Social Investment tax relief

Here is some information released by the Dept of Culture this week:

1) SIBs

The Centre for Social Impact Bonds is hosting another of its’ popular webinars on Thurs 3 Aug 10-11am.  The theme for this webinar is Social Prescribing and will consider social invest ment models to support this agenda. It is aimed at commissioners, but anyone is welcome to join.

The details are:

https://www.gotomeet.me/socialpxwebinar

You can also dial in using your phone.

United Kingdom: +44 330 221 0097

Access Code: 333-352-693

 

2) SITR

Some of my team at the Office for Civil Society are looking at Social Investment Tax Relief, and would love to know what you think about the government’s tax relief for social investment. Social Investment Tax Relief is intended to encourage individuals to support charities and social enterprises and helps them access new sources of finance.

My colleagues are carrying out a research project aiming to understand how and why social sector organisations raise investment through Social investment Tax Relief – and why they choose not to.

We would be very grateful if you can fill in this short survey as part of this research. The survey is anonymous and the responses will be only used for the purpose of the project. We would appreciate if you can send your answers by 9th August.
If you would like to have a further conversation about Social Investment Tax Relief, please e-mail nicholas.wyver@culture.gov.uk.

by Paul Schofield

Reports of price hiking on building materials

A third of small building firms say that soaring material prices are squeezing their margins and almost a quarter have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders.

According to 24 Housing:

Construction SMEs have reported a range of material price increases since the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum in June 2016. Small building firms were asked which materials have increased the most and the results were as follows:

  • Timber
  • Insulation
  • Bricks
  • Blocks
  • Windows
  • Plasterboard / Slate (joint sixth)
  • Boilers and radiators
  • Porcelain products

The impact of these material price increases include:

  • 85% of builders think material price rises could drive consumers to hire rogue traders in an effort to save money on their building projects
  • One third of construction SMEs (32%) have had their margins squeezed
  • Almost one quarter (22%) have been forced to pass material price increases onto their clients, making projects more expensive for consumers
  • More than one-in-ten builders report making losses on their building projects due to material price increases.

Fixed term tenure advice? check this out

Do you need to know more about Fixed term tenancies?

The government introduced fixed term tenancies through the passing of the Localism Act 2011 and through changes to the regulatory framework for social housing. This briefing aims to see how the use of fixed term tenancies has evolved since their introduction, focusing on case studies of organisations who have adopted fixed term tenancies and their observations of how they have worked in practice.

Here is a useful guide from the CIH, thanks:

Sector Showcase Fixed Term Tenancies

What are you trying to find out about?

Here is a handy guide from CIH to support your research:

This briefing is aimed at people working in housing who need to carry out research as part of their work.

It gives a basic outline of the research process and some of the things you will need to consider in a research project.

What you need to know about research

 

JRF report into minimum income standards – views from the UK public

This is the 2017 update of the Minimum Income Standard for the UK, based on what the public think people need for an acceptable minimum standard of living, according to new research by  the Joseph Rowntree Foundation:

Here is the report:

mis_2017_final_report_0

This report shows:

  • the incomes different family types require in 2017 to meet the minimum standard
  • how the cost of a minimum household budget has changed since the last update in 2016, and
  • how the incomes of people on benefits, and of those working on the National Living Wage, compare to what they need according to MIS.

It recommends two main actions:

  • The Government should lift the freeze on working-age tax credits and Universal Credit, so that support keeps up with the rising cost of living.
  • Alongside this, the Government should lift the freeze on the Work Allowance, so that families can keep more of their earnings.

Low income families and home purchase

The Social Mobility Commission, an advisory body to the government, concluded that low-cost homeownership schemes are “unlikely to increase ownership among low-income groups”.

Drawing together various pieces of research, the commission noted that while the median household income of working families is around £30,000 annually, 80% of those benefiting from low-cost homeownership schemes earned more than that.

According to Inside Housing:

“Because of the high cost of housing, most of these schemes are unable to help families on even average earnings, the report found.

For example, the median income of a household receiving a loan under Help to Buy was £41,323, compared to a nationwide median income of £39,834.

The costs of shared ownership are less than those of outright ownership first-time buyers, the report found, looking at analysis from the National Housing Federation.

It noted, however, various problems with the tenure, including the fact that the burden for repairs falls on the shared owner.

While recommending models that do not involve ownership, the report also encouraged greater targeting of low-cost homeownership schemes at lower-income households by, for example, restricting the income threshold for applicants.

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “This government is determined to make housing more affordable and we’re investing £7.1bn to build more affordable homes.

