Big Picture Working Group -
Ruth Rider

The Big Picture Working Group had identified two major issues which they initially want to focus their attention on.
These are:

• The supply of affordable rented housing in Calderdale, including young people's homelessness

• The Government's 'Respect' Agenda, a new initiative to tackle the root causes of anti-social behaviour which will have a big impact on Pennine as a social landlord

There are other issues which the group want to look at in the future, such as fuel poverty. The group recognise the importance of connecting with other organisations and will make every effort to attend both regional and national meetings, both to learn more and to have an influence beyond Pennine. Ruth will be attending the launch of the Council's Housing Strategy and a meeting of the West Yorkshire Sounding Board. She will be bringing us up to speed at the next Federation meeting.

TARA (Tenant Associations)
Liaison Working Group -
Eric Sutcliffe

The Working Group has already completed their first task, which was to produce an information leaflet outlining the role of the Federation to be used to promote the Federation - Eric circulated a copy of the leaflet and asked members to feedback any comments as soon as possible.

The group are now familiarising themselves with the information provided by Pennine to all new Tenants Associations and they also intend to contact any new group to ask if they can be invited to a meeting to explain the role of the Federation.

Stop Press...Stop Press...
The Government has just announced a £600 million 'Switchover Support Scheme' to ensure that people in receipt of Income Support & Pension Credit are able to convert one TV set to receive a digital TV picture for free when the big switchover takes place.