Housing Corporation News Release

Focus on  small housing associations by Corporation

- Research to explore needs of small housing associations commissioned -

21 November  2007      Ref: 113/07

Research into the support needed by small housing associations has been commissioned by the Housing Corporation, looking specifically at the provision of support for this area. 

The Corporation has commissioned management consultancy Campbell Tickell to carry out this research.

A questionnaire has been sent to every small housing association managing and/or owning up to 1,000 homes, including associations regulated by the Corporation and those which are not.

Fiona Cruickshank, Field Director (South East) said, "The purpose of this project is to improve the type of support and guidance provided to small associations and ensure they are ready for the challenges faced by the sector.

"It is a unique opportunity for small housing associations to let us know what kind of support and guidance they both use and would like more of.  This will help both the Corporation and other bodies to provide that support."

Diana Kingdon, Chief Executive of Greenoak Housing Association and a member of the sounding board, said, "I am very pleased to be a member of the sounding board which is overseeing this project. This is a great opportunity for smaller housing associations to let organisations like the Housing Corporation know what kind of support and guidance they need. I hope as many associations as possible will respond."  

For more information or to request a copy of the questionnaire associations should contact Radojka Miljevic or Holly Holder at Campbell Tickell on 020 8830 6777 or email Radojka@campbelltickell.com

Associations are being asked to post the questionnaire by Friday 30 November 2007.

Ends.

For further press information, please contact Sandra White on 020  7393 2094

Notes to Editors:

1.  The Housing Corporation is the Government's national affordable homes agency, responsible for investing in new affordable homes and regulating nearly 2,000 housing associations across England. The Corporation's £8 billion investment programme for 2008-11 is its biggest ever. Its previous investment programme of £3.9 billion for 2006-08 is funding 84,000 homes; 49,000 of these are for affordable rent, and 35,000 are  for affordable sale through the Government's HomeBuy initiatives, helping people to get a foot on the property ladder.

2. The Housing Corporation is also responsible for regulating housing associations, which provide some two million homes across England. 

3. .The Housing Corporation is working with English Partnerships and Communities and Local Government to establish the proposed Homes and Communities Agency and Office for Tenants and Social Landlords.