middlestone moor community plan 2011 14
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Revised March 2013
livin Middlestone Moor
Community Plan 2011-14
And
with the community at heart
Equality and Diversity livin aims to ensure that Equality and Diversity lies at the heart of our business and allows our customers to access high quality services tailored to their individual diverse needs. It is our policy to provide access to services and employment equality to all, irrespective of age, race or ethnic origin, gender, marital or family status, religious or philosophical belief or political opinion, disability, nationality or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment we, and our working partners, aim to treat everyone as equal citizens and recognise, support and value the diversity of the communities in which they live.
Contact Us
Communities Team
livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way
DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL
0800 587 4538 (free from a landline) or 0300 111 2234 (low rate
call from a mobile phone depending on your network)
3
Based on the intelligence contained within each Plan livin has been able to rank the
local community based on; Bronze (potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing).
This will enable us to see which communities require more immediate and intensive
interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold
standards.
Indicator Ranking
Housing Market Affordability SILVER
Tenancy Turnover BRONZE
Demand for livin housing SILVER
Average cost of repairs to livin properties SILVER
Long Term Unemployment1
(6 - 12 months) BRONZE
Average Household Income2 GOLD
Rental Debit BRONZE
Educational Attainment (5 GCSE’s Grade C & Above)
SILVER
Environmental Assessment GOLD
Overall Community Ranking SILVER
1,2 Data used to compile this ranking relates to the Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green
and Kirk Merrington). Data collection limitations have restricted this information being
available for Middlestone Moor only.
Community Ranking – Middlestone Moor
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Page No.
Section 1 Community profile 7
1.1 Demographics 8
1.1.1 Population – now and in the future 8
1.1.2 Religion and ethnicity 12
1.2 Housing 15
1.2.1 Housing tenure 15
1.2.2 Average house prices 16
1.2.3 Current supply and demand for housing 20
1.2.4 livin tenancy sustainment 24
1.2.5 Vacant/Abandoned properties 25
1.2.6 Future demand for housing 27
1.2.7 Average cost of repairs to livin properties 30
1.2.8 Average cost of improvement programmes for 30
livin properties
1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour 32
1.4 Economy and Employment 37
1.4.1 Economic activity 37
1.4.2 Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants 41
1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key 42
Benefit Claimants
1.4.4 Household Income 43
1.4.5 Vehicle Ownership and Cost of Travel 43
1.4.6 Rental debit in livin properties 45
Contents
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Page No.
1.5 Access to Services and Facilities 48
1.6 Health and Wellbeing 52
1.7 Education and Training 55
1.8 Reputation of the local area and community 59
cohesion
1.9 Local Environment 59
Section 2 Community priorities 62
Section 3 Review of the Community Plan 64
Appendix 1 livin Strategic Framework and Regulatory 65
Requirements
Appendix 2 Methodology 71
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Page No.
Figure 1.1 Aerial overview of Middlestone Moor 7
Figure 1.2 Age profile of population in Middlestone Moor 8
Figure 1.3 Household profile for Middlestone Moor 9
Figure 1.4 Population projections for Durham County 10
Figure 1.5 Age pyramid projections for Durham County 11
Figure 1.6 Housing tenure in Middlestone Moor 15
Figure 1.7 Average house prices in Middlestone Moor 17
Figure 1.8 livin stock in Middlestone Moor 20
Figure 1.9 Age profile of livin lead tenants in Middlestone Moor 21
Figure 1.10 livin properties available for let during the period 22
1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 in
Middlestone Moor
Figure 1.11 livin tenancy sustainment within Middlestone Moor 24
Figure 1.12 Range of energy efficient measures that youths would 28
like to see in their future homes
Figure 1.13 Middlestone Ward Police Beat Area 32
Figure 1.14 Reported Police incidents in Middlestone Moor 33
Figure 1.15 Reported cases of Nuisance and Antisocial Behaviour 33
to livin within Middlestone Moor
Figure 1.16 Economic activity in Middlestone Moor 37
Figure 1.17 Occupation profiles of 16 to 74 year olds in 39
Middlestone Moor
Figure 1.18 Economic inactivity in Middlestone Moor 40
Figure 1.19 Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants in Middlestone Moor 41
Figure 1.20 Breakdown of persons claiming key benefits within 43
Middlestone Moor
Figure 1.21 Levels of Health within Middlestone Moor 52
Figure 1.22 educational attainments within Middlestone Moor 56
Figure 1.23 Route of Environmental Assessment 61
List of Figures
7
The community of Middlestone Moor is situated in County Durham; 10 miles south of
Durham City and 15 miles north of Darlington.
Figure 1.1 Aerial overview of Middlestone Moor
Middlestone Moor is a post war development born out of the need to tackle issues of
poor quality housing within Spennymoor Town and thus meet the housing needs of
an expanding population.
Some of the historical dates from the history of Middlestone Moor include:-
1936 – Parish of Middlestone Moor added to Spennymoor
1949 – Bungalows built in Middlestone Moor
1954 – The building of the Middlestone Moor housing estate commenced
1984 – Middlestone Moor Community Centre built
1987 – The Community Centre was extended.
Once part of the former “Sedgefield Borough”, Middlestone Moor is now served by
the unitary authority of Durham County Council.
Section 1 Community Profile
8
The community is part of the Spennymoor Township and is also served by
Spennymoor Town Council. Middlestone Moor is part of Spennymoor Area Action
Partnership (AAP); the local AAP which also covers the areas of Spennymoor, Byers
Green, Hett, Tudhoe, Croxdale, Sunderland Bridge and Kirk Merrington.
1.1 Demographics
1.1.1 Population – now and in the future
Middlestone Moor has a population of around 1,787 (Census 2001).
Population data indicates that the community has an ageing population with 24% of
persons being aged 65 years or over. This is significantly higher than the Durham
County and North East averages of 17%. Persons aged 16 to 24 years is
comparable to both the County and North East average.
47% of the total population are male with the remaining 53% being female (Census,
2001, LLSOA, KS01, 005C).
It is recognised that in order to facilitate good levels of economic activity within the area it is essential that a high percentage of the population are of working age and contributing to the local economy through employment or actively seeking work. In this community particularly there is a significantly lower percentage of persons aged between 25 and 64 years that could contribute to good levels of economic activity when compared with the County Durham and North East averages. Therefore it is important to encourage children currently aged 0 – 15 years that will start to begin the transition into the ‘economically active age group, to remain with their community through the provision of affordable housing and opportunities for employment locally.
Figure 1.2: Age profile of population in Middlestone Moor Source: Census 2001, LLSOA KS02, 005C
18
11
47
24 19
11
53
17 19
11
53
17
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Persons aged 0-15 years
Persons aged16-24 years
Persons aged25-64 years
Persons aged 65years and over
%
Middlestone Moor
Durham County
North East
9
The main household type within Middlestone Moor is single person households
(35%), followed by households consisting of married couples with no dependent
children (18%) then married couples with dependent children and cohabiting couples
with dependent children both accounting for 12%. (Census 2001, LLSOA, KS20,
005C).
Figure 1.3: Household Profile for Middlestone Moor Source: Census 2001, LLSOA KS20, 005C
The number of single person households in the community is significantly higher
than both Durham County (29%) and North East (31%) averages. This high
representation may be attributed to the higher percentage of persons aged 65 or
over who live in the community.
The number of married households with dependent children in Middlestone Moor
(18%) is lower than the averages for both Durham County (21.71%) and the North
East (19.88%). There are also a significantly lower percentage of married couples
with children living in the community when compared to the Durham County
(17.68%) and North East averages (16.94%).
Trend-based projections from DCC indicate that the Countywide population will
initially decline by 2016 before increasing to an estimated total of 501,625 in 2026
(Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010). Figure 1.4 illustrates the actual
population totals within Durham County for the period 1981 to 2007.
Future population figures up to the year 2026, as projected by DCC, are shown in
pink on the graph.
12%
18%
4%
3%
10%
4%
35%
0% 12%
2% Married couple householdswith dependent children
Married couple householdswith no children
Cohabiting couple householdswith dependent children
Cohabiting couple householdswith no children
Lone parent households withdependent children
Lone parent households Nonon-dependent children
One person household
Multi person household: AllStudent
Multi person household: Allother
Multi person household withdependent children
10
Figure 1.4: Population projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010
In the decades following the end of the war there was a significant rise in the birth
rate brought about by families catching up with births delayed by the political and
economic uncertainties of the late 1930’s and the wartime period. Progression of this
‘baby boom’ generation has caused and will continue to cause different challenges to
the County’s population.
Currently, this generation falls entirely within the economically active age group
(generally 16-64 years), but shortly will begin the transition into retirement and will be
the main driver of an ageing population throughout the County over the next 28
years. Increasing life expectancy will also be a contributing factor to towards the
County’s growing elderly population. DCC’s age pyramid (figure 1.5) highlights the
expected increase in the 65 plus age group and decline in the economically active
age group. The projection of an increasing elderly population, coupled with an
associated fall in the numbers of persons that are economically active will see an
increased demand on fiscal, housing and health provisions throughout the County
during the coming years.
To facilitate good levels of economic activity within an area it essential that a high
percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through
employment or by actively seeking work. To encourage and attract an economically
active population to reside in an area it is imperative for there to be a good supply of
local sustainable jobs and affordable housing.
2008-based projections: various trends for the overall population
465000
470000
475000
480000
485000
490000
495000
500000
505000
510000
515000
520000
525000
530000
535000
540000
545000
550000
555000
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2015
2017
2019
2021
2023
2025
Nu
mb
er
anticipatedactual
DCC
Principal
DCC Lower
95%
DCC NC
ONS
Principal
By 2026 the number of persons in the “economically active” age group
will total less than present.
11
Figure 1.5: Age pyramid projections for Durham County Source: Durham County Council, Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2010
The age pyramid indicates that in 2008 persons aged between 25 to 35 years were
in the minority when compared to other age groups within the County. This means
that by 2026 when the whole of this age group is expected to be economically active
there will be a lesser number of persons contributing towards economic activity than
at present. The projection of an increasing elderly population, coupled with an
associated fall in the numbers of persons that are economically active will see an
increased demand on fiscal, housing and health provisions throughout the County
during the coming years.
Evidence of an ageing population is already starting to emerge within the
Middlestone Moor community with 24% of the population already aged 65 years or
older. The increase in an ageing population within an area will be exacerbated if
younger generations are required to move out of the area to obtain employment
opportunities and access affordable housing. It is therefore important that efforts are
made to continually encourage and attract younger households to Middlestone Moor
through the provision of affordable and accessible housing and sustainable
employment.
2008 based projections: the Age Pyramids for County Durham in 2008 and 2026 implied by
the DCC and ONS projections
40000 30000 20000 10000 0 10000 20000 30000 40000
0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85-90
90+
ag
e g
rou
ps
year 2008 year 2026
ONS 2026
ONS 2008
2026 DCC
2008 DCC
2 per. Mov. Avg.(2008 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2008)2 per. Mov. Avg.(2026 DCC)2 per. Mov. Avg.(ONS 2026)
An ageing population, and fall in the number of persons economically
active by 2026 will place an increased demand on fiscal, housing and
health provisions.
12
DCC estimates indicate that in 2010 there were 206,281 households countywide.
This number is expected to increase by 24.9% to a total of 257,651 households by
2030 (Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC, 2010).
By 2030 single person households (including single pensioners) are expected to
increase by 100.3% to 56,564 whereas two person households are only expected to
increase by 18% to 14,087. Larger households of three persons or more, those with
a housing need of 2 bedroom properties or more, are expected to reduce by 19,281
(26.9%).
This decrease in larger households, coupled with a significant increase in single
person households, will have a major impact on the supply and demand of housing
throughout the County.
1.1.2 Religion and ethnicity
An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population enables
livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and tailored to the
needs and requirements of all residents living within its local communities. It will also
help livin to ensure that any minority groups are consulted with during future
research and intelligence gathering, and allows for consideration of any specific
needs in relation to access for housing, health, and employability during the creation
of each community’s key priorities and Local Offers.
2001 Census data indicates that the main religion in Middlestone Moor is Christianity
(84%). 8% stated they had no religion and a further 7% did not state any religion.
The remaining population were represented by less than 1% of residents stating their
religion to be Muslim or Sikh. (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS07, 005C).
Ethnicity within the community predominantly consists of White British (99%). The
remaining 1% of the population are from other ethnic backgrounds including; Irish,
Asian and Indian and Other White. (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS06, 005C).
Recent research conducted by DCC and NHS Darlington estimated that between
0.43% to 0.57% of Durham County’s population consists of people from Gypsy,
Roma and Traveller Households (Renaissance Research, 2010). Further analysis of
these figures is currently not possible due to a lack of further data and intelligence.
DCC’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site at East Howle is the only permanent
residential site within livin’s area of operation.
13
What does this mean for livin?
It is imperative that the available housing stock within the community of Middlestone
Moor is able to meet the housing demands of its current and future population.
