All social landlords, including local authorities and ALMOs, have an extremely important role to play in making sure their tenants and leaseholders are part of the digital revolution in broadcasting and not excluded from it. Nobody will want to see blank screens occur at switchover.
It is imperative that local authorities with responsibility for housing stock are fully aware of the implications of the switchover programme and have a robust action plan in place in order to take any necessary action in good time. This is of particular importance where properties make use of communal systems which provide TV signals to a number of users from a single set of aerials or dishes. This can be used with all types of dwellings, from small numbers of detached houses through tower blocks, to entire estates of several thousand households.
It is likely that many communal TV systems will need upgrading to receive digital signals and to deliver them with sufficient quality to households.
Upgrading systems will most often be the responsibility of the ‘landlord’ although costs may be recovered, where appropriate, from residents through service charges. Delivery of TV through communal aerial systems is deemed Housing Benefit eligible. Upgrading communal reception systems can incur temporary upheaval and does not come for free but can offer a number of advantages in addition to the greater choice of TV it provides to residents.
Many of the difficulties can be avoided with careful planning. Residents will naturally need to be made aware of the different types of system which are available and the services they offer set against costs and the process for installation. Landlords therefore need to make themselves familiar with the options, involve residents through consultation and make the necessary changes in good time for switchover in the regions in which they operate. Our Property managers’ guide provides information and advice about how to prepare properties for switchover.
Some landlords are already utilising digital systems to bring healthcare, employment opportunities and community programming to residents. Others are exploring its applications in delivering housing management services, including payment of rent and administering of repairs.
Local authorities may also play an important role in making sure that other types of housing provider are aware of switchover and what it means for them. For example authorities who run accreditation schemes for private rented properties can play a useful role in making sure landlords have access to appropriate information.
Digital UK has launched ‘Homes set for digital’ which is a certification mark that housing providers and managers can use to show their commitment to providing quality homes and services. The licence to use the certification mark will be available to those public and private sector housing organisations that can demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to be able to guarantee delivery of digital TV services, at switchover, to all homes where the organisation is responsible for the provision, management or maintenance of the aerial system. The work to the properties has to be completed at least 3 months in advance of switchover in that region. Find out more about the scheme.
Digital UK has set up a dedicated Property managers’ guide (www.digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers) to provide more help. You can also contact our specialist housing team by emailing us housing@digitaluk.co.uk
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has worked closely with Digital UK to consider the implications of switchover for its tenants. It has assessed its own housing stock and analysed areas of potential problems. The area currently has a number of reception ‘blackspots’ particularly in valley areas, and switchover will bring improvements to around 96% of households in the area. The council is making sure that its efforts to inform tenants and residents are linked to Digital UK’s activities. Housing officers, sheltered scheme managers, social workers and even district nurses will be briefed and trained to provide advice and support. The council is particularly targeting staff in the most deprived areas. Robert Rees, Head of Housing, says: ‘do the thinking early. Be clear on what decisions you have to take when, for example on whether your council needs to become a provider or be a go-between with providers and tenants.’
