The scope and mechanisms of CBL schemes is outlined. Information is provided on managing applicant registration and vacancy dissemination, vacancy labelling, bidding for vacancies, applicant prioritisation and shortlisting. The mechanisms developed by the case study landlords to protect potentially disadvantaged applicants are explained. The research assesses the impact of CBL on social housing demand, including unpopular and 'difficult to let' properties. It examines the effect of CBL on lettings outcomes and patterns, and assesses the relationship between CBL and ethnic minority communities. The effects of CBL on tenancy sustainment, housing management performance and cost-effectiveness are evaluated.

CBL systems ‘open up’ the letting of social housing, allowing housing applicants to view details, choose between, and apply for available-to–let properties. CBL aims to transform the letting of social housing from a producer-driven function to a consumer-led service. The system was piloted following the 2000 English Housing Green Paper, and there are plans to extend the system to all local authorities in England by 2010.

The research was commissioned to look at CBL’s longer term effects in terms of:

The research focused on eleven case studies of CBL schemes in England and two in Scotland. It also included national surveys undertaken by the research team, an analysis of published data sources, and in-depth interviews with social landlord staff. An analysis and interpretation of administrative data related to the operation of the CBL systems was included. Qualitative fieldwork was conducted in six of the English case study areas: Bolton, Bradford, Herefordshire, Newham, Nottingham and Sheffield. This involved one-to-one in-depth interviews and discussions with CBL users, and interviews with community and voluntary groups.

The impact of CBL on lettings outcomes may have some impact in boosting demand for previously unpopular housing. The evidence suggests that CBL generates less ethnically concentrated patterns of lettings than traditional allocations. People in need of social housing might be disadvantaged by CBL. There is no evidence to suggest that CBL could disadvantage statutory homeless households. In some cases intra-area residential mobility has increased, as has the speed at which empty properties are re-let. Service users had mixed views about the transparency and fairness of the CBL process.

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 020 7944 4400
Contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

01/10/2006

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Hal Pawson et al.

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing policy

Social housing