An ageing population will have increased demands on future fiscal, housing and
health demands. It will also place significant demand on the types and provision of
housing within an area; many older people now wish to remain in their own home
and will therefore be reliant on mainstream housing to meet this demand.
There may be requirements for extra help and services to help people adapt their
homes to meet their changing needs. In addition, some vulnerable groups may
Key Demographic Characteristics:
The community has an ageing population with 24% of residents aged 65 years or more. This is significantly higher than the Durham County average. Only 58% of residents are aged between 16 to 64 years; this traditionally being the most common age of persons who are economically active (in employment or actively seeking employment). 35% of households are single person households. This is higher than the Durham County average which is expected to increase over the coming years. Trend-based projections indicate that the countywide population will increase to an estimated total of 501,625 by 2026 (DCC, 2010). Currently the majority of the County’s population falls within the “economically active” age group; however these residents will soon begin the transition in retirement and will be the main driver of an ageing population. By 2026 the number of persons in the “economically active” age group will total less than present. As a high level of economic activity is a key component of a sustainable community, efforts should be made to attract more persons within this age group into the community during the coming years. An ageing population, and fall in the number of persons economically active by 2026 will place an increased demand on fiscal, housing and health provisions. 2001 Census data indicates that 99% of residents are White British; with the remaining 1% being of Irish, Asian, India, or Other White ethnic origin.
The most prominent religion is Christianity, followed by Sikhism and Muslim.
14
require more intensive support or bespoke housing solutions to meet this demand
over the coming years.
Currently 11.4% of livin’s housing stock within this community consists of one
bedroom bungalows for which there is overall low demand. There are larger sized
bungalows, (15.2%), owned by livin within the community. The letting of bungalows
is normally restricted to persons aged 60 or over, or those with a medical need.
Based on the community’s current household profile and DCC’s future population
projections there is expected to be an increased demand over the next 10 to 20
years for larger sized bungalows with two bedrooms or more. To meet current and
future housing demands of the ageing population that is expected to emerge
countywide over the coming years, there will be a requirement for livin to complete a
comprehensive review of the provision and suitability of its current housing stock for
older persons. This review must include the suitability and demand for sheltered
accommodation to ensure the decision on this type of provision is encompassing.
To facilitate good levels of economic activity in a community it is essential that a high
percentage of the population are contributing to the local economy through
employment or actively seeking work. 55% of livin’s stock in Middlestone Moor
consists of two and three bedroom homes which can be utilised to house couples
and families thus helping to sustain an economically active population within the
community.
An understanding of the ethnic and religious structure of the local population will
enable livin to ensure that its services are equally accessible, responsive and
tailored to the needs and requirements of all residents living within livin’s local
communities.
15
A high percentage (50%) of
social housing is located in
the communitycommunity
when compared to the
County average of only 25%.
1.2 Housing
1.2.1 Housing Tenure
The community of Middlestone Moor has a varied range of housing tenures. This is
very important as a varied mix of different housing tenures being available will
positively contribute towards making the community more sustainable, by meeting
the need of a cross section of the population.
Figure 1.6: Housing Tenure in Middlestone Moor Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS18, 005C
45% of households living in Middlestone Moor own their properties; this is
substantially lower than the Durham County average of 67%. 20% of residents own
their property outright and 25% own their property through a mortgage or loan
scheme. 1% of residents own their property
through a shared ownership scheme.
A substantially high percentage of social housing
(50%) is located in the community when
compared to the County average of 25%. Social
housing consists of domestic properties which
are owned by Registered Providers (RP’s),
housing associations and the local Authority. All social housing in Middlestone Moor
that was previously owned by Sedgefield Borough Council is now owned and
managed by livin. Over the coming years Middlestone Moor is and has been subject
of housing developments and this may see the change in the type of housing
provided, however, current economic restrictions and the restrictions on mortgage
acceptances for the country could slow these developments.
There is a lower than average percentage of households in Middlestone Moor living
in privately rented properties (2%) when compared to the rest of the County (5%). In
20%
25%
1%
45%
5%
2% 2% Owner occupied: Owns outright
Owner occupied: Owns with amortgage or loan
Owner occupied: Sharedownership
Rented from: Local Authority -including livin
Rented from: HousingAssociation / Registered SocialLandlord
16
the past the private rented sector has played an important role in the housing market
by offering accommodation for those households unable to access owner-occupation
or socially rented housing.
Tighter controls and restrictions on mortgages and financial lending are likely to
place an even higher future demand on the private rented housing market from low
income households or first time buyers. Those households unable to access social
housing will be required to look to the private rented sector to meet their housing
need; placing an even higher demand on this already limited sector.
Generally, Middlestone Moor exhibits an unbalanced housing market with a larger
than average social rented sector and a small private rented sector.
There is a residential Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site located at East Howle near to
Ferryhill Village. The site is provided by DCC and has 25 permanent pitches. It is the
only permanent residential site within livin’s area of operation.
1.2.2 Average House Prices
Analysis of average house prices for the community indicates a steady rise in the
cost of property from 2000 to 2008. During 2009 and 2010 average prices for flats,
terraced and semidetached properties decreased. The average price for a detached
property decreased by 12% in 2009 but then staged a slight recovery in 2010. This
clearly illustrates the property ‘price boom’ that the Country as a whole experienced
in the early part of the 21st Century.
The price of a detached property peaked in 2006 reaching a recorded average value
of £221,248 which when compared to a price of £88,716 in 2000 gives a clear
picture of how the market has progressed over recent years.
2% of households in Middlestone Moor live in privately rented
properties when compared to the rest of the County (5%).
17
The average house price
for a terraced property fell
from £89,937 in 2007 to
£76,945 in 2010.
Figure 1.7: Average House Prices in Middlestone Moor
Source: www.email4property.co.uk, 2011
In 2003 the number of sales of terraced properties within the community reached a
peak. During this year a total of 231 terraced
properties were sold with prices reaching an average
of £49,647. Sales of semidetached properties also
reached a peak in 2002 with a total of 161 being sold
with an average price of £63,059. Sales of detached
homes reached a high in 2001 when a total of 147
were sold at an average price of £93,250. When comparing this data to that of the
same for 2010 it can be seen that the price of properties within the community
remains high, however, the effects of a slowing housing market are obvious, with
more than a 50% reduction in the number of property sales.
Land Registry data for January to March 2010 indicates that the average house price
in DL16 7 (covering Kirk Merrington, part of Spennymoor, Middlestone Moor and
Byers Green) was £132,138. This price is nearly £35,000 higher than the Durham
County Average of £97,556 for the same period (Land Registry, 2011).
Terraced house prices for DL16 7 for this period were on average £78,178. The
average price of a terraced property in Durham County for this period was £60,742.
Both the data sets from ‘email4property’ and Land Registry have shown broadly
comparable figures however it has not been possible to obtain individual house price
data for Middlestone Moor alone.
£0
£50,000
£100,000
£150,000
£200,000
£250,000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Av
era
ge
Ho
use P
rice
Flat
Terraced
Semi
Detached
18
It is recognised that the differing affluences within the areas included in postcode
DL16 7 will have a bearing on the local house prices for each individual community.
The falling number of property sales in the area may be attributed to the current
restrictions on money lending and the overall availability of mortgages.
During consultation residents were aware of households in Middlestone Moor that
have lost their homes due to an inability to pay their mortgage. Although the cost of
terraced and semidetached houses have decreased over the last two years
restrictions on money lending and the overall availability of mortgage products has
reduced the number of homes bought and sold in the community during 2010.
The County Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment assesses affordability
between lower quartile house prices and lower quartile earnings. Buyers would need
to borrow 4.6 times the lower quartile earning to purchase a lower quartile house in
the former Sedgefield area (Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment, 2008).
For Middlestone Moor buyers will need to borrow 5.9 times their own income to
purchase a property within the postcode of DL16 7 (covering Kirk Merrington, part of
Spennymoor, Byers Green and Middlestone Moor). This has resulted in a
community ranking of SILVER. Data collection limitations do not allow this data to be
calculated for Middlestone Moor only. Full details of the methodology to this ranking
can be found in Appendix 2.
Although there are a number of current Government incentives available nationwide
to help first time property buyers these are only available on new build properties.
There are currently only two housing developments within the local area which are
eligible for buyers to obtain help from Government schemes. A new scheme called
First Buy will be introduced from September 2011. The scheme will be jointly funded
by the Government and house builders and will provide a 20% loan top up for first
time buyers’ own deposit of 5%. This will allow them to take out a mortgage
amounting to 75% of the property value. Loans will be free of charge for the first five
years and repaid when the property is resold. The funds will then be recycled to fund
more homes for the scheme. Current HomeBuy and FirstBuy schemes can be found
in nearby Spennymoor Town and Ferryhill Station.
19
What does this mean for livin?
livin has a significant stake in this community given the higher than average
percentage of social housing in the community. It is also worth noting that the private
rented sector and number of owner occupied homes within the community are
comparatively small. It is important that as a key player in this community’s housing
market livin recognises its role in balancing the local housing market and make
efforts to meet housing need as identified in DCC’s Housing Strategies. A number of
options will have to be researched and explored to identify the best course of action
for livin to take in addressing this housing market imbalance within the community.
livin needs to consider the health of the local housing market and the ability of
households to meet their own housing need. Lack of access to the owner occupier
and the private rented sectors could increase pressure on livin’s housing stock,
particularly for single households, couples and families.
Key Housing Market Characteristics:
The community has a wide range of Housing Tenures; this is important as a
varied mix will contribute towards making an area more sustainable by meeting
the need of a cross section of the population.
45% of households own their property outright, or through a mortgage or loan
scheme. 1% of households own their home through a shared ownership
scheme.
The Community has a substantially high percentage of Social Housing (50%)
when compared to the rest of Durham County (25%).
There are a substantially low percentage of privately rented properties (2%)
in the Community when compared to Durham County. The private rented sector
plays an important part in any local Housing Market as it is able to offer
accommodation for those unable to access owner occupation or social housing.
The total number of sales of properties in the community has decreased since
the property boom at the beginning of the 21st Century.
The affordability of housing within the community is lower when compared to the
rest of Durham County. However many local residents are unable to access the
housing market and purchase their own homes as a result of restricted access
to mortgage products and financial lending.
20
livin owns 368 properties in the
community; 55% of these are
two and three bedroom
houses.
1.2.3 Current Supply and Demand for Housing
livin Housing Stock
livin currently owns and manages a total of
368 properties in the community of
Middlestone Moor (livin, 2011). Ownership of
these properties transferred to livin in March
2009 during stock transfer from the now
defunct Sedgefield Borough Council.
These properties include; a number of one and two bedroom bungalows, a three
bedroom bungalow and a number of two and three bedroom houses; together with a
number of flats, some of which are located in livin’s sheltered housing scheme at
Grayson Grange. livin owns no four bedroom properties within the community. Any
households requiring a larger sized four bedroom property will be required to
consider accessing the private rented sector or move away from the community to
meet their housing need.
A breakdown of these property types and the age profile of the lead tenants can be
seen in the following tables.
Figure 1.8: livin stock in Middlestone Moor (as at 11 July 2011)
Source: livin, 2011
Currently 55% of livin’s housing stock in Middlestone Moor is two and three bedroom
homes. The total number of bungalows that livin own in the community represents
27% of its stock.
Current housing demand within the community is at its highest for properties with two
bedrooms or more. Although the bungalows located within the community can be
utilised to meet the future demand of an ageing population, and those wishing to
remain in mainstream housing through their later years, current policies may restrict
eligibility for some lettings to younger couples, families and smaller households.
Property Types Total
1 Bed Bungalow 42
1 Bed Flat 23
1 Bed Flat in Sheltered accommodation 30
2 Bed Bungalow 55
2 Bed Flat 15
2 Bedroom House 117
3 Bedroom Bungalow 1
3 Bed Flat 1
3 Bed House 84
Total 368
21
During February 2011, 64
households from Middlestone
Moor were registered with
Durham Key Options and in
housing need.
This means that households unable to meet their housing need due to an inability to
access owner-occupation, social housing or the private rented sector will be forced
to move out of the area. As the majority of persons within these households may be
of an age where they may contribute towards the economic activity this can be
detrimental to the local economy.
Figure 1.9: Age profile of livin lead tenants in Middlestone Moor (as at 11 July 2011)
Source: livin, 2011
livin Housing Demand, Need and Turnover
Since the 1 October 2009 livin has allocated properties through a Choice Based
Lettings Scheme (CBL), known as Durham Key Options (DKO). DKO is a
partnership of Registered Housing Providers across County Durham. CBL allows
applicants to place an interest or “bid” for the type of property they require based on
their housing need.
Analysis of livin’s Housing Register in
February 2011 indicates that 64 applications
for housing were received from residents
already living in the Middlestone Moor
community. 50% of these applicants were
banded by DKO in Bands A to C+ highlighting
a high level of housing need. This number of households in housing need may be
linked to the inability of some households to obtain a mortgage or loan due to current
lending restrictions, or the restricted access to the private rented and social housing
sectors due to low stock levels within the village.
