Aksa Homes’ Tenant Analysis 2 July 2013 Dr Alexander Roy Head of Research, New Economy

Neighbourhoods Oldham North (Coldhurst) Oldham South (Werneth) Oldham East (St Mary’s) Manchester (Cheetham Hill) Aksa Homes wanted to produce a ‘state of the nation’ report of their tenants to better understand their tenants. New Economy was asked to compile and analyse data from previous surveys and Aksa’s central records in order to understand: Demographics Labour market profile Tenants’ views of neighbourhoods Demand for Aksa Services Oldham North (Coldhurst) -158 properties Oldham East (St. Mary’s) -176 properties Oldham South (Werneth) -150 properties Bury (Redvales) -61 properties Manchester (Cheetham Hill) -94 properties Ashton-under-Lyne (St. Peter’s) -36 properties Ashton-under-Lyne (St Peter’s)

Profile Aksa Homes are in neighbourhoods characterised by high levels of multiple deprivation ... ... but Aksa tenants’ have positive view of neighbourhoods

Demographics >80% from BME backgrounds: 79.4% Bangladeshi in Oldham North Pakistani main group in other areas Larger than average housing units due to large family sizes, esp. large nos. of children: 23% at risk of overcrowding (4x national average for social housing) 48% at risk of under-occupancy & benefit reductions Particularly prevalent in Oldham North 42.6% of Aksa tenants aware of downsizing scheme

Strengths Community spirit and neighbourliness highly rated amongst Aksa tenants Local amenities also highly rated 28% of tenants want to be more involved in the community Reluctance to move away from their neighbourhood: 84% would buy their home or one nearby if they could afford to Aksa maintenance rated highly by over half (53%) of tenants The research found Aksa tenants have generally positive views of their neighbourhoods: Neighbourhoods scored high with tenants Lowest score of 7.0/10 in Ashton-under-Lyne -- still a high score 27.7% of tenants want to be more involved in the community Tenant panels Gardening clubs Reluctance to move away from area: 91.3% in Coldhurst would buy their house or one in the neighbourhood if they had the money

Concerns & Support Access to jobs most significant obstacle faced by tenants 49% unemployed cf. 10% in Oldham & social renters as whole Most popular support from Aksa around employability & finance plus training Other issues incl. availability of targeted services & high-quality entertainment e.g. for the elderly, childcare, youth facilities Reflected in demand for assistance from Aksa in social activities & health issues The research found Aksa tenants have generally positive views of their neighbourhoods: Neighbourhoods scored high with tenants Lowest score of 7.0/10 in Ashton-under-Lyne -- still a high score 27.7% of tenants want to be more involved in the community Tenant panels Gardening clubs Reluctance to move away from area: 91.3% in Coldhurst would buy their house or one in the neighbourhood if they had the money

Conclusions Aksa tenants’ have positive view of their community And loyalty to their neighbourhoods and Aksa But these neighbourhoods face serious challenges around worklessness and financial security Aksa’s tenant profile is associated with low levels of English usage And suffers from both overcrowding and under-occupancy Aksa working in partnership with stakeholders to provide targeted and sustained support and community investment Further anonymous research into informal economic activity and benefit dependency may reveal useful further insights The research found Aksa tenants have generally positive views of their neighbourhoods: Neighbourhoods scored high with tenants Lowest score of 7.0/10 in Ashton-under-Lyne -- still a high score 27.7% of tenants want to be more involved in the community Tenant panels Gardening clubs Reluctance to move away from area: 91.3% in Coldhurst would buy their house or one in the neighbourhood if they had the money

Thank you Any questions? alex.roy@neweconomymanchester.com www.neweconomymanchester.com