Resources
Publications
The following publications were used in developing
general conclusions for the report, and also provide
additional references in the field.
Remote Control
Pearl, M. and Scanlon, M. (2002) Remote Control: Housing
associations and e-governance. Policy Press
This study for the Housing Corporation concluded that
as a whole the sector has underperformed in its exploitation
of information and communication technology; despite
a small number of exemplars there is a widespread lack
of vision; landlords need to recognise the need for
cultural change to fully engage with IT. More engagement
with residents is needed, with training for residents
and board members. Housing associations need to recognise
the potential of technology to both create and/or bridge
the digital divide, that is, the potential exclusion
from services of those without access to technology.
Civic and community technology
David Wilcox and Martyn Pearl researched and wrote
an article on 'Civic and community technology' for the
Journal of the Communications Network, Vol. 1, Part
1, April-June 2002, pp. 47-55.
In summary they found:
Civic and community use of the Internet is important
to the UK Government because of its targets for moving
services online, and to commerce because of the insights
it provides into user styles and preferences. It is
also crucial in the development and re-energising of
our social and civic institutions. This article explores
the potential of civic Internet use - but concludes
that many of our institutions are failing to rise to
the challenge.
The article, with additional references and interviews,
is available at http://www.makingthenetwork.org/docs/journal.htm
Social housing and electronic service delivery
'Social care, social housing and electronic service
delivery' JRF Findings, March 2002 - Ref 342
Research by Nicholas Pleace and Deborah Quilgars of
the Centre for Housing Policy, University of York, indicates
mixed progress in developing electronic service delivery,
uncertainty about the concept among service users and
front-line staff and a need for increased consultation.
Social tenants' access to homeworking opportunities
'Social tenants' access to homeworking opportunities',
JRF Findings, April 2002 - Ref 452
Tim Dwelly highlights the problems that residents are
likely to have in making full use of the Internet for
learning or working from home. He identified that the
overall take-up of Internet use - now in over 40 per
cent of homes - has enabled one in four of the workforce
to carry out some of their work from home. However,
allocation policies and tenancy agreements usually means
that tenants have no spare room for themselves or children
to use a PC quietly, and are discouraged or forbidden
to run a business from home.
This and the other JRF Findings are available at http://www.jrf.org.uk.
Internet sites
The following housing associations and groups are
mentioned in the text of this report:
London and Quadrant:
http://www.residentsonline.org.uk
L&Q pioneered online services including report-a-repair
and complaints. They also offer advice on benefits online,
and ICT training courses for residents.
Swan
http://www.tenants-online.co.uk
Swan Housing Group has online services including repairs
reporting and
a secure facility to review and pay rent online, as
well as an online learning zone. Tenants who sign up
for free ICT training can get a free set-top box enabling
Internet access through their TV.
Peabody Trust: http://www.peabody.org.uk
Peabody provides information online for tenants, and
also computer and Internet training.
Redbricks: http://www.redbricks.org.uk
Residents on this Manchester estate have low-cost Internet
access, websites and a sophisticated internal communication
system (intranet) developed on a DIY basis by their
technology volunteers.
Housit: http://www.housit.org.uk
This site, funded by the Housing Corporation, has articles
from 2000 to 2001 detailing some early housing technology
initiatives.
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