During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, livin had a total of 48
properties available for let in Middlestone Moor making the livin’s stock turnover
within this community 13%. The level of tenancy turnover is significantly higher
when compared to the total turnover of all livin housing stock (9%) for the same
period.
Age Range (based on age of lead tenant)
16-20 years 9
21-30 years 50
31-40 years 32
41-50 years 43
51-60 years 65
61-70 years 59
71-80 years 50
81 years or more 50
Unknown (Void, non livin managed) 10
Total 368
22
Based on national benchmarking figures provided by House Mark, a high stock
turnover of 13% has resulted in the Community being ranked as BRONZE for
tenancy turnover. Further details on the methodology used to achieve this ranking
can be found in Appendix 2.
To maintain sustainability within a community there will always be a need for some
level of tenancy turnover. However, it is important that turnover does not reach a
level where it becomes detrimental to housing demand, the reputation of the area or
the local economy. Likewise, levels of turnover must not be as low as to restrict
access to social housing for those households with a housing need. At this time livin
are unable to provide further analysis on the reasons for tenancy turnover within this
community.
The types of properties available for let within the
community were mainly one bedroom flats and two
bedroom houses. There was no turnover of three
bedroom bungalows or three bedroom flats
although it should be noted that there is only 2 of
these property types within the community.
Therefore any households in housing need of these property types will be required to
consider other housing options.
Again, for many households, including first time buyers or those on a low income,
buying their own home is not a viable option leading to an increased demand on the
private rented sector. High market rents or a lack of availability of larger properties
within this housing sector may ultimately force some households to move out of the
local area in search of suitable accommodation.
Figure 1.10: livin properties available for let during the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September
2010 Source: livin, 2011
There were a total of 1,016 bids received for these 48 properties during 1 October
2009 to 30 October 2010.
Based on the total number of bids received per property the highest demand was for
two bedroom houses; receiving on average 41 bids per property.
1 Bed Flat (Sheltered Scheme)
1 Bed Flat
1 Bed Bungalow
2 Bed Bungalow
2 Bed House
2 Bed Flat 3 Bed House
Middlestone Moor
4 10 8 5 10 5 6
Total Number of
bids received
95 113 63 84 415 67 179
During 1 October 2009 to 30
September 2010 there were
415 bids received for a total
of 10 two bedroom houses.
23
During the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010 the
highest demand was for two bedroom houses.
Demand for three bedroom houses is also good with
a total of 179 bids being received for a total of 6
properties.
It is however important to remember that policy
decisions and legislation will affect the levels of
demand for particular house types. Increased
demand for two bedroom houses could be due to
need and eligibility from several household groups
including families, couples, and single persons whereas three bedroom properties
will only be eligible for larger families to rent, and bungalows for older persons or
those with a medical need. It is therefore important that lettings policies are regularly
reassessed to reflect the supply of housing and the current levels of demand with the
aim of promoting sustainability within an area.
Demand was lower for one bedroom flats within livin’s sheltered scheme with only 95
bids being made for a total of 4 properties. It should be noted that although this
property type has received a high number of bids, there is a high refusal rate upon
offer and thus not a true reflection of the demand for this property type. This
highlights a clear need for livin to conduct a stock options appraisal and review of the
housing stock provided for older persons.
There was low demand for one bedroom flats with only 113 bids being received for
these 10 properties, an average of 11 bids per property. There was also very low
demand for one bedroom bungalows in the community with a total of 8 bids being
received per property. This level of demand is typical throughout all livin communities
for this property type.
Countywide there is currently an increased demand for bungalows with two
bedrooms or more (County Durham Strategic Housing Market Assessment, DCC,
2010). Comparison of the current population within Middlestone Moor to DCC’s
forecasted population projections for 2028 indicates that demand for larger sized
bungalows will continue to increase over the coming years.
Of the 48 properties available to let in the Middlestone Moor community during the
period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, 13 were required to be advertised
with CBL on three or more consecutive bidding cycles before being let. Although bids
may have been received for a property within each individual bidding cycle they were
not allocated for let due to the applicant withdrawing their bid for personal
circumstances upon offer. These properties were predominantly one bedroom flats
within livin’s sheltered scheme and one bedroom bungalows and flats; indicating
unpopular house types.
“Happy with bungalows
at Hirst Court”
Resident from Middlestone
Moor
24
45% of tenants who have a
livin tenancy in this
community have lived in
their current home for 10
years or more.
Data from DKO’s database indicates a good level of demand from applicants for livin
housing within Middlestone Moor.
Based on high levels of bids received per property advertised, a low number of hard
to let properties in the community and a high amount of applicants indicating
Middlestone Moor as an area of preference; the community has been ranked as
SILVER.
During the consultation event there were no expressed concerns from residents
about the size of their current property or how the level of demand and affordability
of larger properties has restricted their ability to acquire a more suitable property for
their circumstances.
1.2.4 livin Tenancy Sustainment
There is a good percentage of long term tenancy
sustainment within the properties owned by livin in
the Middlestone Moor community.
As at 7 March 2011, 34% of livin tenants have
sustained their current tenancy for a period of 0 to 4
years.
A further 18% of tenants have sustained their tenancy for a period of 5 to 9 years
and 45% of tenants who have a tenancy in this community have lived in their current
home for 10 years or more.
Figure 1.11: livin tenancy sustainment in Middlestone Moor Source: livin, 2011 (not including void properties or non livin managed properties)
125
68
165
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
0-4 Years 5-9 Years 10 Years +
Nu
mb
er
of
Ten
an
cie
s
MiddlestoneMoor
25
In June 2011, livin and other partner agencies participated in a Youth Forum event
with local schools and Spennymoor Extended Services. The Forum involved a
number of young people aged 10 to 14 years predominantly from Spennymoor,
Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, and Middlestone Moor, and was utilised to obtain
views and opinions about their communities, housing and lifestyles. During the
event, 52.4% of youths stated they were happy living in their current home. From a
total of 42 youths surveyed during the event, 33.3% have lived in their current home
for up to four years, and 38.1% have lived in their current home for 10 years or more.
Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. High
levels of tenancy sustainment within social housing can be for a multitude of
reasons. Although some may be favourable it is important to ensure that tenants are
not remaining in their current home due to restrictions in their housing options (i.e.
ability to purchase own property), or if looking for a more suitable property to meet
their housing need, financial restrictions around the cost of relocating.
High levels of tenancy sustainment can often be found in areas where there are a
number of properties that are used to house older households or those with medical
need. As increasing numbers of older households are now making the decision to
remain in mainstream housing through their later years rather than move into
specialised accommodation it is expected that tenancy sustainment will place an
even higher level of demand on the future availability of social housing within a
community.
High levels of tenancy sustainment may also result in housing stock being under
occupied. Larger households may over time reduce in size due to children growing
up and leaving home, relationship breakdowns or bereavement. In addition to a
detrimental effect on the level of housing demand within a community there may be
financial implications to the tenant as a result of the Government’s forthcoming
Welfare Reform which aims to reduce benefit payments for households that are
under occupying their property (excluding persons aged over 65 years).
1.2.5 Vacant / Abandoned Properties
High levels of void or empty properties can be a strong indicator of low demand for
housing within an area. Middlestone Moor has a low percentage of housing stock
consisting of empty and/or abandoned properties; indicating a reasonable level of
demand for housing within this community.
Data obtained from DCC’s Council Tax database at the end of July 2011 indicated
there to be 80 possible empty and/or abandoned properties for a period of 6 months
or more (this figure may include properties that are currently for sale) within the
Spennymoor and Middlestone Moor area.
26
Based on a total of 7,203 domestic dwellings (Census, 2001, LLSOA, KS16, 001A,
001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 003C, 003D, 005C, 005D, 005E) in the community this is
only 1.1% of the total stock. Data collection limitations have restricted further detailed
analysis of this information based upon only Middlestone Moor.
What does this mean for livin?
Demand for livin housing in this community has been ranked as SILVER. It is
essential that this ranking is maintained and improved over the coming years.
The presence of an ageing population within the community, in conjunction with high
levels of demand for two bedroom bungalows and very low demand for properties
within livin sheltered schemes highlights a clear need for livin to review its provision
of accommodation for older persons to meet the current and future housing need of
the local population. It is important that current housing stock is able to meet the
demand for housing within a community. This low demand indicates that this
property type is no longer meeting housing demand in the community resulting in the
need for a stock options appraisal and review of livin’s housing provision for older
persons.
Middlestone Moor has a good supply of one and two bedroom bungalows when
compared to the overall stock in the community although demand for those with two
bedrooms is greater.
Key Supply and Demand Characteristics:
livin currently own 368 properties in the community 55% of these properties are two
and three bedroom houses.
50% of applicants on the housing register that currently live in the community were
classed as having a Housing Need (Bands A to C+)
During 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010, 48 properties became available for
let; making tenancy turnover within the community 13%.
Demand for properties with two bedrooms or more is high. There is a high
demand countywide for these property types.
There is low demand within the community for one bedroom bungalows and flats
within livin’s sheltered housing scheme. livin lettings policy normally restricts the
letting of bungalows to persons aged 60 years or over, unless there is medical need.
45% of livin tenants living within the community have sustained their tenancy for a
period of 10 years or more.
27
To meet the needs identified in the County Durham Strategic Housing Market
Assessment (DCC, 2010) for bungalows with two bedrooms or more then
consideration must be given to the current stock levels of each property type. Given
this community’s current population and the 2028 forecasted population projection by
DCC indicates that this demand for larger sized bungalows will continue to increase
over the next 10 years.
Community sustainability requires an appropriate level of tenancy turnover. It is
important that livin considers the reasons behind high levels of sustainment to
ensure residents are not being forced to remain in their current home due to
restrictions in their housing options or financial circumstances.
1.2.6 Future Demand for Housing
Future population and household projections for an area can be utilised by a number
of different service providers to predict the future levels of demand on their services.
In conjunction with other social, economic, and environmental indicators these
projections can also be used to forecast the demand and need for housing in an
area.
DCC have recently conducted a Strategic Housing Market Assessment (DCC, 2010)
which can be used by registered housing providers to help determine the expected
level of demand for housing through the coming years and develop future housing
strategies. The following population and household projections within this Plan are
based on this assessment.
It is expected that the vast majority of older persons will decide to remain in their own
homes with mainstream housing providing the primary means of meeting this
demand. Local housing providers required to support this, including extra support
services and help for people to adapt their homes to meet their changing needs.
Some vulnerable groups will require support or bespoke housing solutions and it is
expected that there will be a sharp growth in demand for specialist housing projects
for persons aged 75 years or older during the coming years. The decisions of older
households to remain in their homes will influence the supply of housing available for
other household groups. As a result it is important that local housing providers
recognise the potential opportunities for supporting older households to downsize
thus releasing the supply of larger family homes for other household groups.
In recognition of this increased demand on mainstream housing the Northern
Housing Consortium (NHC) published a guide to Age Friendly Communities in the
North: People and Places 2020. This publication is the result of a two year project
surrounding consultation with local communities and key Consortium members, and
focuses on building an evidence base to demonstrate the impact housing can have
on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of older people.
28
During the Youth Forum event, livin spoke to local youths about their aspirations for
their future homes. There are a high percentage of youths that wish to continue to
live within the local area when they move to their own home. 45.2% of youths
indicated a desire to continue to live in nearby communities including Spennymoor
Town, Chilton, Ferryhill, Middridge and Middlestone Moor.
During livin’s consultation local residents did not provide any comments relating to
energy saving measures or increasing energy efficiency within their homes.
However, discussion with local youths found them to have a good knowledge of the
measures available to increase energy efficiency within their future homes. More
than a third (38.1%) stated that they would like to see solar power used to power
their future homes, and just under a quarter (21.4%) would like the energy in their
future home to be generated through wind turbines.
Energy Efficiency Measure % of youths indicating this measure to be part of their future home (able to indicate more than one answer)
Solar Power 38.1%
Composting Equipment 9.5%
Electric car charging point 26.2%
Under floor heating 21.4%
Wind Turbine 21.4%
Grassed Roofs 11.9%
Thermal Energy 9.5%
Triple Glazing 2.4%
Water butts 9.5%
Figure 1.12: Range of energy efficient measures that youths would like to see
in their future homes
There was increased knowledge about the use and benefits of electric vehicles with
26.2% stating that they would like to see electric car charging points provided in their
future homes.
29
What does this mean for livin?
livin’s Development and Asset Management strategies must take into account future
population projections and consider the expected demand for social housing within
the community to ensure the housing stock meets the needs of local residents.
livin will have to consider its current housing provision and how it will meet the needs
of an elderly population whilst also finding bespoke solutions to meet the individual
needs of vulnerable groups. Anticipation of an ageing population and low demand
for livin’s one bedroom bungalows and sheltered housing schemes in the community
highlights the requirement for livin to review its current provision of housing stock for
older persons There may be potential opportunities for housing providers to support
older households to downsize thus releasing the supply of larger family homes for
other household groups.
