Sharing information
2.48 Local authorities will need to have in place a means for pooling information relevant to the production of LHS. Some local authorities may have data sharing groups already in place. If so, these arrangements should be used to best effect for LHS. Others will need to make arrangements for sharing information and may want to convene a partnership group. Essentially any housing providers and public/private organisations with data to contribute, or with intelligence on the operation of the local housing system should be involved.
2.49 Information and data sharing arrangements will enable:
Relevant data to be made available from a number of sources;
Both quantitative and qualitative data to be captured;
Outdated data to be replaced;
New data to be shared;
Duplication of effort to be eliminated for related strategy development e.g. Homelessness Strategies.
2.50 View those with valuable contributions to make to data-sharing
Research
2.51 Some research into assessing housing problems may need to be commissioned externally. This is a way of filling any gaps in data and analysis that local authorities and their partners may have identified. Added value in terms of cost, output and impact may be gained through organisations commissioning research jointly.
2.52 A training course on 'Commissioning Research' ran as part of the LHS training in Autumn 2002. Request course materials. Also available is guidance on how to manage research projects.
Community views
2.53 It is important that LHS are consistent with community planning frameworks. This means not only making best use of inter-agency data sharing and consultation arrangements, but also finding ways to gauge housing problems identified by communities. Local authorities will also have to consider how they can involve tenant groups and other service users in formal and regular consultation on LHS.
The wider context
2.54 HMCS produced by Communities Scotland, should be useful to local authorities in their assessment of housing problems in their area. These provide an overview of the broader strategic and environmental context in which the housing market operates and the housing stresses and problems that extend beyond local authority administrative boundaries.
Checklist for collecting and using information
