Appendix 6

Glossary of terms

Affordable housing

Social rented and intermediate housing provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market.

Best Value performance indicator

A set of national performance indicators set by the Government.

Choice-based lettings

A system of allocating Council and RSL housing which gives applicants a choice in where they are housed. Due for implementation by 2010.

Communities and Local Government (CLG)

Government department that sets UK policy on local government, housing, urban regeneration, planning and fire and rescue. Responsible for all race equality and community cohesion-related issues in England, and for building regulations, fire safety and some housing issues in England and Wales.

East Kent Audit Partnership

A partnership of auditors from Dover, Shepway and Thanet councils who share a range of different auditing skills.

Floating support

Support that is attached to the person and not the property and can follow a service user if they move to another address. It only lasts for as long as the service user needs it and then “floats” away to the next person in need.

General Fund

A local authority’s main revenue fund. All day-to-day spending on services is met from this account apart from those that relate to the housing stock, which are charged to the Housing Revenue Account.

GOSE

Government Office of the South East.

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)

An assessment of the current and future housing and support needs of the gypsy and traveller community.

Housing Corporation

The statutory body that is responsible for supervising and monitoring RSLs.

Housing Quality Network

A consultancy that provides a range of services to the social housing sector.

Housing Revenue Account

A local authority’s revenue account for council housing.

KentReconnection Policy

Developed by the Joint Policy and Planning Board for Housing, this policy aims to ensure equal access to short-term supported accommodation for homeless and vulnerable people irrespective of their area of local connection; thereafter enabling them to return to their area of local connection in a planned way.

KCHT Breakthrough

Part of KCHT, a charitable company that provides care and support to vulnerable people. KCHT Breakthrough provides support to children and their families who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Former Government department, replaced in May 2006 by CLG.

Porchlight (formerly known as the East Kent Cyrenians)

An independent registered charity that provides outreach and resettlement services for street homeless people, supported accommodation for single homeless people and floating support for those at risk of homelessness.

Primary Care Trust (PCT)

Responsible for planning and providing health care services. One PCT covers East Kent, The Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT.

Private Sector Leasing (PSL) scheme

Scheme to lease homes from the private sector as an alternative to placing homeless families in bed and breakfast accommodation

Private sector stock condition survey

Undertaken by local authorities as a means of maintaining a detailed picture of house conditions in the private sector.

Registered Social Landlord

Housing organisations that are registered with the Housing Corporation. Includes housing associations, industrial and provident societies and not-for-profit companies.

Rent Deposit Scheme

Enables homeless households to access private sector accommodation by providing a repayable rent deposit, and where appropriate, one months rent in advance.

Right to Buy

The Housing Act 1980 granted most secure tenants of non-charitable RSLs and local authorities the right to buy their home at a discount, after a minimum period of residence.

Scrine Foundation

A Canterbury-based charity that works to improve the lives of vulnerable and/or marginalised members of the community.

Shelter

A national charity that provides advice on housing and homelessness

Single agency assessment

Enables statutory partner agencies to refer applicants who require housing due to a health/support need.

Strategic Housing Market Assessment

A sub-regional study of housing need, demand, and market conditions that provides a basis for local authorities to develop planning and housing policies. Replaces the local Housing Needs Assessment, which has been traditionally undertaken by local authorities to measure the need for affordable housing.

Supporting People

A programme to deliver housing related support services to vulnerable people through a single funding stream.

Third sector

The Government defines the Third sector as non-governmental organisations that are value-driven. Includes voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals. The definition also includes housing associations.

Contents

Foreword

Executive Summary

Strategic Context

East Kent Perspective

Achievements and Progress

Reviewing the Service

Strategic Priorities

Resources and Funding

Monitoring and Reviewing

Action Plan

Appendix 1 - East Kent Homelessness Forum