The current economic climate and an increasing awareness surrounding the benefits
of installing energy efficient measures within homes may over the coming years
begin to influence the levels of demand for livin’s properties. This will require livin to
investigate the potential benefits of installing a range of energy efficiency measures
within its current properties and future developments. In addition to helping reduce
the consumption of energy in livin homes these measures may also see cost saving
benefits for tenants through reduced energy bills.
Key Future Demand Characteristics:
By 2026 the number of persons in the “economically active” age group will total
less than present. This will increase demand on fiscal, housing and health
provisions. By 2030 the County is expected to see:
single person households increase by 100.3%
two person households increase by only 18%
three person households or more decrease by 26.9%
The majority of older persons will want to remain in their own homes through
their senior years. This will place an increased demand on mainstream and
social housing.
Increased future demand is expected for support services for vulnerable groups, and a need for bespoke housing solutions or specialist housing projects for persons aged 75 years or more. It is important that livin’s housing stock is able to meet the future demands of an ageing population.
30
During 2009/10, livin’s average repair cost per property in Middlestone Moor was
£608.50, during 2010/2011 this average cost increased to £631.56 per property.
During 2011/12, livin will improve 89 of its properties at an expected average
cost of £7,400 per property.
1.2.7 Average cost of Repairs to livin properties
The repair and maintenance of livin’s properties is essential to ensure that they
remain in excellent condition and to the high standards expected by tenants. Based
on the average repair cost per property for 2009/10 Middlestone Moor has been
ranked as SILVER when compared to other livin communities. Full details of the
methodology used for this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
During the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 livin, together with livin’s repairs
and maintenance partner Mears, completed 1,453 repairs (including gas safety) to
properties in the Middlestone Moor community. 30% of these repairs were
emergency repairs which required immediate attention.
The average repair cost (including gas safety) per property across all of livin’s 19
communities for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 was £604.36.
1.2.8 Average cost of Improvement Programmes for livin Properties
Over the next few years, and as part of promises to tenants, livin is investing over
£100 million pounds on a rolling programme of modernisation and improvements to
the properties that livin own.
The modernisation and improvement programme that livin are carrying out in their
properties is to a much higher standard of works than that of the Government's
Decent Homes Standard.
The improvements that livin are completing include:
New Kitchens
New Bathrooms
Central Heating Replacement
Electrical Works
Internal and External Door Replacement
Roofing works
During the programmes of works not all of livin’s properties will receive all of the
improvements at the same time. There are a number of factors that determine which
improvement works are completed at the property during forthcoming programmes in
each community. For example some properties may only receive new internal and
external doors, whereas other may be due the new internal and external doors plus
the replacement of their kitchen and bathroom.
31
A number of improvement programmes have already been completed in Middlestone
Moor with internal modernisations and improvements made to 276 properties during
the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 at an average cost of £1,573.80 per
property. The majority of these properties received new internal/external doors
whilst some also received a full property electric rewire.
During the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, livin carried out modernisation and
improvements to 30 properties in Middlestone Moor. These improvements included
new kitchens, bathrooms, internal/external doors and a full property electric rewire.
During 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012, livin expects to carry out further internal
improvements to 89 of its properties in Middlestone Moor at an expected average
cost of £7,400 per property. These improvements will include a new kitchen and
bathroom, internal/externals doors and full electric rewire.
What does this mean for livin?
The community has a low repair cost per property resulting in a ranking of SILVER.
Although the number of repairs marginally decreased from 2009/2010 to 2010/2011,
the percentage of emergency repairs increased.
Just under one third of the repairs required to livin properties in the community
during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 were emergencies. Investigation into the causes
of these repairs may be considered in an attempt to minimise the amount of
emergency repairs required within our properties.
It should however be noted that during 2011/2012 livin will be completing further
improvement programmes within Middlestone Moor resulting in 89 of its properties
receiving a new kitchen, bathroom, internal/external doors and a full electrical rewire.
It is expected that as a result of this improvement programme there will be a
reduction in the repair costs for these properties during the coming years.
32
1.3 Crime and Antisocial Behaviour
The community of Middlestone Moor is located in the Police Beat area of
Middlestone Ward, Byers Green and Kirk Merrington. The nearest staffed station is
located in the neighbouring town of Spennymoor.
Figure 1.13: Middlestone Ward Police Beat Area
From the 1 December 2010 to 30 June 2011 Durham Constabulary reported the
level of crime and disorder within Middlestone Moor Ward to be “Average” when
compared with the rest of England and Wales.
During this period there were a total of 114 reported Police incidents of crime and
antisocial behaviour in Middlestone Moor (Police uk, 2011). Of this total 54% related
to antisocial behaviour, 26% related to other crimes including criminal damage,
shoplifting and drugs and 19% were in relation to violent crime. A further 1% related
to robbery.
Crime and Antisocial Behaviour in Middlestone Ward is “Average”
compared to the rest of England and Wales.
(Source: Police.uk, 2011)
33
Figure 1.14: Reported Police incidents in Middlestone Moor during 1 December 2010 to 30
April 2011. Source: Police.uk
From 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, livin’s Support and Intervention Team received
21 complaints of nuisance and antisocial behaviour in the community of Middlestone
Moor. Overall the most frequent type of complaint received was in respect of noise
nuisance.
Figure 1.15: Reported cases of Nuisance and Antisocial Behaviour to livin within Middlestone Moor during the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 Source: livin, 2011
Durham Constabulary’s reported crime figures and the complaints received by the
Support and Intervention Team do not record issues or problems under the same
headings but interpretation of the results indicates antisocial behaviour being the
major case from both organisations. The 54% reported by the Police as antisocial
behaviour includes both loud noise and offensive behaviour that accounts for 43% of
complaints received by livin.
54%
1%
19%
26%
Antisocial Behaviour
Robbery
Violent Crime
Other
29%
14%
9% 5%
9%
24%
10% Loud Noise
Offensive behaviour
Vandalism & damage toproperty
Domestic Abuse
Alcohol Related
Garden nuisance
Criminal Behaviour(including drugs)
34
During consultation local residents raised the problems surrounding young people on
the streets causing the fear of crime, intimidation and antisocial behaviour. There
was recognition that specific areas, such as the local shops and the play area are
more affected than others by the highlighted problems.
Recent consultation completed by DCC (Residents Survey, 2010) highlighted that
within the Spennymoor AAP area, 2% of residents feel unsafe in their local
communities during the day. The AAP’s with the highest fear of safety during the
daytime were Bishop Auckland and Shildon, and 4Together, both with a percentage
of 3%. 12% of Spennymoor AAP residents stated they felt unsafe in their local area
during the evening, this being the 5th highest out of all of the County’s 14 AAP’s. The
AAP with the highest fear of safety during the evening was Bishop Auckland and
Shildon with 15%. Countywide, 42% of residents completing the survey indicated
the main reason for feeling unsafe in their local community is due to youths
congregating on the street.
During a Spennymoor AAP Forum event held in November 2010 the provision of
activities for children and teenagers was also rated one of the top three priorities for
the local AAP area by forum members. The “Provision for children and teenagers”
will continue as one of the AAP’s priorities for 2011/12.
High levels of antisocial behaviour or nuisance caused by young persons can often
suggest a need for an enhanced programme of diversionary activities (e.g. sporting
events or activities, play or craft activities and youth clubs) within the local area.
Research has proven that the provision of diversionary activities that have been
developed in conjunction with the young persons living in the targeted area can have
a positive effect on lowering levels of antisocial and nuisance behaviour.
In June 2011, livin and other partner agencies participated in a Youth Forum event
with local schools and Spennymoor Extended Services. The Forum involved a
number of young people from Spennymoor, Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, and
Middlestone Moor and was utilised to obtain views and opinions about their
communities, housing and lifestyles. During this event youths indicated the tackling
of crime and antisocial behaviour to be of significant importance to them.
During consultation residents also advised that livin’s installation of alleygates in
specific areas of Middlestone Moor have helped to reduce antisocial behaviour. This
reduction in antisocial behaviour as a result of the installed alleygates was also
commented upon by the lcoal Police Beat Team as an improvement for the
community.
35
What does this mean for livin?
It is important that livin maintains its commitment to providing a robust and
responsive service for dealing with incidents of nuisance and antisocial behaviour in
local communities.
livin is aware that partnership working is essential when addressing and dealing with
crime and antisocial behaviour in its communities. As such livin will look to actively
work with local residents any community groups, the Police, DCC and other
agencies through the attendance of staff members at PACT meetings, Residents
meetings and other local events to promote it services and offer help and support to
victims of nuisance or antisocial behaviour.
livin is already a contributing partner to the Safe Durham Partnership and plays an
important role in supporting the partnership to help people feel safer within their local
communities.
There are particular concerns from residents about nuisance and antisocial
behaviour being caused by youths within areas of the community.
Key Crime and Antisocial Behaviour Characteristics:
During December 2010 to June 2011 the level of crime and disorder within
Middlestone Ward is considered by the Police to be “Average” when compared to
the rest of England and Wales.
During this period:
54% of reported incidents were in respect of antisocial behaviour
26% of incidents related to other crimes, such as criminal damage,
shoplifting and drugs
20% of incidents related to robbery, burglary, vehicle crime and violence
1% related to robbery
During 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010, livin’s Support and Intervention Team
received 21 complaints of antisocial behaviour and nuisance
During consultation residents highlighted issues:
Youths hanging around local shops and public areas causing a fear of
crime
Older youths causing antisocial behaviour in the local play area.
livin’s installation of alley gates within the community has helped to reduce
antisocial behaviour
36
This highlights an opportunity for livin to work closely with local youths, DCC,
Spennymoor Town Council, Spennymoor Area Action Partnership, and other
community organisations to develop and support diversionary activities for children
and young persons within the community.
37
1.4 Economy and Employment
1.4.1 Economic Activity
“Economic activity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are in employment, or
actively seeking employment and are available to start work within 2 weeks.”
(Source: Census, 2001)
Of this total economic activity 34.2% were in full time employment and 9.3% in part
time employment. Only 2.8% of persons were self-employed; this being considerably
less than the Durham County average of 5.4%. It is acknowledged that as a result of
the current economic climate the level of economic activity within the community may
have changed since this data was collated in 2001.
The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to employment, 39.6% of
residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area (including Middlestone Moor) are
deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived (Communities and Local
Government (CLG), 2007). This is higher than the Durham County average where
32.2% of residents are deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived.
Figure 1.16: Economic Activity in Middlestone Moor Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS09A, 005C
The availability of local employment will always be an issue within any community
and although this was not highlighted during consultation it should remain an
objective of livin and its partners to continue supporting and encouraging residents to
be economically active and help to support the economy either locally or nationally.
During 2001 economic activity within Middlestone Moor was 53.2%; this is
significantly lower than the County average of 60.2%.
(Census, 2001, LLSAO KS09A, 005C)
9.3
34.2
2.8 5.5 1.5 10.7 38.5 5.4 3.7 1.8 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
%
MiddlestoneMoor
DurhamCounty
38
Loss of employment from local businesses will continue to place an increased
requirement on residents to travel out of the area to gain sustainable employment.
This necessity to travel is currently being hampered by rising fuel costs and the
affordability of car ownership; together with an increased reliance on what is seen by
residents to be an unreliable and irregular bus service to surrounding areas.
However it is hoped that the development of the Durham Gate site at Spennymoor
and the provision of a new Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe may help to boost
economic activity and employment levels for local residents.
The importance of sustainable employment and enhanced job prospects within the
local area was acknowledged at Spennymoor AAP’s Forum Event in November 2010
where forum members voted these issues as one of the top three priorities for the
AAP to consider for 2011/12. As a result “Employment and Job Prospects” is a
Spennymoor AAP priority for 2011/12 and will be incorporated into its two other
priorities of “Provision for Children and Teenagers” and “Town Centre Regeneration”
Census data indicates that residents within Middlestone Moor are employed in a
wide range of different occupations (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 005C).
There is a marginally higher percentage (14%) of skilled trade workforce (including
Motor Mechanics, Electricians, Plumbers, Plasterers and Chefs) living in the
community.
16% of residents are employed in skilled roles as Professionals, Managers, or in
Associate Professional and Technical roles. There are a substantially lower
percentage of residents in the community employed in these occupations when
compared to the County average (33%). Low levels of employment within these
occupations are reflected in the low percentage of residents in the community who
hold an educational qualification at levels 3 to 5 (section 1.7). Level 3 qualifications
are necessary for progression to higher education or University. Qualifications at
levels 4 to 5 are equivalent to degree or professional level.
During the period 2006 to 2008, the Spennymoor AAP area was home to 4.1% of
businesses that were operating within Durham County. 81.4% of these businesses
employed less than 10 employees, whilst 18.5% employed 11 or more employees
(Annual Business Inquiry, 2008).
The largest industrial estate within the local area is located at Meadowfield, with
smaller estates located at Willington, Bowburn, Chilton and Spennymoor.
The community has a high percentage of persons (24%) employed in elementary
occupations (e.g. labourers, kitchen assistants, bar staff, farm labourers) or as
plant and machine operators (22%) when compared to the rest of the County.
