Useful Websites

Your South Somerset - The page on the following website is a guide to selected agencies and organisations operating in towns in Somerset.
www.connexions-somerset.org.uk/yourtown/southsomerset.html

Tenant Services Authority – is the new regulator for affordable housing. They were launched on 1 December 2008, having taken over the regulatory powers of the Housing Corporation.Their goal is to raise the standard of services for tenants.
www.tenantservicesauthority.org

Homes & Communities Agency - is the national housing and regeneration delivery agency for England. Their role is to create thriving communities and affordable homes.
www.homesandcommunities.co.uk

National Housing Federation – is the body that represents the independent social housing sector and includes a breakdown of housing statistics for every area of England as well as information on waiting lists, empty homes, homelessness acceptances.
www.housing.org.uk

Chartered Institute of Housing - is the professional body for people working in housing. This site gives information about the Institute and its views on housing issues.
www.cih.org

In Business for Neighbourhoods – is a national alliance of housing associations within the National Housing Federation launched to change the poor image of housing associations. There are 3 main commitments within the campaign to neighbourhoods, excellence and customers.
www.inbiz.org

TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) - for England is a national non-profit making organisation that provides information, advice, training, consultancy, seminars and conferences on all aspects of involving tenants in their housing management.
www.tpas.org.uk

ERoSH - the Emerging Role of Sheltered Housing - is a consortium of over 160 sheltered housing and other organisations committed to raising the profile of sheltered housing - with the public and with professionals.
www.shelteredhousing.org

Department of Works and Pensions - provides information about benefits and services, and how to apply for benefits.
www.dfwp.gov.uk

Inside Housing - is a weekly magazine for everyone involved in social housing in the UK bringing you news, views and jobs.
www.insidehousing.co.uk

The Citizens Advice Bureau  - this service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, and immigration.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

The Westfield Community Association (WCA) - aims to create a stronger sense of community in an area to the northwest of Yeovil.  Run by local volunteers, it provides a forum for residents, government and other organisations to communicate, tackle local issues and take advantage of the many and varied opportunities that exist today.
www.wcaonline.org.uk

South Somerset Together is a partnership of organisations that are commited to working together to improve the quality of life in South Somerset for residents, employers and visitors.
http://www.southsomersettogether.org.uk/

South Somerset District Council - providing local community and service information online.
www.southsomerset.gov.uk

Rok and Connaught - Rok and Connaught are Yarlington Housing Group' strategic partners. They work together for mutual support and benefit in the areas of property maintenance and the building of new homes. The companies have been working together in partnership for 2 years.

www.rokgroup.com
www.connaught.plc.uk

Advantage South West - In response to the shift towards using modern methods of construction Yarlington Housing Group are working with Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, Ocean Housing Group and North Devon Homes in a formal arrangement of a limited liability partnership called Advantage South West. Its objective is to increase and speed up the proportion of homes that are built using modern methods of construction which is recognised as being the most cost effective energy efficient and sustainable solution for affordable homes.

In turn Advantage South West has secured specific agreements with two Cornwall based timber frame manufacturers Frame UK and Advance Panel Systems. (see below).

www.advantagesw.co.uk