The evaluation describes the Homebuy and New Build products available under the Key Worker Living (KWL) programme. The take-up of Homebuy and New Build is outlined, together with information on the geographical distribution. Key workers’ choices and experience are explored and levels of satisfaction assessed. The labour market and community impact of KWL is evaluated, focusing on the impact on recruitment and retention. The operation of the KWL scheme is investigated in different market contexts from case study areas. Various operational and customer service issues are highlighted and recommendations are made improving the delivery of KWL.

The KWL programme was set up to address recruitment and retention problems for public sector key workers by providing housing solutions in areas of high cost housing. It is a 725 million pound programme funded by Communities and Local Government. The programme aims to provide housing for personnel in public services such as health, education and community safety, in areas of high cost housing in London and the South East. It offers workers an equity loan to help them buy a home on the open market (Homebuy), or shared ownership or reduced rental on new homes built by Registered Social Landlords (New Build). The study was undertaken to assess the early outcomes of the programme and to make recommendations on improvements.

The evaluation draws on: a review of documents and research relating to key workers; face-to-face interviews with Zone Agents; face to face and telephone interviews with key workers and other stakeholders; an analysis of the Housing Corporation’s Investment Management System; an analysis of a postal survey of key workers accessing the programme, carried out in summer 2005; area-based case studies and qualitative interviews with key workers; data analysis to explore the operation of the KWL scheme in different market contexts; and interviews with New Build Registered Social Landlords.

The KWL programme has been made use of by 3,413 Homebuy and 836 New Build households, in a variety of different types of households and different geographical locations. There is a high degree of satisfaction among survey respondents with the products available, and with value for money. Accessing KWL has impacted on career decisions and improved recruitment and retention in key worker professions. The study found variations in the rates of satisfaction with the performance of Zone Agents and the administration of the programme. The programme appears to be reaching the target group, but there may be shortcomings in the way the programme is monitored.

Communities and Local Government
Eland House, Bressenden Place
SW1E 5DU London
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
Contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

01/09/2006

F Battye, B Bishop, P Harris, A Murie, R Rowlands, A Tice (GHK Consulting Ltd and Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Birmingham)

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing policy

Housing need