MP David Laws takes part in South Somerset Homes job shadowing scheme
21 July 2005

MP David Laws recently took part in a South Somerset Homes’ job shadowing scheme. David came to South Somerset Homes and job shadowed Housing Manager Peter Sparks and on another day Peter Sparks spent the day job shadowing David.

David Laws job shadowing Peter Sparks
David began by observing weekly meetings on issues such as rent and housing benefit. After this they visited the flats at Roping Road, Yeovil. They discussed the Local Lettings Policy in place there and the improvements that they would like to make to the flats.

After this they visited the Responsive Repairs office where David was shown the system for tenants reporting repairs. David ended his day by attending the Housing Team meeting where he joined in discussions relating to various housing management issues.

Peter Sparks job shadowing David Laws
Peter began by attending an opening of new play facilities in Hinton St George. After this Peter and David visited Crewkerne station where David did a television interview with BBC South West on increased journey times.

After this they attended a radio interview for Ivel FM on pensions and recent government announcements. Peter ended his day attending a surgery at David Laws’ office where they dealt with a number of housing related issues.

Peter Sparks, Housing Manager at South Somerset Homes said, “It was a really interesting and worthwhile experience. It also had the advantage that I was able to meet with some of David’s staff and discuss how we can work more efficiently on dealing with constituency / tenancy enquiries in the future.”

David Laws said, “I very much enjoyed my time with South Somerset Homes. I write more letters on behalf of constituents to South Somerset Homes than to almost any other agency, so it is vital that we have a good working relationship. I am pleased to see the progress that South Somerset Homes has been making.”allen@s

Peter Sparks (Housing Manager, South Somerset Homes) with MP David Laws looking at the company’s website before attending his first meeting with Peter.

Local Lettings Policy - South Somerset Homes’ policy for letting its rented properties usually gives priority to those people in greatest housing need. In some circumstances, where there is concern that communities may suffer as a result of this policy, a Local Lettings Plan may be introduced. Through the Local Lettings Plan South Somerset Homes will let the properties at Roping Road in Yeovil to those people who want to live there. It may be that it meets their needs in relation to employment opportunities and/or family and friends.