1. Challenges, Opportunities And Practice In The Social Housing Sector Amanda Hack Head of Economic Development asra Housing Group

2. About asra Housing Group asra Housing Group has been steadily evolving since 1973 and our Head Office is in Leicester We own more than 14,000 homes across the East Midlands and Greater London asra Housing Group consists of Leicester Housing Association Asra Housing Association LHA Support Services We have an operational Financial Inclusion Strategy, which is delivered by our Financial Inclusion Officer who is based in the Income and Tenancy Sustainment Team. We have been awarded £909,978 to deliver Improving Financial Confidence in Leicester

3. Improving Financial Confidence Big Lottery Funded Programme, investing over £30m to support clients in the Social Housing Sector. 37 areas have received awards of up to £1m to tackle 1 or more of the 3 eligible groups: social housing tenants moving in and out of work first time social housing tenants young people who are 16 to 24 years old living in social housing All projects needed to support how they will support the following programme outcomes Social housing residents have greater access to appropriate and affordable financial services and products. Social housing residents have increased skills and confidence to use financial products and services and will continue to apply these skills and confidence. Social housing providers engage most in need residents to enable them to understand the relevance of financial inclusion and capability services.

4. Local issues – Our Research 76% were not worried about debt. However, of those not worried by debt 43% had significant rent arrears 60% said moving into social housing, often from the family home or temporary accommodation had caused financial problems. 97% of respondents had not applied for credit recently 51% they were interested in increasing their knowledge in this area 76% of respondents were unemployed. This increased to 80% for young people and 50% had not worked for 12 months. A large proportion of those who would like support wanted help with budgeting, benefits and managing their home.

5. Leicester Project Main elements: Traditional 1-2-1 support Group sessions Training support New Interactive Gaming, with online training support Resident Network Dragons Den, with business development support Challenging main stream banking Delivery Using local community venues, where other training and support is available Y-Pod, a the YMCA Housing Association/Local authority main offices

6. Governance asra Housing Group Lead bidder for Leicester In partnership with Reaching People, a local Community and voluntary sector consortium, which is a registered charity Also partnering with YMCA, Clockwise and other local Housing Associations Core Delivery Group established, but will develop a steering group with resident representatives. Looking for a local Housing Association agreements on financial support for clients

7. Outcome Aspirations An operational financial inclusion strategy for the City, adopted by partners including the LA Improved data sharing activity Streamlined support service for clients Reduction in arrears for eligible clients Increased access and willingness to access support services for clients Inappropriate lenders go out of business!!!

8. Thank you for listening Questions