The Community Housing Division has the charter to undertake the strategic development of the community housing sector and promote client-focused and efficient service delivery.
The Division is entrusted with ensuring the community housing system is effectively managed, operates in the public interest, and is accountable to Government.
Since its establishment in July 1996, the Community Housing Division has developed the infrastructure and framework to deliver a comprehensive range of planning, delivery and monitoring services. A streamlined reporting process and an accreditation system are two initiatives in this area.
As a priority, the Community Housing Division is also developing strategies that promote a partnership approach to development of diverse, quality social housing. The aim is to provide genuine client choice by encouraging innovative community based projects that respond to increasingly complex housing needs.
Simple Multiplier Tool to determine the correct amount of income for rent assessment for all single pensioners
The 2009-10 Australian Government Budget introduced a range of changes to pensions which have come into effect on 20 September 2009. The NSW Government has decided to quarantine the one-off pension increase for single pensioners from rent assessment for 12 months, until 20 September 2010.
The Multiplier Tool (Excel file, 26KB) will help community housing providers assess the appropriate amount from single pensions to be quarantined and excluded from rent assessment. This tool is to be used to determine the correct amount of income for rent assessment for all single pensioners, disregarding whether they are on a full or part rate pension. An updated version of the Multiplier Tool will be released in March 2010 when pension rates change.
Towards a National Regulatory Framework
4 August 2009
Since the initial development work on the National Regulatory Framework, the introduction of Commonwealth initiatives such as the National Rental Affordability Scheme and the National Partnership Agreement on the Nation Building and Jobs Scheme is expected to result in rapid growth of the not for profit housing sector.
As a result, a re-scoping project has been undertaken to test whether the work undertaken to date remains the right approach to regulation in the current national housing policy environment.
The project involved holding workshops in sydney, Melbourne and Canberra to seek the views of sector representatives from across Australia in relation to six options for a national regulatory system. Further information can be found in the Communique, Discussion Paper (PDF file, 426 KB)and workshop consultation feedback (PDF file, 120 KB)
For further information please contact the Community Housing Division directly on (02) 87538280.
Property Transfer Program
7 July 2009
Under the Property Transfer Program, Housing NSW is transferring the management of 1000 public housing properties by December 2009 in selected locations across NSW to a local community housing provider.
15 June 2009
The new Housing Regulation 2009, which commenced on 1 May 2009, was developed through extensive consultation with the sector and will help to ensure financial viability, quality housing and continued growth in community housing.
The Regulation was made under the regulation making powers of the Housing Act 2001 (NSW).
The Housing Regulation 2009 outlines a regulatory code for community housing that providers must comply with in order to receive assistance from Housing NSW. Assistance is defined as funding, land, property and partnership arrangements.
The new regulatory system replaces the Performance Based Registration System.
Swimming Pools in Community Housing
12 June 2009
There has been interest in recent months about swimming pools and child safety in the home. When making decisions about retaining existing swimming pools or approving applications to install new pools, community housing providers should:
- carefully consider the requirements of the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008;
- be aware of your ongoing responsibilities and liabilities under the Act and Regulation - particularly with regard to swimming pool fencing; and
- discuss the associated risks with Marsh, your insurance broker on 1300 369 808.
Please refer to the NSW Office of Fair Trading website at http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ and your Local Council for further information about the requirements of the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008.
Latest edition of the Community Housing eNews
5th May 2009
The latest edition of the Community Housing eNews - April 2009 (PDF file, 550k), includes updates on the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan, Stock Transfer Project, Community Housing Leasing Program Funding Reform, plus much more.
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