(Source: Census, 2001)
39
Although consultation did not raise the issues of the availability of training and skills
courses for those not in employment, or how increases in University fees may restrict
the number of residents that continue their education to attain a degree or
professional qualification, livin must consider the implications these issues pose on
the current and future population.
The 2001 Census data highlighted that the majority of residents within Middlestone
Moor were employed within the plant and machine processing industry. Over the
past ten years the plant and machine processing industry has been one of the
hardest hit resulting in many large scale local employers such as Black and Decker,
Flymo, Thorn and Electrolux relocating or ceasing to trade.
With the loss of these types of industry it is expected that not only will the level of
economic activity within the community suffer as a result, but the reduction in local
job opportunities within the industry; together with a high percentage of residents that
hold no educational qualifications indicates a need for an increased provision of skills
and training courses. This can help local residents to retrain or gain new
qualifications, skills and experience thus assisting them back into long term
employment.
Figure 1.17: Occupation profile of 16- 74 year olds in Middlestone Moor Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS12A, 005C
“Economic inactivity relates to persons aged 16 to 74 years who are not in
employment, or not actively seeking employment and available to start work within 2
weeks.” (Source: Census, 2001).
6 4
6
8
14
9 7
22 24
12
9
12 12 13
7 8
13 14
0
5
10
15
20
25
%
MiddlestoneMoor
DurhamCounty
40
The percentage of
residents claiming
Jobseekers Allowance for
up to 12 months is higher
than the County average.
(DWP, 2011)
Economic inactivity was also higher than the County average with a total of 46.8% of
the population not employed, and not actively seeking work. There were a higher
percentage of persons in the community who were retired (18.4%), or unable to work
due to being permanently sick and/or disabled (13.0%) in comparison to the rest of
the County. A high percentage of economic inactivity due to retirement is a key
characteristic of an ageing population.
Figure 1.18: Economic inactivity in Middlestone Moor Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS09A, 005C
Analysis of Department for Works and Pensions
(DWP) data from March 2011 highlights that the
Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green and Kirk
Merrington) had a higher percentage of residents
who have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance for
up to 6 months (77.8%) when compared to the
County (73.5%) and National averages (68.5%).
Data collection limitations do not allow for this
information to be obtained for Middlestone Moor alone.
The percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to 12
months (19%) is also higher than the County (18%) and National (17%) averages.
The percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for 12 months or more
(6.2%) is lower than County average (8.4%), and more than half the National
average of 14.2%.
This high percentage of residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to
12 months has resulted in the community being ranked as BRONZE. It is important
to note that the data used to compile this ranking relates to the Middlestone Ward
(including Byers Green and Kirk Merrington). Full details of the methodology for this
ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
Sustainable communities require high levels of economic activity; this can be
facilitated by a high percentage of the resident population being economically active.
18.4
3.2
7.3
13.0
4.9
14.8
5.1 6.3
10.3
3.3
02468
101214161820
Retired Student Looking afterhome/family
PermanentlySick/Disabled
Other
%
MiddlestoneMoor
DurhamCounty
41
Although long term unemployment is low when compared to County and National
levels, it is important that local service providers work in partnership to proactively
identify and minimise the barriers experienced by residents who have become
unemployed within the last 12 months.
1.4.2 Jobseeker Allowance Claimants During August 2010, there was a wide age range of residents Jobseekers Allowance
in the Middlestone Moor community (DWP, 2010).
50% of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance were aged between 25 to 49 years;
slightly lower than the County average of 52%. The percentage of persons aged 16
to 24 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance (42%) is substantially higher than the
County average at 34%.
8% of residents aged 50 years or more (8%) were claiming Jobseekers Allowance,
this is significantly lower than the Durham County average (14%).
Figure 1.19: Jobseeker Allowance claimants in Middlestone Moor Source: DWP, August 2009
The percentage of persons aged 16 to 24 years claiming Jobseekers Allowance was
substantially higher than both North East and Country averages. This highlights a
clear need for service providers to target this age group when delivering future skills
and training courses. It is important that the provision of future skills and training
courses targeted at this age group will help the individual to meet their training needs
and future aspirations to gain long term employment.
During consultation although no residents expressed concerns about the lack of local
employment opportunities it is important that we consider the implications this can
have upon Middlestone Moor. In order to access employment residents are required
42
50
8
34
52
14
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Claimants aged 16-24 Claimants aged 25-49 Claimants aged 50+
%
MiddlestoneMoor
DurhamCounty
42
to travel out of the community to surrounding towns and cities. The requirement to
travel is restricted by the cost of owning private transport and the restricted
timetables and routes covered by local bus companies. There are concerns that
ongoing service cuts imposed by DCC may see local bus timetables further reduced
thus restricting access to further education, training and employment for many
residents.
In order to get our residents to become employment ready there is a need for an
increased provision of local training courses to help unemployed residents gain new
skills and qualifications to help them into employment. This is highlighted in the
higher percentage of 16-24 year olds claiming Job Seekers Allowance within the
community. Bishop Auckland College Skills and Enterprise Centre, and Bishop
Auckland College Business Training Services are both located within the nearby
community of Spennymoor, providing a number of training and skills based courses
for local residents wishing to gain new qualifications or retrain to gain new
employment.
A high percentage of persons claiming jobseekers allowance within the community
may be attributed to the number of residents that were employed in machine and
plant processing businesses and the economic downturn that these industry types
have seen over the past few years. To reduce unemployment it may necessary for
residents to retrain and learn new skills that will enable them to enter new industries
and gain sustainable employment.
1.4.3 Department for Works and Pensions Key Benefit Claimants
During August 2009, the total percentage of persons living in Middlestone Moor
claiming a DWP key out of work benefit was 36% which was substantially higher
than the Durham County average of 21%.
The majority of residents claiming a key benefit were in receipt of Incapacity Benefit
(19%). This is higher than the County average of 11%. These figures are
comparative with the intelligence contained in Section 1.6 which indicates that the
general health of the population within Middlestone Moor is poorer when compared
to the rest of Durham County.
43
Figure 1.20: Breakdown of persons residing in Middlestone Moor claiming key DWP benefits
Source: DWP, August 2009
1.4.4 Household Income
During 2001/02 estimates of mean weekly household income (gross) in the
Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green and Kirk Merrington) was £20 per week
higher than the North East average of £410 (ONS, Middlestone Ward, 2005). Data
collection limitations have restricted further detailed analysis of this information to
Middlestone Moor only.
Based on this intelligence the community has been ranked as GOLD for average
household income. It is important to note that the data used to compile this ranking
relates to the Middlestone Ward (including Byers Green and Kirk Merrington), not
Middlestone Moor alone. Full details of the methodology for this ranking can be
found in Appendix 2.
Although residents made no specific comments relating to the level of household income livin is keen to help residents in Middlestone Moor that receive welfare benefits to learn new skills to gain employment and increase household income. We aim to do this by working closely with local community groups, agencies and local businesses. 1.4.5 Vehicle Ownership and Cost of Travel In 2001, 48% of households in Middlestone Moor community did not own a car or
van, this being substantially higher than the County average of 31%.
The remaining 52% of households owned one or more cars or vans (Census, 2001,
LLSOA KS17, 005C).
Although levels of vehicle ownership may have altered since 2001, the rising cost of
fuel and other related costs will now have a significant impact on vehicle usage,
particularly amongst low income households.
Low levels of vehicle ownership and restricted use will affect residents’ lifestyles by
hindering their access to services and facilities outside of the local area.
9
19
3
2
2 2 1
Job Seekers
Incapacity Benefits
Lone Parent
Carer
Others on Income RelatedBenefitsDisabled
44
This community has restricted access to a number of services and facilities therefore
requiring residents to travel outside of the local area for large brand supermarkets
and shopping, employment, and specialist services such as colleges, universities
and hospitals.
This reliance on travel outside of the local area, in conjunction with low levels of private vehicle ownership places an increased need on a reliable public transport system. There are fears from residents that ongoing budgetary reductions to rural transport services being imposed by DCC will see many residents become more isolated and detached from obtaining specialist services and restrict their ability to gain sustainable employment.
45
By the end of the financial year 2010/11 the outstanding rental debit figure
(unpaid rent) increased from 2.05% to 2.26%; a total of £3,067.
1.4.6 Rental Debit in livin properties
To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in the
community of Middlestone Moor an analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit
figures for 2009/10 to 2010/11 have been utilised.
For the financial year 2009/10, the total rental debit charge (rent charged for all of
livin’s properties in this community) was £1,212,206. At the end of this financial year
there were outstanding arrears (unpaid rent) of £24,885; making an unpaid rental
debit charge of 2.05%.
For the financial year 2010/11 the total rental debit charge was £1,236,323. At the
end of this financial year there were outstanding arrears of £27,952; making an
unpaid rental debit charge of 2.26%.
Based on the unpaid rental debit charge of 2.26% for 2010/11 the community of
Middlestone Moor has been ranked as BRONZE. Full details of the methodology for
this ranking can be found in Appendix 2.
Key Economic characteristics:
During 2001/02 the weekly household income estimate was £20 higher than
the North East average of £410.
During 2001, economic activity within Middlestone Moor community was lower
than the Durham County average.
46.8% of residents in 2001 were not in employment, and not actively seeking
work. 13% of residents were economically inactive due to being permanently
sick or disabled.
During 2001, 46% of residents were employed in low skilled job roles. Only
10% of residents were employed in professional or management roles.
During March 2011 the percentage of residents claiming jobseekers allowance
for a period of 6 to 12 months was higher than the County average.
The percentage of residents aged 16 to 64 years that are claiming jobseekers
allowance (42%) is higher when compared to the County average
Health levels within the community are poor when compared to the county.
During August 2009, 36% of residents were claiming a key DWP Benefit. 19%
of this total was claiming Incapacity Benefit.
46
Over the last year livin has introduced the option for tenants to pay their rent via
Payment Card. The payment card can be accepted at over 60 local outlets (including
Post Offices) wherever the “Paypoint” sign is displayed. This method of payment is
only one of the many that livin offer was introduced with the aim of making paying
rent as easy and accessible as possible for livin’s tenants.
Although there were no specific comments made by residents during consultation
events livin is aware that the rising level of housing costs and how the current
economic climate is increasing the level of debt for low income households and
community members. This may mean an increased need for the provision of a local
debt management advice service to provide help and guidance for those households
experiencing debt and money worries.
What does this mean for livin?
Although livin will aim to reduce the outstanding rental debit year on year the current
economic climate and future reforms to the Welfare Benefits systems will provide for
challenging times. These challenges will require livin to work proactively with tenants
and other household members by providing a dedicated Financial Inclusion Team to
provide advice, guidance or sign posting about money and debt management.
livin must be aware of the contribution made by partners in supporting resident and
tenants to gain employment and skills, and increase their economic wellbeing.
livin must support local community organisations such that offer these services to
ensuring their resources are fully utilised by local residents and that their services
are widely publicised throughout the local area.
It is evident from the analysis that any employability work undertaken by livin must
help reduce the number of persons claiming Jobseekers Allowance (as numbers are
above average) and specifically younger claimants aged 16 to 24 years.
livin needs to understand barriers to employment experienced by residents and
tenants and assess the level of support it can offer. During consultation residents
were apprehensive about the cut to bus services and this community has lower than
average car ownership; therefore travel to work has the potential to become a major
barrier to employment.
The effects of the recession and current economic downturn are being felt by a large
number of households within livin’s local communities. As a result livin must be
mindful that local residents and tenants will need support through these financial
difficulties. This could mean signposting tenants and residents to debt and financial
inclusion and support agencies, such as Citizens Advice Bureau.
47
Low levels of educational attainment within Middlestone Moor, together with a loss of
jobs within the plant and machine processing industry highlights a need for increased
provision of skills and training courses to help local residents and tenants retrain or
gain new qualifications. Without some form of intervention many of livin’s tenants
may be required to rely on welfare benefit system.
48
1.5 Access to Services and Facilities
Middlestone Moor has limited access to a local GP surgery and Dental surgery. The
closest surgeries are located in the adjacent town
of Spennymoor. These services are not located
within the community and therefore residents need
to travel to utilise these facilities. This can provide
difficulties for residents with mobility or those
reliant on public transport.
Retail services within this community are very
limited. There are three public houses although
none of these serve meals to local residents and visitors. There are two
newsagents/convenience stores that offer limited groceries to buy with a post office
being located with the convenience store on Central Drive. To obtain a larger
selection of grocery items or for more specialised goods and services residents are
required to travel out of the community to Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland, Ferryhill,
Newton Aycliffe or Durham.
During consultation residents expressed concerns over the lack of shops and
services within their community. This will become more evident as the development
of building land at the ‘Moorcroft’ site brings new residents and a bigger demand
upon services offered within Middlestone Moor.
Although there is no resident library within the settlement, DCC provides a fortnightly
mobile library that can be utilised by residents.
Middlestone Moor does not have its own place of worship for any religion and the
nearest church can be found in the adjoining town of Spennymoor which may prove
difficult to attend for some residents.
The Community Centre situated between Albion Street and Hirst Court is a well used
centre for local residents and groups. The centre runs a successful youth club twice
a week, a craft group, bingo, over 50’s exercise classes and the centre is available
for hire.