“We’ve already helped more than 400,000 households into homeownership through government-backed schemes since 2010, and the number of first-time buyers is at a nine-year annual high.” ”

Are we prepared for a surge in Universal credit applications?

Landlords could see the number of their tenants claiming Universal Credit multiply by up to nine times when their area moves to full digital roll-out, according to a Chartered Institute of Housing’s Sam Lister.

Sam Lister, policy and practice officer at the CIH, pointed to government figures showing the numbers of claimants on Universal Credit in areas that have already moved to the full digital service.
According to reports in the CIH magazine:

“This shows large increases of claimants in areas such as Bath, Bridgwater and Newcastle.

He said: “If Universal Credit hasn’t hit you or you don’t see it as a big thing, you will this time next year if the programme goes ahead at the rate it is intended to.”

Under Universal Credit a number of working-age benefits, including housing benefit, are wound into one payment.

Until now the scheme has been ‘live’ everywhere but has only been open to certain groups of people and the system has been largely a pen and paper exercise, with landlords able to phone the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for information about tenants’ claims.

When areas move to the full digital service, all new claimants will switch to Universal Credit and will do so using an online system that social landlords will not be able to access.

Source: DWP/CIH

Source: DWP/CIH

This means more people will move on to Universal Credit and landlords will have to work harder to understand which of their tenants are claiming.

David Rafferty, performance leader at Home Group, which operates in one of the digital service areas, said emails to the DWP to clarify information is “resource intensive”.

A total of 16 job centres have been operating the digital service since 2016, and a further 18 were due to start by the end of June. However, the pace will pick up, with all 700 job centres expected to have made the switch by September 2018. The service will then be rolled out to existing claimants.

The DWP is developing a ‘landlord portal’ to help communication with landlords, while landlords with ‘trusted partner’ status will automatically be able to make alternative payment arrangements for tenants where necessary.”

Meanwhile – the Citizens advice bureau report is warning in a new report:

A new report published by the charity yesterday found that 57% of claimants are having to borrow money while waiting for their first payment.

It said 39% are waiting on the first payment for longer than the six weeks it should take.

Claimants are also struggling with the applications process, the charity said, with 30% of the study’s respondents having to call the Universal Credit helpline more than 10 times and some waiting more than 30 minutes to get through.

Report suggests we need more women in building industry

The report,  The gender and age profile of the house-building sector warns of a significant shortfall in workers caused by an over-reliance on an ageing, male-dominated workforce and potential restrictions to migrant labour following Brexit.

With estimates showing that the sector needs to recruit 700,000 more people to replace those retiring or moving on, plus an extra 120,000 if the government’s aim to build one million new homes by 2020 is to be achieved (source: The Farmer Review of the UK Construction Labour Model), the NHBC Foundation report calls on government and housebuilders to recognise the seriousness of the problem and to act now to address the shortfall.

The report, based on data from the Office of National Statistics’ Labour Force Survey and detailed interviews with housebuilding companies and senior industry commentators, provides valuable insights into age and gender diversity within the housebuilding sector.

According to commentary in 24 Housing:

“Just 12% of the UK’s housebuilding workforce is female, the majority working in secretarial or administration jobs, with less than 4% having a skilled trade role.

The report also finds that young people, especially girls, are put off working in the industry because of the negative, stereotypical image of a male-dominated house-building industry.

Some of the major challenges for the industry in attracting women and young people include:

  • Working conditions – the belief that all work in the industry takes place outdoors in all weathers
  • Fears of a sexist environment – concerns about the language and behaviour of male workers on site
  • Poor hiring and recruitment practices  – over reliance on gender-biased recruitment literature and advertising and over-use of personal contacts and networks to recruit workers
  • Skills shortages – cycles of recession and growth mean that many skilled workers leave the industry during downturns, which has a knock-on effect of reducing the talent pool
  • Outsourcing of site staff – a large proportion of on-site trade roles are managed by sub-contractors, and therefore house-building companies themselves have little say on who is actually working on site.

One of the main findings of the report is that women are still seriously under-represented in skilled, technical and managerial roles in house building. It identifies a number of challenges that need to be tackled by the sector, and the broader construction industry, that are deep-rooted and endemic, such as ongoing stereotyping and antiquated recruitment practices.

Uninformed and outdated careers advice in schools is also failing to make all young people aware of the variety of jobs and roles on offer, with advisers unable to promote effectively the many attractive career opportunities in the sector.

Chi Onwurah MP said: “Having worked as an electrical engineer for two decades I know the importance of achieving greater diversity in male-dominated professions.

“Like NHBC, I believe more can be done to promote opportunities for  women in the housebuilding sector and inspire the sector’s next generation of female leaders.

