Proposals for 2008-11 national investment programme on larger homes, two star housing management criteria and auditing of BME method statements unveiled
Housing Corporation News Release
Proposals for 2008-11 national investment programme on larger homes, two star housing management criteria and auditing of BME method statements unveiled
12 December 2007 Ref: 116/07
Acting Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas has today unveiled a package of proposals for larger homes, two star housing management criteria and the auditing of BME method statements as part of the Corporation's national investment programme 2008-11.
Speaking at the National Housing Federation Investment Summit in London, he called for more larger homes as part of the next round of regular market engagement.
He said, "More homes and larger homes is what is required for the future. We are pleased with the response to our message to give us deliverable, good value, high quality programmes.
"We are also pleased with the level of bids for larger homes (homes with three bedroomd or more) but we must do more going forward. And we will focus on this as part of our regular market engagement round in spring 2008."
Plans for two star housing management to be part of criteria for the Corporation's partnership plus pilot were also announced. Homes developed by investment partners in the pilot will have to be managed by two star organisations.
Steve said,"We are looking for excellence in programme delivery and excellence in service delivery form this pilot. The successful organisations may be single entities, joint ventures, or consortia, but they will need to demonstrate a track record of delivery, efficiency and a commitment to quality service."
Steve Douglas also unveiled plans for investment partners BME method statements to be audited. The Corporation will audit a sample of BME method statements submitted by investment partners as part of the NAHP 2008-11 bids round.
He said, "As part of our commitment to ensuring that investment partners deliver on their diversity commitments we will audit a sample of the method statements submitted as part of the NAHP 2008-11 bids round. Investment partners will have to demonstrate that they are putting their plans into action."
A full copy of Steve's presentation is available.
Additionally:
'People, not just houses' - Yvette Cooper announces next steps for social housing
Ends.
For further Press information please call Sandra White 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.
