NHF: 'Don't overlook housing's contribution' says Federation on regional reforms

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Tuesday, 01, Apr 2008 12:00

The National Housing Federation has welcomed the Government's new consultation on future arrangements for regional strategy making, 'Making Prosperous Places', but has warned that housing's contribution to the new arrangements must not be overlooked.

Housing is central to achieving many of the Government's economic and social targets - and housing providers are essential to delivering Gordon Brown's pledge of an additional 3m homes by 2020. So the Government needs to spell out the role they will play in regional strategies, and take steps to ensure they are involved at a very early stage in these reforms and the establishment of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Derek Long, the Federations Head of North, said: "Making prosperous places is a key strand in housing associations DNA. Associations' £35 billion investment in communities depends on the housing being in step with local economies. That is why these reforms must both give housing its proper place and be delivered quickly.

"This means substantive discussions over how associations can speedily implement the necessary new working arrangements with local authorities, the regions and the Homes and Communities Agency. And because the clock is already ticking on Government targets, work on the details needs to start urgently."

The Federation will be pressing for speedy clarification of key questions, including:

* When will formal discussions commence with housing providers about shaping the new arrangements with regions and the HCA?

* What guidance will government give to make sure key strategic housing issues are reflected adequately in the integrated regional strategies?

* Will government fund fit-for-purpose regional housing fora will be a requirement in every region?

* How will government ensure that the key regional and economic and social partners remain engaged in strategy forming after the abolition of the assemblies?

* What measures will government adopt to ensure that smaller sub-regions outside the conurbations have the capacity and skills to ensure housing needs are met consistently across regions?

The Federation will be working up its response with its members over the next 11 weeks around these and other key issues to meet the 20 June deadline.

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For press enquiries contact:

Joe Dumont, joed@housing.org.uk , 020 7067 1028 / 07990 638946 Malcolm Struthers, malcolms@housing.org.uk , 0161 873 9445

The National Housing Federation represents 1300 independent, not-for-profit housing associations in England. Together, our members provide two million affordable homes for around five million people. www.housing.org.uk

The housing component of Prosperous Places relates primarily to structural arrangements in the eight regions outside the Capital.