Housing Corporation directs a statutory transfer of land at Black Roof Community Housing Association

Housing Corporation News Release

Housing Corporation directs a statutory transfer of land at Black Roof Community Housing Association

Friday 9 May 2008         32/08

The Housing Corporation has directed Black Roof Community Housing Association (BRCHA) to transfer its land to ASRA Greater London Housing Association (ASRA).

The transfer follows a statutory inquiry which found mismanagement in BRCHA’s affairs.

The transfer, which has received the consent of the Secretary of State, was agreed at the Corporation’s Board meeting on 29 April 2008, and will take place under the terms of Paragraph 27 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996.

The Corporation’s Board decided that the management of BRCHA’s land would be improved by a statutory transfer to ASRA. A statutory transfer would protect the interests of BRCHA’s tenants and leaseholders and bring certainty and security in the long term. It would ensure that the substantial sum of public funds invested in BRCHA is, and remains secure and protects the interests of other key stakeholders.

Peter Marsh, Deputy Chief Executive, said, “We are aiming to now complete this transfer within four weeks. Whilst this is a relatively tight timetable, we believe it is achievable if all parties show goodwill and co-operate to achieve an orderly transfer.”

Ends.

Press enquiries to 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.