Jul 26 2006
The remit of a review of the institutional structures for delivery of the Government’s housing and regeneration programmes has been extended.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly said today the Review, which is looking at how the Government can ensure a more coherent approach to delivering new housing and mixed sustainable communities, will also consider the DCLG’s own delivery functions.
Ms Kelly said this will mean further work and analysis on the range of modernisation and structural options for reform.
“English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and DCLG already make an immense contribution to creating and revitalising communities. But we have an ambitious agenda to drive social mobility and economic inclusion, and delivering it will require a step-change in our activities. It’s therefore vital that we get our delivery arrangements absolutely right, with clear, focused and accountable delivery chains.”
“I have asked officials to carry out further work on options for reform, from strengthening the existing organisations, to the creation of a new national agency. As part of that, I want to give rigorous consideration to how best housing and regeneration functions that currently sit within DCLG, fit into the delivery chain, to ensure that we are making the best use of our skills, assets and investment”
Ms Kelly has also announced that the review will include further work on the modernisation of affordable housing regulation.
“In recent years the Housing Corporation has made important strides in modernising regulation, and I am keen that it should continue with its work to implement the Elton Review. But as the market for providing affordable housing evolves – particularly with the introduction of more private sector players - it is important that regulation evolves with it. I have therefore asked officials to undertake a distinct stream of work on modernising the regulation of affordable housing”
Housing Corporation Chairman, Peter Dixon said:
"The Housing Corporation looks forward to continuing work with DCLG and English Partnerships to ensure that housing and regeneration delivery chains effectively support the Government’s priorities around social mobility, economic inclusion and the delivery of places where people can be proud to live.
“We particularly welcome the focus on developing new approaches to regulation, building on the Elton Review and the Housing Corporation’s success in extending its development programme to non-registered providers.
Chairman of English Partnerships, Baroness Ford of Cunninghame said:
“I and the Board of English Partnerships are very glad the Minister is going to take more time to consider the Review and that she has drawn particular attention to the scope for rationalising DCLG delivery functions.
“We remain committed to the Review and believe that there is more to play for in terms of the way we all deliver our investment into creating sustainable mixed communities. A huge amount of work has already been undertaken for the Review by ourselves and the Housing Corporation and I know that the Minister has our ideas actively under consideration as she further refines the range of options.”