What Looking Local can do for you

With digital television expected to rapidly overtake web-based services in citizens' homes as we approach digital switchover, Looking Local is working with RSLs, ALMOs and over 120 local authorities nationally to provide interactive housing services through digital TV, on consumer electronics such as the Nintendo Wii and mobile phones.

We know that nearly 20% of adults nationally are unable to access the Internet and that this figure increases significantly for tenants of social landlords; IPSOS MORI's Technology Tracker (Nov 2010) shows that on average 57% of tenants of local authorities and housing associations do not have access to the internet. The Looking Local portal offers a unique way of reaching digitally excluded residents - many of whom are also financially excluded - and is proving to get through and make a difference both to citizens and organisations.

The Digital Inclusion Unit recently commissioned an independent piece of research into the delivery of housing services on TV, in particular the benefits of making choice based lettings available on TV; the results are quite impressive. The average saving for a housing association with around 8,000 properties was shown to be around £39,000 per year.

"There is a direct cashable saving for the Housing Association in terms of a saving per transaction and savings in overall operating expenditure, particularly advertising. When set against the cost savings in costs per transaction and advertising there is a clear identifiable financial gain, which can be set aside for reinvestment or as an overall reduction in operating expenditure."

Consulting directly with a number of housing associations who already use Looking Local to deliver CBL, the business case works through the strategic and policy drivers that led organisations to consider alternative channels to meet targets and ensure efficiencies. Then it concentrates on the core problem of digital exclusion, which means that many tenants did not have access to online services, as well as the organisational needs of reducing transaction costs and advertising budgets whilst still improving access, usage and tenant satisfaction.

The full report can be requested here.

North Lincolnshire Homes created a fabulous, insightful and informative video for their own channel promotion which succinctly details the benefits of using TV, mobile, smartphones, touch screens and even the Nintendo Wii as dedicated delivery channels. The video covers a range of benefits from both the organisational and customer perspective and shows the benefits of partner working. It really is worth a watch, here.

Housing Services already offered on Looking Local:

• Choice Based Letting: Advertising vacant, biddable property on digital TV in residents' own homes (this has proved incredibly successful; more here)
• Ability to view council tax & rent statements
• Technology integration to allow council tax and rent payments
• 'Report and Repair' services: Booking appointments, reporting problems, failed street lamps, etc.
• Information on Credit Unions, how they work and their benefits
• Resident information available 24/7: Web-style content, 'leaflets', promotional services, news
• Providing resident feedback about services even for those without email
• Report anti-social behaviour in relation to residents or members of the public
• Publicity of local meetings & events and encouraging resident involvement
• Tenant forums

By working in partnership with a range of service providers both from the public and private sectors, Looking Local is able to offer extensions to a number of the choice based lettings technologies used across on the web in the housing sector, as well as advice on integrating rent, account and payment systems. These services sit amongst a range of other relevant local services and the ability to create whatever service is appropriate for your tenants and residents.

Looking Local can help with a variety of housing policy objectives as well as delivery in a number of areas within the Localism Bill, Neighborhood Development Plans and the Right to Know and Challenge Green Paper. LEPS, who now have the strategic responsibility for housing and planning, can also benefit from engaging with Looking Local to widen access to housing information, CBL, consultations and local dialogue.

Most of our partners offer housing services to great effect (Twin Valley testimonial), whether simple fault reporting forms or more integrated personalised services. We have proof that these services are getting to the people that need them most and the resulting benefits to residents and providers. The additional information and services simply adds to the offering, giving it a community feel.

Community Housing

Increasingly partners are using the Looking Local technology to deliver services to community and communal housing. A number of our partners have installed Nintendo Wiis which gives access to their services whilst others have installed touch screens and dedicated communal housing options. This enabled them to combine video, text and interactive service in a new approach to service delivery. Read more about touch screens here.