Aug 15 2007
A unique partnership between Northampton Borough Council and the Housing Corporation was recently signed that will deliver quality, affordable housing across the borough.
The protocol agreement brings together the resources and skills of both organisations and sets out how the Corporation and the local authority will work in partnership to deliver the common vision of affordable homes within strong communities and reflecting local priorities.
The two parties have been working together for the past four months to develop the agreement, which is based on a national protocol agreed between the Local Government Association and the Corporation. Designed to help bring forward new housing opportunities to tackle the shortage of affordable homes in the borough, some of the specifics within the agreement include:
- Developing a coordinated homelessness strategy;
- Ensuring that it is not just about building new homes, but creating strong neighbourhoods;
- Identifying options for regeneration within the borough and improvements to the town centre;
- Developing frameworks for partnership working with housing associations and other stakeholders;
- Making the best use of land in delivering more affordable housing.
The borough of Northampton is a key investment priority for the Corporation and will see over £20 million invested in 2006-08 to deliver over 500 new affordable homes.
Steve Douglas, Acting Chief Executive of the Housing Corporation said, "I am delighted that Northampton has become the latest authority to officially sign up to our protocol agreement.
"Local government has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of affordable housing at a local level. The Housing Corporation recognises the importance of this key leadership role and is committed to working in partnership with Northampton and affordable housing partners to help meet local housing need.
"This protocol, and the others we are signing across the country, will play an important role in the delivery of more and better affordable housing in places where people want to live now and in the future."
Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for regeneration at Northampton Borough Council said, "Making sure there are good, affordable homes for the people of Northampton is a priority for the council. This protocol agreement with the Housing Corporation is a crucial step towards this goal. With the considerable growth planned for Northampton, the Housing Corporation's support in ensuring that there is proper provision for those who need affordable housing is most welcome."
Northampton Borough Council and the Corporation will work closely with housing associations and residents to review the quality of housing services provided. An exciting area of this agenda will be to look at ways of more directly involving residents and housing associations in the development and management of neighbourhoods and community facilities.