Housing Corporation launches good practice note releasing associations from detailed regulation

Housing Corporation News Release

31 May 2007        Ref: 56/07

Housing Corporation launches good practice note releasing associations from detailed regulation

A new publication Maintaining Standards of Probity Good Practice Note 3 - May 2007   setting out how associations can maintain the highest standards of probity in all their dealings, has been launched by the Housing Corporation today.

Published in response to the Elton recommendation to introduce more exemptions to paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 (referred to as Schedule 1) the  publication provides housing associations with:

• new exemptions which reduce the burden of regulation on good performing associations;

• information on how to place decision making in the hands of associations.

Clare Miller, Housing Corporation Director of  Regulation said," One of the obligations of housing associations under the regulatory code is to make sure that they maintain the highest standards of probity in all their dealings.

"The association's board is responsible for ensuring that these obligations are met. We believe this guidance will help boards fulfil their duties."

Ends.

Notes to editors:

Press enquiries to: Sandra White on 020 7393 2094.

1.Schedule 1 says that associations cannot grant any non-contractual payments or benefits to staff, board members or their families.

2. The Housing Corporation is the Government agency responsible for investing in new affordable homes and regulating over 1,500 housing associations across England.  Its biggest ever investment programme of £3.9 billion for 2006-08 will fund 84,000 homes;  49,000 of these will be for affordable rent, and 35,000 will be for affordable sale through the Government's new HomeBuy initiative, helping people to get a foot on the property ladder.

3. The Housing Corporation is working with English Partnerships and Communities and Local Government to establish the proposed new national housing and regeneration agency, Communities England.