that empty homes are a valuable resource that could be used to much great effect as a means of providing  affordable housing, tackling homelessness and preventing the blight of local areas.

• There is a vast amount of good practice taking place in the sector but more support is needed to promote the less traditional routes to maximising the use of empty homes

• Funding needs to be flexed to allow smaller community organisations to get financial support to bring empty homes back into use.

The full report can be viewed at:

http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/public/documents/Empty_homes_debate_summary_report_Sept10_1.pdf

PhoenixFlame relaunched

There will be 3 General Meetings held in 2011.

1. Wednesday 27th April 2011 (Annual General Meeting)

2. Wednesday 6th July 2011 (Summer General Meeting)

3. Wednesday 2nd November 2011 (Winter General Meeting)

More information about these meetings will be sent out to all members closer to the time. All members are encouraged to attend these meetings in order to keep up to date with all the developments within YOUR Co-op!

Wednesday 23rd February 2011

Wednesday 23rd March 2011

>Wednesday 20th April 2011

Wednesday 25th May 2011

Wednesday 22nd June 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011

Wednesday 24th August 2011

Wednesday 28th September 2011

Wednesday 26th October 2011

Wednesday 30th November 2011

All Phoenix members are welcome to attend and observe the meeting. In order to be co-opted on to the Committee you must observe for 3 consecutive meetings. To find out more about the work of Phoenix’s Management Committee, please contact Colin in the Oxford House office on 020 7 033 9539

As some of you will be aware the government is committed to carrying out a fundamental reform of social housing. The government claim that “these changes will:

· make the system fairer, striking a proper balance between the needs of new and existing tenants

· ensure that the support which social housing provides is focused on those who need it most for as long as they need it

· give local authorities and housing associations new powers so that they can make best use of their housing, in a way which best meets the needs of individual households and their local area”

To view Phoenix’s consultation submission please click here…

Thank you very much and see you soon.