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 30% - nearly 15 million - adults nationally are unable to access the Internet and that this figure increases significantly for tenants of social landlords, in some areas being up to 80%. The Looking Local portal offers a unique way of reaching your digitally excluded residents, is proving to get through and make a difference both to citizens and organisations.

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, to read more click 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. For a more detailed case study of choice based lettings and the success it is achieving via Looking Local click here.

Looking Local can help achieve Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs):

• Across the board in terms of effective communication and consultation
• Access, customer care & user focus
• Ease of using the service (via DiTV and mobile)
• Value for money in terms of a partnership which improves performance to service users
• Particularly in the KLOEs focusing on Tenant Involvement. Tenancy & Estate Management and Allocations & Lettings

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.

To read about Birmingham's success regarding credit union's on Looking Local click here.