Sir, I read with interest the previous edition of Housing Technology (January 2016), especially the articles on the internet of things and smart asset management, and felt compelled to write with my observations on a couple of points raised. Being already involved in the delivery of an IoT project at Two Castles Housing, I wholeheartedly…
Letter from Capita – IoT & asset managementRead More →
Letters
Problems with Right to Buy
Sir – As the election approaches, another day, another promise. The Conservative’s manifesto commitment to give housing association tenants the Right to Buy (RTB) was launched with great fanfare and certainly hit the headlines. But it will also hit very substantial obstacles if the Tories win. They were clearly wooing ‘hard-working’ people in an attempt…
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More transparency in housing
Sir – An increase in the proportion of private sales in mixed tenure blocks is driving demand for greater transparency and accuracy in service charges and estate management in the social housing sector. While social housing tenants might typically pay a flat monthly rental charge which would include their service charges, private-sector leaseholders paying separate…
More transparency in housingRead More →
IT must create value, not just cost savings
Sir – As housing providers prepare for the onset of universal credit, many are naturally looking at the IT solutions on the market to help them achieve the efficiencies they’ll need to succeed in a tougher fiscal environment. As a technology supplier to the sector, you might expect me to support this approach, but I…
IT must create value, not just cost savingsRead More →
Check your business continuity plans
Sir – Inspired by the Scottish referendum and motivated by the upcoming General Election, local authorities are seeking greater regional autonomy and regional devolution is becoming an increasingly higher priority on politicians’ agendas. However, with new opportunities on the horizon, local authorities must not forget their business continuity plans to minimise their exposure to new…
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The benefits of information governance
Sir – Many people regard information governance as another potential compliance issue; something that drains resources as you try to jump through legislative and regulatory hoops. If that’s your position, then perhaps you are failing to see the potential of information governance as a means to drive change, increase efficiency and just generally do things…
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