Housing Corporation News Release

4 February 2008       08/08

Corporation to increase focus on role of boards

A failure of governance is still the primary cause of failings in housing associations said Steve Douglas in his first major speech in 2008.

Speaking at the NHF Board Members Conference, Douglas signalled that the Housing Corporation would be increasing its scrutiny of Board governance during its final year as housing regulator.

"All of our experience shows that the root cause of Association failings is inadequate governance, whether large or small mainstream or BME.

"Boards that talk about aspiring to excellence must demonstrate that their organisations are delivering it.

"Those with good and effective governance focussed on ensuring their organisations deliver quality services to tenants and do not overtrade will rarely see the regulator.  Those that don't can expect a tougher environment as the Corporation accelerates its focus on protecting and promoting tenants' interests.

"In Spring 2009 OFTENANT will take over regulating the housing sector.  Delivering for tenants will be central to its role.  One thing is already clear, "average" service delivery will not be good enough.  Associations need to ensure that they are up to meeting this challenge. We will work with - and press - them over the next 12 months  to make sure they are ready for the new era."

Ends.

For more press information contact Nicole Davey 020 7393 2118.

Notes for editors:

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

2) 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.

4)  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.