Surestart is situated on Rock Road and offers services and facilities to local
residents. They include allowing your child to make friends and learn as they play,
accessing professional advice on health and family matters, learning about training
and job opportunities and the option to develop useful links with Jobcentre Plus and
training providers.
Middlestone Moor has limited access to health services and other public
amenities.
“Bus Routes – reduced services not direct routes” Resident from Middlestone Moor
49
Bishop Auckland College provides a number of vocational qualifications and access
to skills and practical based training for local residents at their outreach learning
centre at Merrington Lane, Spennymoor. The Centre, close to this community,
provides a number of full and part time courses for school leavers and adults. It also
hosts a number of employability courses which aim to help and support local
residents to gain new skills to help them find employment. Access to other local
colleges at nearby Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington all require access to
transport.
The community has access to a Dance Studio situated on Durham Street. The
Studio provides a number of classes including acrobatics, ballet, modern jazz,
musical theatre, pop and street dance and pre-school classes.
The community benefits from a MUGA (multiuse games area) which is used by the
young people of the community and utilised by DCC through a programme of
activities including football and basketball which are run throughout the summer
period. There is another play area within the community to the rear of Chapel Row.
During the Youth Forum event conducted in June 2011 there were a number of key
issues raised by local youths. These included the need for enhanced play facilities,
accessible after school and weekend activities, and problems with dog fouling,
graffiti, needles and litter in public areas.
52% of the youths that attended the event stated they would like more designated
play areas within their local area. There were comments about poorly maintained
equipment in the play parks and dog fouling on playing fields and areas surrounding
the play facilities. Some of the younger Forum members said they sometimes feel
intimidated by the older teenagers using the play areas as a place to “hang out” on
an evening and weekend. The youths also indicated that they would like to see an
increased provision of arranged after school and weekend activities in their local
areas.
The types of activities identified were mainly
health and fitness related (i.e. dance and sports
clubs) together with the provision of more youth
based activities at local leisure centres.
During a Spennymoor AAP Forum event held in
November 2010 the provision of activities for
children and teenagers was again rated one of
the top three priorities for the local AAP area by
forum members. This provision will continue as one of the AAP’s priorities for
2011/12.
Spennymoor Town Council own a number of garden sites within Middlestone Moor
which can be used to grow fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers with one site being
“No buses on a night -
limited bus services”
Resident from Middlestone
Moor
50
independently managed. Although livin own a number of garden sites in surrounding
towns and villages there are none located within Middlestone Moor.
In previous years some commercial properties were owned by Sedgefield Borough
Council but over time these have been sold and currently there is no commercial
properties owned by livin in the community.
A recent survey of residents living within the Spennymoor AAP area (DCC, 2010)
indicated that 85% were satisfied with public transport; this being one of the highest
levels of satisfaction throughout the County. However during consultation there were
clear concerns from residents about the provision of public transport in and around
Middlestone Moor.
Many residents highlighted concerns about the reliability, cost and restrictions of the
current public transport service and its necessity for providing essential access for
many residents to shopping, employment and education. In addition the rising costs
of fuel and vehicle maintenance will continue to place an increased need on a
reliable and regular public transport system that serves the needs of the community
as a whole.
51
What does this mean for livin?
livin need to be aware of the positive impact that local services and service providers
have on sustaining local communities. The community can be seen as an expansion
area without the facilities and services to support not only its current population but
with further housing development at ‘Moorcroft’ bringing increased community
population, its future resident numbers.
A reduced bus service will not only increase the barriers to employment experienced
by livin tenants and local residents but can also restrict vital access to supermarkets,
education, sporting facilities and healthcare; all of which are vital components of a
sustainable community.
As a major RP operating within the community livin must be aware of the pressures
that local communities are under and work in partnership with organisations such as
DCC to ensure the effects of service withdrawals are minimal and that local residents
and service providers are aware of the implications.
Key Services Characteristics:
The community has limited access to health services and public amenities.
A local library is located in the neighbouring town of Spennymoor although
Middlestone Moor is served by a fortnightly mobile library.
The local leisure centre located in Spennymoor provides health related
activities for adults and young persons.
There is a need for travel out of the area for specialised goods or services.
Many households in the community do not own their own vehicle or have access
to private transport.
Satisfaction with the public transport service in the area is poor with many
residents feeling that the current provision is unreliable and restrictive for their
needs.
The community has a dance studio which includes pre-school classes.
Residents are concerned that public sector spending cuts will further reduce the
transport links with surrounding villages and towns.
There is a football ground and a play area (MUGA) in the community; they are
utilised by residents and young people together with programmed activities
through DCC. However the MUGA is the subject of ASB highlighted by the young
children and the local Police.
52
1.6 Health and Well Being
During 2001, the total percentage of residents who were in “Good” general health
was 7% lower than the County average; together with 3% more residents suffering
from “Not good” health (Census, 2001, LLSOA KS08, 005C).
2001 Census data also indicates that 25% of working age residents suffer from a
limiting long term illness; that being higher than the County average (20%).
“A limiting long-term illness covers any long-term illness, health problem or disability
that limits daily activities or work. Working age for this data is defined as persons
aged between 16 to 64 years inclusive for men and 16 to 59 years for women.”
(Source: Census, 2001)
The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to Health, 39.6% of
residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area (including Middlestone Moor) are
deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived (CLG, 2007).
This is higher than the Durham County average where 35.7% of residents are
deemed to be in the top 10% nationally deprived.
Figure 1.21: Levels of Health in Middlestone Moor Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS08, 005C
During livin’s consultation events no resident expressed concern about the
affordability and availability of fresh, healthy food from local shops despite the
community having limited choice and the importance of the need to support a
communities health. If residents engage in healthy living, which could improve
general health levels, they may however experience difficulties with the affordability
of purchasing healthy food which will be a concern to households on low incomes
The general level of health in Middlestone Moor is notably lower than the County
average.
56
28
16
63
24
13
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
General health: Good General health: Fairlygood
General health: Notgood
%
MiddlestoneMoor
DurhamCounty
53
when compared to cheaper and more convenient take away meals available within
the area.
To access local sporting facilities residents are required to travel outside of the
community to County Council leisure centres at nearby Spennymoor, Bishop
Auckland and Newton Aycliffe. The local leisure centre at Ferryhill which is also
owned and managed by DCC is facing closure at the end of 2011. Spennymoor
leisure centre provides a wide range of sporting activities for all age groups and
abilities. Activities provided at the centre include swimming, boxing, fitness centre
and exercise classes. The extra costs relating to travel and the use of these facilities
could prove unaffordable thus restricting access to health based activities for some
members of the community.
Middlestone Moor has two play areas (one is a MUGA) and a football pitch, which is
utilised by a local football team running from the public house in the community.
However there are complaints of anti-social behaviour being caused by older youths
at the play area (MUGA) close to Moorside and Central Drive which could make the
area unsuitable for recreational activities for all age groups. A number of organised
sporting activities provided by DCC are held in this facility.
The Surestart Children’s Centre on Rock Road, Middlestone Moor provides a
number of health based services, advice and support on adopting a healthy lifestyle,
including learn basic cooking, budgeting skills and healthy eating and nutrition for
children and families and a weekly drop in to get the chance to speak to health
visitors and other health related professionals and have your baby weighed.
What does this mean for livin?
There has been a long established connection between health and housing. livin
has a stronger role emerging out of Government’s Health Reform proposals to act in
partnership with health services to improve the health of tenants and their families.
As a “frontline” service provider livin has a privileged position to access tenants and
Key Health Characteristics
During 2001, general levels of health in the Community were lower when
compared to the County average.
25% of “working age” residents are suffering from a limiting long term illness.
There is a need for fresh and healthy food that is easily accessible within the
community and affordable for those households in receipt of a low income.
Residents are required to travel for access to leisure facilities. Increased
costs associated with travel may result in access to leisure facilities becoming
unaffordable for some local households.
54
potentially signpost customers to health services and healthier lifestyles. Good
levels of health can have positive effects on educational achievement and promote
employment within a community.
In Middlestone Moor there is intelligence indicating that overall the community has
poorer than average health levels and high levels of long term disability when
compared to the rest of Durham County. There are a number of projects that livin
could support that can link into the preventative health agenda; making it critical livin
engages and work in partnership with local health based stakeholders to ensure
maximum use of resources and assess opportunities.
55
1.7 Education and Training
Levels of educational attainment are substantially lower within the Middlestone Moor
community when compared to the Durham County average (Census, 2001, LLSOA
KS13, 005C).
The percentage of residents attaining level 1
qualification (15%) is lower when compared to
the County average (17%). Level 1
qualifications include 1+ 'O' level passes; 1+
CSE/GCSE any grades; NVQ level 1; or Foundation level GNVQ.
The average percentage of the population gaining a level 2 qualification is equivalent
to the County average of 18%. Level 2 qualifications include 5+GCSEs (grades A-C);
1+ 'A' levels/'AS' levels; NVQ level 2; or Intermediate GNVQ.
Only 4% of the population hold qualifications at level 3. Level 3 qualifications are
necessary for advancement into University, higher education or professional
qualifications and include 2+ 'A' levels; 4+ 'AS' levels; NVQ level 3; or an Advanced
GNVQ.
This lower level of attainment at level 3 reflects on the percentage of the population
that have gained a level 4/5 qualification through higher education. There is a
difference of 9% between County average and Middlestone Moor community for
those who continue their education to gain qualifications equivalent to First Degree,
Higher Degree, NVQ levels 4 and 5; HNC; HND; or professional qualifications
including qualified teacher; medical doctor; dentist; nurse; midwife; or health visitor.
This low percentage of residents educated to degree or professional is reflected in
the low number of persons employed in roles as Professionals (doctors, dentists,
teachers), Managers, or in Associate Professional and Technical roles.
Based on this percentage of residents attaining 5+ GCSE’s at Grade A-C or
equivalent the community has been ranked as SILVER for educational attainment.
The 2007 Indices of Deprivation indicates that in relation to education, 10.3% of
residents living in the Spennymoor AAP area are deemed to be in the top 10%
nationally deprived (CLG, 2007). This is notable better than the Durham County
average where 18.5% of residents are deemed to be in the top 10% nationally
deprived.
2001 Census data indicates
that 51% of the population
in the community have no
formal qualifications
9% less residents in Middlestone Moor continue their education to gain Higher
Education qualifications when compared to the rest of Durham County
56
Figure 1.22: Educational attainment within Middlestone Moor Source: Census, 2001, LLSOA KS13, 005C
The community is well served by a number of educational establishments. There is
Middlestone Moor Primary (3 to 11 year olds) and Nursery together with the privately
owned Rainbow Nursery which includes an after school club. The community is also
served by Middlestone Moor Junior School (7 to 11 year olds). There are currently
two secondary schools located within the nearby Spennymoor Town; Tudhoe
Grange and Spennymoor Comprehensive. However, DCC and the Spennymoor
Learning Community Trust have recently proposed for these two schools to be
merged, and a new purpose built school to be situated on the current Spennymoor
Comprehensive site. This new school would be managed by the Spennymoor
Learning Community Trust.
There are three specialist schools located within the community at; Whitworth
School, The Meadows, and The Oaks.
The nearest further education colleges are located at Bishop Auckland, Darlington
and Durham with all requiring access to public or private transport. Bishop Auckland
College also provide an outreach learning centre located at Merrington Lane,
Spennymoor. For many residents access to further education and employment will
require travel out of the local area, this being hampered by the rising costs of vehicle
ownership and what is seen to be a restricted public transport service.
Surestart situated on Rock Road, Middlestone Moor is somewhere residents and
their children can make friends and learn to play. The centre provides professional
advice on health and family matters together with learning about training and job
opportunities through useful links to Jobcentre Plus and training providers.
51
15 18
4 6 6
36
17 18
7 15
7 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
%
MiddlestoneMoor
DurhamCounty
57
There are no “faith” schools located within the community that can accommodate
pupils aged 11 years or older. As a result a number of local children attend faith
schools at nearby Bishop Auckland and Durham. Recent changes to DCC’s school
transport plan have seen the removal of funded transport arrangements to faith
schools in these areas.
During the Youth Forum event held in June 2011 the attending children and young
persons indicated “Education and Training” to be of significant importance to them.
Information gained from youths living in the areas of Spennymoor, Middlestone
Moor, Byers Green and Kirk Merrington highlights the hopes of many to continue
their education to degree or professional level to enable them to become employed
in professional or skilled roles such as teachers, doctors, accountants, health
professionals and veterinarians.
It is hoped that a requirement to travel out of the local area to access higher
education, and the rising costs of University fees do not restrict the access into these
professions. As a high level of economic activity is essential for maintaining
community sustainability it is important that local service providers work in
partnership to help and encourage these local youths to continue their education with
the hope of gaining sustainable employment.
Key Education Characteristics
There is good access to local primary, junior, secondary schools and a Surestart
centre.
In 2001, 51% of residents held no formal educational qualifications. Although
the percentage of residents that gain qualifications at level 2 (equivalent to 5+
GCSEs A-C) is equivalent to the County average a lower percentage continue
their education.