“It’s hugely encouraging to see NHBC recognise that diversity isn’t an optional add-on but a key measure of success in the modern world.”

Commenting on the report, NHBC head of research and innovation, Neil Smith, said: “Young people and young women in particular need to be made aware of the wide range of roles in the housebuilding industry.

“From design to engineering and site management, many careers in house building are rewarding and well paid, offering work in a variety of roles and environments.”

The report has a number of recommendations to help government and companies tackle the problem including;

Top level/government

  • Recognition and awareness – government must acknowledge that the current lack of diversity is a serious issue that results in the industry missing out on talent
  • Sustained investment – government and housing developers should commit to continued investment to sustain the talent pool even in times of economic downturn
  • Investment in career guidance – careers education in schools must be prioritised to ensure that young people (and adults throughout their careers) are given impartial, accurate advice to guide them in decision making for their futures.

Companies and Human Resources teams

  • Greater collaboration – companies must work together to provide a consistent approach to tackling diversity
  • Reflection and learning – vital lessons can be learned from other industries and organisations that have successfully begun to tackle diversity issues, e.g. the British military
  • Funding opportunities – initiatives such as apprenticeship academies need further investment to increase their breadth of reach
  • Development of social media – making more effective use of social media to market careers in house building effectively
  • Promotion of women – To highlight female success and inspire the next generation of female leaders in house building, companies should be encouraged to promote more women into senior positions and non-executive board roles
  • Encouragement and support for retraining – to capitalise on talent and loyalty within their business and to promote career progression, companies should consider offering to support current staff, in particular women, to retrain in trade or technical roles
  • Mentoring young people already within the sector – companies should use experienced workers as mentors to give young people role models that they can easily relate to and who demonstrate progression and success.”

Troubled families reports – from DCLG

These reports outline early findings from the evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020.

  • Supporting disadvantaged families, Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020: progress so far

    The first annual report of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020 outlining baseline data about problems families face and early results.

  • National evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020: family outcomes – national and local datasets: part 1

    Outlines the key characteristics of troubled families and the problems they face on entry to the Troubled Families Programme.

  • National evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020: service transformation – case study research: part 1

    Findings from qualitative interviews with families on the Troubled Families Programme and staff involved in the programme’s delivery.

  • National evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020: service transformation – staff survey: part 1

    Findings from the first survey of staff delivering the Troubled Family Programme, conducted in October to November 2015.

  • National evaluation of the Troubled Families Programme 2015 to 2020: family outcomes – family survey: part 1

    Findings of interviews conducted with families as they start on the Troubled Families Programme.

Reports from the full evaluation of the first Troubled Families Programme 2012 to 2020 are available.

Big Society update – July 2017

Office for Civil Society (OCS) Local (North West) – July 2017 FOR INFO Update

 

 

Office for Civil Society (OCS) Updates:

 

Updates from other departments:

 

Stakeholder Updates:

 

Office for Civil Society (OCS) updates:

 

  1. Tracey Crouch announced as Minister for Sport and Civil Society

 

On 15 June, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Karen Bradley  announced her full ministerial team and their portfolios, with Tracey Crouch MP having responsibility for the Office for Civil Society.

 

 

  1. Life Chances Fund – new themes launched and webinar

 

The Life Chances Fund (LCF) was launched in July 2016 with the objective of helping those people in society who face the most significant barriers to leading happy and productive lives. The fund contributes to outcome payments for Social Impact Bonds.

 

We are delighted to announce that the Life Chances Fund is now open for Expressions of interest (EOIs) for Social Impact Bonds for all six themes including two new themes: Older People’s services and Healthy Lives.

 

As a reminder here are the six policy areas in which we are seeking proposals:

  1. Drug and Alcohol
  2. Children’s Services
  3. Young People
  4. Early Years
  5. Older People
  6. Healthy Lives

 

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by noon 15th September 2017 via the LCF website where you can find more information and guidance on the policy areas.

 

Webinar on Wednesday 5 July, 11am to 12pm – The Centre for Social Impact Bonds will be holding a webinar session to walk you through the LCF timeline and application process.

 

This is also an opportunity for you to ask your questions live!

 

Please join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/517588837

 

You can also dial in using your phone. United Kingdom: +44 330 221 0097

 

The Webinar will provide an introduction to the Life Chances Fund and the application process. It will give attendees a chance to ask their questions live.

 

You can view the webinar slides here

 

If you have any questions about LCF, please contact the team at lifechancesfund@biglotteryfund.org.uk

 

If you want to find out more about commissioning for outcomes, check out the website of the Government Outcomes Lab, which has published How-To Guides on procurement and feasibility.

