Press Release

TSA - catalyst for change to improve the lives of ten million people

Wednesday 19 November     ref: TSA 06/08

The TSA will be a catalyst for change to improve the lives of ten million people.  That was the key message from TSA Chief Executive Peter Marsh today (Wednesday 19 November).

In a speech to delegates at the Northern Housing Summit in York, Peter Marsh stated that "Three million households deserve better, and £1 billion a year could be better spent."

With only weeks to go before the TSA comes into force, Peter Marsh provided delegates with the latest developments and thinking as the TSA prepares to take over the regulatory role of social housing and explained what changes organisations can expect to see.

Setting out a new future for regulation, Peter Marsh outlined his main priority of raising the standard of services for tenants.  He also gave details of tenant involvement from the outset, focusing on the TSA's 'National Consultation', which will help define standards and the regulatory approach.

Peter Marsh said, 'The open consultation will be carried out between December and March 2008, reaching as many tenants as possible to help us understand what they want.  The consultation will include a network of tea and coffee mornings across the country, regional events for both tenants and landlords and a research survey.'

The speech also focused on:
• the TSA and its purpose;
• the TSA and why it is different from the Housing Corporation - including the fact that the TSA will regulate homes owned by both housing associations and local authorities;
• the impact of the global credit crunch;
• the new standards framework.

His speech also outlined the key features of the new regulatory system:

• a stronger role for the regulator to protect tenants;
• more flexible regulation, with reduced burdens;
• co-regulatory approach backed by swift targeted powers.

Summing up, Peter Marsh said, “The TSA will make a difference to the lives of 10 million people and we will be shaping the market through choice and information.  We are here to raise the standard of services for tenants.  "

Ends.

Press enquiries to Naomi Evans on 020 7393 2118.

Notes to editors:

1) The Northern Housing Summit has established itself as the North's most cogent housing event.  It took place on 18 and 19 November at York Racecourse.

2) The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) is the new Independent regulator for affordable housing, set to raise the standard of services through a well-governed sector that puts tenants first.   It is due to launch at the beginning of December 2008.

3) Initially the Tenant Services Authority (the TSA) will operate under the legal powers of the Housing Corporation whilst it consults on the powers set out in the 2008 Housing Act.  

4) The TSA will be consulting with tenants across 5 million households and their landlords - including Local Authorities, ALMOs and housing associations - to develop the new standards framework and implement the new powers granted in the Homes and Communities Act. The TSA intends to ‘switch on’ its new powers for Housing Associations in December 2009 and across the Local Authority sector in April 2010.