Only 4% of residents hold qualifications at level 3. Educational attainment at
level 3 is necessary for advancement into higher education or university.
There are a substantially lower percentage of residents that hold qualifications at
levels 4 to 5 (equivalent to Degree level) when compared to the County
average.
Bishop Auckland College’s outreach learning centre at Merrington Lane provides
access to practical and skilled trade training and qualifications. Attendance
at further education colleges at Durham, Bishop Auckland and Darlington
require access to public or private transport.
58
What does this mean for livin?
Education is a cornerstone of a sustainable community as it will promote a financial
inclusion and economic activity.
51% of residents living in the community have no formal educational qualifications.
Although livin can play no direct role in education there are opportunities to link with
Surestart, local schools and colleges to increase educational opportunities for
residents and livin’s tenants.
Lower levels of educational attainment in the community highlight the need for an
increased provision of training and skills courses that will allow local residents to
access further education or gain long term employment. However, consideration
should be given to increasing travel costs and a reduced public transport system that
may restrict this training and skills for many younger residents.
59
1.8 Reputation of the local area and community cohesion
To increase sustainability within an area it is important that the community is seen as
a good place to live with a high level of community cohesion. Feedback gained from
the consultation events indicates that residents feel that the reputation of
Middlestone Moor is steadily improving; this being facilitated by the building of new
homes in the community.
A poor reputation for a community can last for many years and remain regardless of
significant changes and improvements to social, economic or environmental factors.
A reputation, even if it is a perception, can have a detrimental effect on housing
demand within the community.
It can also tarnish the reputation of the local community and that of the registered
providers providing housing within the community.
Residents are however concerned about levels of community cohesion within the
community, and there was particular reference to the need for residents to work
together to support each other and local service providers to resolve local issues
such as crime and antisocial behaviour.
What does this mean to livin?
It is important that as one of the largest RP’s in the community, livin has a role to
play as a ‘place maker’. livin is aware that to increase the reputation of a community
and enhance community cohesion the involvement of local residents is imperative.
To enable the success of this Community Plan and the achievement of the Local
Offers it is important that livin involve local residents and community groups. The
involvement of the local community in delivering these Local Offers can help
empower local residents to make a difference in their local communities, and
develop partnership working to improve the overall reputation of the community and
enhance community cohesion.
1.9 Local Environment
The majority of environmental feedback received from
residents during the consultation events centred on
concerns around dog fouling, litter and rubbish in
public areas, and the condition of public footpaths and
highways in Middlestone Moor.
Residents are concerned about litter and rubbish on
the community’s streets, with particular reference to
areas round the local shops. The presence of youths
hanging around the streets on an evening, weekend
and during school holidays were felt to be the main
“There is always dog
faeces and litter around
the shops and bus
stops.”
Resident from Middlestone
Moor
60
cause for this. The issue of dog fouling and the failing of dog owners to remove
faeces from public areas was a common complaint at both consultation events.
There were also requests for an enhanced maintenance programme of public
footpaths and highways by the County Council due to many being littered with
potholes and crumbling tarmac and/or paving slabs. Concerns were also raised
about some of the footpaths within the community being overgrown with weeds.
On the 19 August 2011, an Environmental Assessment of the community was
conducted by members of livin’s Communities Team.
The Assessment was completed by assessing a
number of environmental indicators at four designated
“stopping” points on a pre-determined route through the
community.
During the assessment there was evidence of litter and
damaged footpaths around the shops on Central Drive,
and damage and erosion to the boundary walls of some
properties in this area.
There was also evidence of damaged footpaths and dog fouling on South View and
the public highway at the entrance to Albion Terrace was damaged. The properties
and gardens assessed during each stopping point on the route were found to be tidy
and well maintained.
Based on the average points awarded at each stopping point, the community scored
a total value of 33. As a result the overall condition of Middlestone Moor community,
as determined by this assessment, has been ranked as GOLD. The full
methodology to this Environmental Assessment is detailed in Appendix 2.
“Paths and alleyways are
overgrown with weeds.”
Resident from Middlestone
Moor
61
Figure 1.23: Route of Environmental Assessment
What does it mean for livin?
A high Environmental Assessment scoring and GOLD ranking is a good result for the
community. It means that the community does not require intensive support and
may only require targeted work in specific hotspots area.
However, it is important that livin ensure that future Environmental Assessments
within this community are conducted at appropriate intervals to ensure the
community is able to maintain this high ranking.
62
Based on the information contained within this community plan livin has been able to
identify and assess a number of key strengths and challenges that are being faced
by residents living in the community of Middlestone Moor.
To improve the levels of sustainability within this community it is important that key
strengths are maintained; together with conscientious efforts being made by livin,
other community stakeholders and local residents to address and reduce the
identified challenges. Actions have been established for livin in most of the themes in
this plan by way of enhancing the efforts of partners and identifying new areas in
which livin can add to sustaining the community socially, economically and
environmentally.
Taking into account these challenges has developed six key priorities for the
community:
Section 2 Community Priorities
Maintain and enhance levels of engagement and the provision of activities
for children and young people.
Help to influence and maintain services that benefit the needs of local
residents and the community as a whole (including transport services, play
facilities and local retail services).
Develop a partnership approach to reducing barriers to work and increasing
employment opportunities for local residents, particularly for short term
unemployed residents aged 16 to 24 (including supporting the provision of
local skills and training courses).
Develop a partnership approach to further develop local health based
initiatives to help residents adopt healthier lifestyles and improve health
levels of the community.
Maintain a partnership approach to manage and reduce incidents of low
level crime, antisocial behaviour and nuisance.
to work proactively with tenants and other household members by
providing a dedicated Financial Inclusion Team to provide advice, guidance
or sign posting about money and debt management.
63
The development of these key priorities and the creation of a realistic service
delivery plan that can be used by livin, community stakeholders and local residents
to address and achieve them will enable the maximisation of internal and external
resources available throughout the community.
64
The original actions contained within this Community Plan were revised in March
2013.
Based on what livin has learnt from your community, and our work with local partners
we have now developed a set of Local Offers for Middlestone Moor. The Local
Offers have taken into account the original actions from the community plan and the
views of the community obtained through consultation, leading to a new set of
standards and actions aimed at supporting and benefiting your area. Delivery of the
Local Offers will be monitored by livin tenants.
A copy of livin’s Local Offers for Middlestone Moor can be found on our website at
www.livin.co.uk.
This main Community Plan will be revised in 2014.
Section 3 Review of the Community Plan
65
APPENDIX 1
livin STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
&
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
66
livin Strategic Framework
livin’s role as a Registered Provider of social housing extends beyond managing
houses. This has been identified within livin’s Corporate Plan for 2011 – 2014 which
highlights the importance of improving the economic viability of local communities,
followed by social factors such as health and education, and enhancing the local
environment.
As such livin is focused on supporting the development of sustainable communities
for the current and future generation of residents. This is articulated through the
Company’s vision, mission and personality which are;
Mission “working with the community at heart”
Vision “sustaining and growing safe, cohesive and vibrant communities through
excellent customer services”
Personality “Caring, supportive, helpful and community orientated”
It is acknowledged that livin can play a key role in contributing to the delivery of
sustainable communities. By developing strong and coordinated partnership working
with residents and key stakeholders livin will develop:
Prosperous Communities - addressing economic viability of communities by
helping people to improve their financial circumstances, become less dependent
on benefits, positively address employability and increase financial confidence.
Healthy Communities – addressing social wellbeing, community cohesion and
health inequalities by improving health and wellbeing, secure access to further
opportunities and develop their aspirations.
Green Communities – addressing environmental quality and sustainability by
enhancing the setting of homes and promoting and supporting green initiatives in
communities.
During April 2011, livin introduced the “Your Voice, Local Choice”, Local Offer
document to ensure that “the right services are delivered in the right place for the
right people”. The Local Offer is a list of ten pledges that livin has made to tenants in
order to deliver key priorities. Full details of the pledges contained in livin’s Local
Offer can be found on the website at livin.co.uk or alternatively a copy can be
requested by contacting livin on 0845 505 5500 or 0300 111 2234 (low rate from a
mobile depending on network).
In addition to helping livin work towards sustaining and growing safe, cohesive, and
vibrant communities the Community Plans will play an important role in shaping and
67
articulating the Local Offer to tenants. They are the delivery mechanism for the
pledges contained within the Offer and will enable livin, community stakeholders and
local residents to tailor services and resources to the specific needs of each
individual community and enhance local service delivery. This relationship is
illustrated in the diagram below:
The development and implementation of the Community Plans represents a strategic
change in livin’s approach to supporting the sustainability of communities and will
help deliver the corporate improvement themes of “Customer Focussed Services”
and “Efficient Assets” by:
improving lives, communities and communities
improving customer involvement and empowerment, and
increasing the sustainability of tenancies and homes
The Plans will be utilised to inform and enhance livin’s strategic planning and asset
management framework whilst helping to deliver customer and community focused
investment. They have an impact on all areas of service delivery, renewal and
regeneration, and have departmental cross cutting themes.
Local Offer
Established guiding principles
Locality 1
Byers Green
Kirk Merrington
Middlestone Moor
Spennymoor Town
Locality 2
Dean Bank
Ferryhill Village &
Cleves Cross
West Cornforth
Bishop Middleham
Chilton & Chilton Lane
Locality 3
Trimdon Village
Trimdon Grange
Trimdon Colliery
Fishburn
Sedgefield
Locality 4
Shildon
Middridge
Locality 5
Aycliffe Old Town
Aycliffe New Town
Aycliffe Village
Community Plan Strategy
68
Each Plan takes into account a whole spectrum of current national, regional and
local strategic agendas whilst retaining enough flexibility to address future emerging
policy and structural changes at all levels. They complement the Government’s
Localism Bill by facilitating and empowering local communities to improve local
services in their local area and careful consideration has also been given to relevant
housing strategies adopted by Durham County Council and the implications of the
Housing and Communities Agency (HCA) new role in regulating social landlords.
Tenant Services Authority Regulatory Requirements
The development and implementation of Community Plans also reflects livin’s
commitment to adhering to the Tenant Services Authority’s (TSA) current regulatory
regime. This regime requires livin to meet six separate service standards:
Tenant Involvement and Empowerment
Home
Tenancy
Neighbourhood and Community
Value for Money
Governance and Financial Viability
Comprehensive consultation to support each Plan will help livin to enhance customer
services and encourage local residents to become more responsible for local
services and the improvement of their communities thus addressing the Tenant
Involvement and Empowerment standard.
The Home standard will be addressed by assessing the current condition of the
current housing stock in each community to ensure that it is of high quality, well
maintained and suitable for demand.
It is crucial that the Tenancy standard be incorporated into the outcomes of the
Community Plan through the consideration and effective use of lettings policies, rent
management policies and the enhancement of tenancy sustainment.
As part of the Neighbourhood and Community standard livin is required to deliver on
three separate outcomes; local cooperation, antisocial behaviour and community
management. All of these will outcomes will be considered and addressed within the
outcomes of each Plan.
The Plans will also address the Value for Money standard by ensuring that livin
prioritise resources based on the actual needs and requirements of local residents
whilst enabling confidence for external stakeholders and businesses to invest in the
communities.
69
Durham County Council Strategic Framework
Durham County Council’s “Sustainable Communities” Strategy 2010-2030 is the
overarching plan for delivering long lasting improvements throughout the County. It
sets out five key strategic priority themes that will be focused on during the next 20
years:
Altogether Wealthier
Altogether Better for Children and Young People
Altogether Healthier
Altogether Safer
Altogether Greener
Whilst, Registered Providers are essential partners in delivering sustainable
communities, local authorities have the key strategic responsibility in this area. This
is particularly important for livin given its current geographical boundary within
County Durham and its relatively high levels of deprivation. Therefore the
Company’s approach of aligning key elements of its Corporate Plan 2011 – 2014 to
the priorities set out in Durham County Council’s Sustainable Communities Strategy
is vital in allowing the Company to play its role as a key partner in delivering
sustainable communities.
The provision of sustainable communities and vibrant and successful towns sits
within the key strategic theme of “Altogether Wealthier” and places a significant
emphasis on local housing markets and improvements in employability and skills as
key drivers in this achievement. Although the provision of a successful housing
market is predominantly featured in the theme of “Altogether Wealthier” there can be
cross cutting themes across the other four priority themes as demonstrated in the
community plans.
This theme of housing being a key driver in creating sustainable communities is
further detailed in “Building Altogether Better Lives: A Housing Strategy for County
Durham 2010-2015” (DCC, 2010). This strategy focuses on the ability for housing
and other related services to create better life chances for persons living in County
Durham by delivering better housing markets and high quality housing stock through
enhanced partnership working.
National Housing Federation
Research conducted by the National Housing Federation (NHF) found that numerous
RP’s are now using their presence and impact within their local communities to
provide services outside of their core housing management activities.
These activities are centred on employment and enterprise services, education and
skills services, wellbeing services, poverty and social inclusion, safety and
community cohesion.
