Housing Corporation News Release

Corporation announces 2007-09 Innovation and Good Practice Programme

21/09/06          Media Contact: Sandra White 0207 393 2094            ref: 93/06

The Housing Corporation has today announced a new bid round for its Innovation and Good Practice (IGP) programme 2007-2009.

Speaking at the National Housing Federation Conference in Birmingham, Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse said, “I am delighted to announce that a new Innovation and Good Practice grant bid round will be opened on Monday 23 October. 

“This announcement is being made early to enable interested organisations to start work on proposals they can put forward once the bid round opens.  We are really keen to support new and innovative schemes that will help overcome the challenges facing the housing sector. Our support will be targeted towards projects that offer workable solutions that can be shared as models of good practice.

“I am also pleased to announce the launch of the publication Ideas into Action which showcases many exciting and cutting edge projects we have supported through IGP since 2002. It will illustrate to housing professionals and others, the benefits and impacts of the work undertaken.”

The five new themes for the 07/09 IGP programme are:
• land availability;
• tackling respect;
• barriers to Low Cost Home Ownership;
• responding to an ageing population; and
• housing management services in the 21st century.

This year the Corporation is encouraging bids for proposals for large projects in the range of £50,000 to £100,000. Projects seeking smaller contributions of £20,000 to £40,000 will also be considered. The criteria to be applied to the assessment of bids can be found at www.housingcorp.gov.uk
 

Key timetable dates are as follows:
23rd October 2006 - launch of IGP prospectus;
20th November 2006 - deadline for expressions of interest;
14th February 2007 - closing date for full applications;
23rd April 2007 - successful bids announced.

Ideas into Action launch
Copies of Ideas into Action - the research and innovation compendium will be available from the Housing Corporation stand at the conference (Stand A50) or from the Corporation website at www.housingcorp.gov.uk

Ends.
 
 Notes to editors:
 
• The IGP programme is a revenue grant administered by the Housing Corporation to encourage the development and testing of new ideas and proposals and to generate and promote good practice in the delivery of housing services within the housing association sector.

• Since 1995 the Housing Corporation has invested over £75 million through its IGP programme. Over ten years, the IGP programme has funded a range of pioneering projects, developed innovative solutions and highlighted good practice.
 
• The Housing Corporation is the Government agency responsible for investing in new affordable homes and regulating over 1,500 housing associations across England.  Its biggest ever investment programme of £3.9 billion for 2006-08 will fund 84,000 homes;  49,000 of these will be for affordable rent, and 35,000 will be for affordable sale through the Government's new HomeBuy initiative, helping people to get a foot on the property ladder.