 

 

  1. Mutuals Interim Support Fund

 

The Mutuals INterim Support Fund (MISF) is a grant scheme to support organisations to consider, develop or grow a public service mutual.  The MISF will award grants of up to £25,000 for organisations to purchase professional advice and support to help them consider, develop or grow a public service mutual.  The deadline for applications is midnight, Monday 31 July 2017.

 

What is a public service mutual?

A public service mutual is an organisation which:

  • has spun out (moved out) of the public sector
  • continues to deliver public services
  • enables employees to have a substantial degree of influence and involvement in running the organisation (for example, staff may own shares or have representation on its board)

The public service mutual model encompasses a broad range of employee-led structures, including charities, social enterprises, community interest companies, partnerships, and joint ventures.

 

Why is the government supporting public service mutuals?

The government believes public service mutuals have an important role to play in public service reform and in creating a more inclusive economy. It sees potential for these organisations to drive more innovative, responsive, efficient and better quality public services, enhancing social outcomes in our communities.

 

We want to see a more sustainable, scaled up public service mutuals sector over the course of this Parliament.

The DCMS Mutuals Team encourages and supports the establishment of public service mutuals.  See the introduction to Public Service Mutuals for more information.

 

Updates from other departments:

 

  1. UK government publishes proposals on rights of EU citizens

 

On 26 June, the government published detailed proposals outlining how it intends to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU.

 

In its policy paper, Safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, the government makes clear how EU citizens looking to remain in the UK can do so. The paper confirms the creation of a new ‘settled status’ for EU citizens who arrive before a cut-off date, which is yet to be specified and will be agreed as part of the negotiations with the EU. In the proposal, the UK has committed to safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and guaranteeing full access to public services such as healthcare, education and social housing for both EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals residing in the EU.

 

In addition to the publication of the policy paper, the government has updated its advice for EU citizens living in the UK.

 

 

  1. European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF): useful resources – case study booklets

 

The European Structural and Investment Funds resources website includes details of beneficiaries, publicity materials, regulations and a glossary for organisations running European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund projects.

 

Case study booklets for the European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014 to 2020 have recently been published.

 

For more information see the European Structural and Investment Funds programme for 2014 to 2020 in England guidance webpage.

 

The Government’s latest position is that all European Structural and Investment Funds projects signed, or with funding agreements that were in place before the Autumn Statement 2016, will be fully funded, even when these projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU.

 

For projects signed after the Autumn Statement 2016 and which continue after we have left the EU, funding will be honoured by the Treasury if they provide strong value for money and are in line with domestic priorities. Leaving the EU means the UK Government will want to take its own decisions about how to deliver the policy objectives previously targeted by EU funding.

 

The Government will consult stakeholders to review all EU funding schemes in the round, to ensure any ongoing funding commitments best serve the UK’s national interest.

 

 

Stakeholder Updates:

 

  1. Good Finance and Get Informed – Social Investment Mentors

 

Good Finance, a new website to help charities & social enterprises navigate the often complex world of social investment.  It was designed by charities & social enterprises and developed in collaboration with Big Society Capital, Access, Government and key sector partners.

 

The new website provides organisations with:

 

Get informed – offers practical support, guidance and information to help board members of charities and social enterprises understand the opportunities and risks of social investment.

 

Get a free social investment mentor – Need additional support on social investment? Get informed is offering free mentors to help board members build their skills in this area. Members of the executive team can also apply for a mentor where they are able to demonstrate how the resource will be used to support their board.

 

  1. One grant.

 

COMMUNITY GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR SHARE OF £82,000 SKIPTON BUILDING SOCIETY GRASSROOTS GIVING FUNDING

Community groups across the country are being invited to enter an award scheme which last year gave out £81,500 to good causes.

163 small community groups were celebrating at the end of last year after local supporters helped them secure funding from Skipton Building Society’s Grassroots Giving Scheme. The winners were chosen by public vote after being shortlisted from over 1,000 community organisations across the country.

Now in its fifth year, Grassroots Giving was set up to support small community groups which might not normally attract any sort of funding. In 2017, a total of £82,000 has been made available to reward 164 groups.

Applications are now open and can be made online at www.skiptongrg.co.uk. The groups which make it to the shortlisting stage in August  are then profiled by Skipton, the UK’s fourth largest building society, and then the public will be asked to vote for who they think is the most deserving.

 

  1. One job

 

The Lloyds Bank Foundation is looking to appoint a full time Grant Manager based in the North West of England. This is a 12 month fixed term post which is home-based with frequent travel in the region and to the Foundation’s London Office.