70
During 2006/07 the NHF found that RP’s nationally delivered 6,800 community
services (including facilities) and invested £435 million (£272 million internal and
£163 external) into resources outside of their core areas of activity. This study
highlighted the prominence that RP’s have within their local communities and their
perfect position to act as place makers in their communities.
Further information and details relating to this research is contained within the full
NHF report, “The scale and scope of housing associations activity beyond housing”.
71
APPENDIX 2
METHODOLOGY
72
livin Communities With the help of livin’s Tenants Panel 19 local communities were defined. These 19
communities are loosely based around Durham Constabulary’s local Police “Beat”
patches and the boundaries of Durham County’s local Area Action Partnerships
(AAP):
To successfully complete each individual Plan a wide range of quantitative and
qualitative data from an extended range of sources has been utilised. Data obtained
from these sources has focused on several social, economic and environmental
indicators.
Locality Community Estates
1
Byers Green Byers Green
Kirk Merrington Kirk Merrington
Middlestone Moor Middlestone Moor
Spennymoor Town Town Centre (inc Bessemer Park) York Hill Tudhoe Tudhoe Grange
2
Dean Bank Dean Bank
Ferryhill Village and Cleves Cross Ferryhill Village Cleves Cross
West Cornforth Topside Lowside
Bishop Middleham Bishop Middleham
Chilton and Chilton Lane The Poets Windlestone
3
Trimdon Village Trimdon Village
Trimdon Grange Trimdon Grange
Trimdon Colliery Trimdon Colliery
Fishburn Fishburn
Sedgefield Sedgefield
4
Shildon Central Shildon Jubilee Fields New Shildon
Middridge Middridge
5
Aycliffe Old Town Shafto Simpasture Central
Aycliffe New Town Horndale Agnew Burnhill Western
Aycliffe Village Aycliffe Village
73
Qualitative data collection methods has required livin to hold a number of
consultation events within each community to gain the views and opinions of local
residents; together with anecdotal data from interviews with members of staff from
livin’s Communities and Homes Support Team.
Social, Economic and Environmental Indicators
Several social, economic and environmental indicators have been established for
each community; with some being benchmarked against County and National data
averages.
The table below shows the themes and topics each Community Plan has explored
and the data sources used to populate the required intelligence.
Themes Method
Housing
Quantitative- National statistics, livin stock data, DKO lettings data, Council tax data, Durham County Council strategic housing market assessment, House price websites and Land Registry data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Crime Rates and Perception of Crime
Quantitative – Durham Constabulary crime data and livin internal data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Economy and Employment
Quantitative - National statistics and DWP Benefit data
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Accessibility to Services and Facilities
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Health and Well Being Quantitative - National Statistics
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Education and Training Quantitative - National Statistics
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Reputation and Community Cohesion
Qualitative – Interviews and consultation events
Local Environment (including built environment, management of public areas)
Qualitative – Interviews, consultation events and community environmental assessments
74
Community Views and Opinions
The community in Middlestone Moor were invited to tell livin their views, concerns and opinions about their local community. Two
consultation events took place during May 2011 at the Village Hall. In June 2011, livin and other partner agencies participated in a
forum event involving a number of young people (aged 10 to 14 years) from Spennymoor, Byers Green, Kirk Merrington, and
Middlestone Moor to obtain views and opinions about their communities, housing and lifestyles. Anecdotal evidence to support the
intelligence contained in this plan has also been obtained from the Police Beat Team for Middlestone Moor and livin staff members.
The table below highlights the main concerns and areas for improvement highlighted during livin’s consultation events together with
feedback and information from the Police Beat Team and livin staff members:
Themes Community Comments
Housing Nearly 50% social housing – major imbalance in housing market
DKO demand is good
New build estate – social and private by Taylor - Wimpey
Crime Rates and
Perception of Crime
Alley gates put up in area – reduced ASB problems for Police and residents
Play are – older youths cause ASB – located with housing backing on – closed in
Economy and
Employment
Lost jobs + lost house due to inability to pay mortgage
Accessibility to Services and Facilities
Need to maintain local bus services
No buses on a night – reduced service
Needs more regular bus service
Bus routes – reduced services and not direct routes
Problem travelling to and from work – lack of buses
Community Centre is well used – number of groups in operation
Health and Well Being Health levels are cause for concern
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Education and Training Poor educational attainment
Primary school improved – new build – day nursery, Surestart, Childcare
Reputation and
Community Cohesion
Poor community cohesion
No residents group active
Wish local Communities would have spirit to stick together and get problems sorted with Police
Local Environment Dog fouling and litter near the shops
Dog fouling – more fines should be issued
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Community Ranking Methodology
Based on the intelligence contained within this Community Plan livin has been able to rank the community based on; Bronze
(potential), Silver (aspiring) or Gold (performing). This will enable the identification of the communities which require more
immediate and more intensive interventions whilst ensuring there are mechanisms in place to maintain Gold standards.
The following are details of the methodology used by livin when determining the ranking for each community indicator:
Indicator Ranking
Housing Market
Affordability
Affordability ratios have been devised by comparing income to house prices in order to calculate
how many times their average income an individual would be required to borrow to purchase their
own property. It is particularly interesting to assess how well lower income households can
access the housing market. To gauge access to entry level housing the data used is the lower
quartile income of residents within the former area of Sedgefield Borough and the average price
of terraced housing within the community (the assumption is that this house type is often the
lower quartile house type). Data sources for this information were the Annual Survey of Hours
and Earnings (ASHE) 2010 and land registry house price data.
To assess the level of affordability it is important to rank the multiplier by the England average. In
England during 2009 the lower quartile house price was 6.28 times the lower quartile full-time
individual earnings
(http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/housingplanningstatistics2010).
Access to lending on homes is still calculated using a multiplier of 3.5 for single households and
2.9 for dual income households, therefore a multiplier of 3.5 or less can be deemed as affordable.
Gold = Multiplier of 0
to 3.5 is affordable
Silver = Multiplier of
3.6 to 6.3
(2009 English
average)
Bronze = Multiplier of
6.4 and above
Tenancy
Tenancy Turnover is determined by the percentage of houses available to let compared with the
total housing stock in a community. It is recognised that this methodology is very simplistic and
there are several factors that should be considered in conjunction with this ranking. These
include:
Turnover rates in specific house types are generally higher than others (one bedroom
Gold = 5% turnover or
less
77
Turnover bungalows) so consideration must be given to the total community stock profile
Gold communities will have a lower tenancy turnover; however a Gold ranking could indicate lack of access to housing and affordability issues requiring more households to have a housing need for socially rented properties in a particular community
It is important that when considering tenancy turnover; further investigation be given to the
circumstances surrounding the ranking and circumstances that may have contributed towards a
high level of turnover. Further investigation should also be made into stock types within the
community and the accessibility and affordability of housing. To compile the percentage rates
used to calculate this ranking consideration has been given to Housemark’s national
Benchmarking figures
Silver = 8-9% turnover
Bronze = 10%
turnover or more
Demand for
livin housing
Demand for livin properties has been determined by the comparison of three indicators of demand
taken from Durham Key Options (DKO) data. Each of these indicators has been scored
accordingly with the overall score of all three determining the ranking allocated to the community:
Hard to let properties in a community: This is defined as properties that have been advertised in three or more bidding cycles with DKO before being let. It is important to note that the presence of low demand house types within a community can increase the percentage of hard to let properties within a community. - No properties hard to let = 5 points - 1 to 2% of properties hard to let = 3 points - 3% or more properties hard to let = 1 point
Area of preference: Upon application households can choose their areas of choice. These
indicate a “perception” of an area therefore producing a demand. Areas of preference
between communities have been determined by analysing the number of applicants showing
a preference for each community compared to the amount of applicants received by livin (by
percentage). Applicants can indicate a preference for more than one area and it must be
noted that area of preference is made at point of first application to DKO and is a snapshot in
time. Often applicants do not update their areas of preference and these areas of preference
may differ from their original indications during time spent on the housing register.
- 50% or more applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 5 points
- 21 to 49% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 3 points
Gold = 11 to 15 points
Silver = 6 to 10 points
Bronze = 1 to 5 points
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- 0 to 20% of applicants expressing the community as an area of preference = 1 point
Average (mean) bids per property by community: Demand is evident by the volume of bids
received for a property. It is noted that this method will disguise some house types or
localised areas where the bids per property are very low and in some areas where there are
exceptional number of bids per property.
- 20 bids or more = 5 points
- 10-19 bids = 3 points
- 9 bids or less = 1 point
These three indicators considered together give livin a fair indication of demand for livin’s
communities. However, anecdotal evidence from staff has uncovered that this methodology may
disguise the actual experience of demand in livin communities by using a general mean average
over all house types and sizes. This ranking together with the analysis does indicate areas of
further in depth analysis.
Average Repair
Costs Per
Property
This has been calculated by analysing the total repair costs for livin properties within each of the
19 communities for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010.
To calculate the average repair cost per property the total cost of all repairs for all livin properties
in the community has been divided against the total number of stock livin owns within the
community.
Gold = £599 or less
Silver = £600 to £650
Bronze = £600 or
more
Long Term
Unemployment
(6 to 12
months)
This ranking is based on data supplied by the DWP in March 2011 and relates to the percentage
of persons residing in the Middlestone Ward (including Kirk Merrington and Byers Green) claiming
Jobseekers Allowance for a period of 6 to 12 months.
This data has been compared to the overall percentage for Durham County of 18%.
Data was obtained from the NOMIS Official Labour Market Statistics supplied by the Office for
National Statistics.
Gold = 17% or less
Silver = 18%
(equivalent to the
County percentage)
Bronze = 19% or more
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Average
Household
Income
This ranking is based on national statistics and relates to model-based average weekly household
total income estimates for households in the Middlestone Ward (including Kirk Merrington and
Byers Green) for 2001/02.
This data has been compared to the North East average weekly household total income estimate
of £410.00.
Data was obtained from the Office for National Statistics.
Gold = £411.00 or
more
Silver = £410.00
Bronze = £409.99 or
less
livin Rental
Debit
To assess the rent payments made by tenants within livin properties in Middlestone Moor an
analysis and comparison of livin’s rental debit figures for 2009/10 to 2010/11 were utilised.
The total rental debit charge is the total rent charged for all livin properties within Middlestone
Moor throughout a financial year. At the end of the financial year the total amount of rent
payments collected by livin is offset against the total rental debit.
The total amount of rent payments collected by livin is calculated within the first week of the
following financial year; this ensures that any housing benefit payments have been processed and
credited to the relevant rent account. All housing benefit payments paid by DCC are received
every 4 weeks and are paid in arrears.
By offsetting the amount of rent paid throughout the year against the total rental debit charge for
the year livin are able to calculate how much outstanding debt it has within each individual
community. This outstanding debt is commonly referred to as “rent arrears”. This figure is then
calculated as a percentage of the total rental debit charge and has been used to provide the
community’s ranking.
livin has not been able to base the ranking of rental debit against any validated local
benchmarking figures.
Gold = 0 to 0.99%
Silver = 1.00% to
1.99%
Bronze = over 2.00%.
Educational
This ranking is based on national statistics from the 2001 Census data and relates to the
percentage of persons residing in the community of Middlestone Moor that have an educational
80
Attainment
(5 GCSE’s
Grade C &
Above)
attainment of 5 GCSE’s Grade C and above. This data has been compared and ranked against
the County and North East averages of 18%.
Data obtained from the Office for National Statistics at www.statisics.co.uk
Gold = 19% or more
Silver = 18%
Bronze = 17% or less
Environmental
Assessment
On 19 August 2011 staff from livin’s Communities Team conducted an Environmental
Assessment on a pre-determined route through the community. At each of the “stopping points” a
number of economic indicators were scored. The maximum number of points that can be
awarded at each stopping point is 35. Environmental indicators include:
Grassed areas & shrubs
Fly tipping & litter
Garages
Pathways, roads & parking
Trees
Boundary walls & fences
Gardens The route through the community began at Bluebell Drive through to Rock Road and included
Grayson Road, South View and Central Drive. The total number of points attained throughout the
assessment is then divided by the number of stopping points to provide an average total for the
community. The community scored a total of 133 points (133 divided by 4 = 33).
Full details of the Environmental Assessments can be found at: www.livin.co.uk
Gold = 30 to 35 points
Silver = 21 to 29
points
Bronze = 0 to 20
points
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Total Score for Middlestone Moor
This score is based on a range of economic, social, and environmental indicators contained within the Community Plan for Middlestone Moor. These issues have been scored against strategic priorities from livin’s Corporate Plan 2011-2014. The maximum a community can score is 36. This is based on a maximum of 15 points for economic issues, 12 points for social issues and 9 points for environmental issues.
Contact Us:
livin, Farrell House, Arlington Way, DurhamGate, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6NL visit: livin.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 0800 587 4538 (free from a landline) or 0300 111 2344 (cheap rate from mobiles depending on your network
0
5
10
15
Economic Social Environmental
Low level
issues
Prominent issues
Substantial
issues
21