In its Regional Housing Strategy (RHS) 2006-16 the South West Regional Housing Body tasked the Housing Corporation with leading on delivering Strategic Aim 3 of the RHS: Supporting sustainable communities – 'to ensure that housing makes a full contribution to the achievement of sustainable and inclusive communities'.

In response the Housing Corporation convened the RHS Vulnerable People Delivery Group which brought together a range of stakeholders with a regional level interest in issues relating to housing and vulnerable people. The group wrote a delivery plan and an Implementation group was set up to oversee the plan. The Implementation group meets bi-monthly and is responsible for convening a wider Forum which will first gather in October 2006 in order to consider progress during 2006-7 and to establish priorities for action in 2007-8.

Key actions currently being directed by the Implementation group include:

• Mapping existing networks: a piece of research being under-taken by SITRA and funded by the Regional Assembly. This work will identify networks which already exist at a regional level with regard to housing and vulnerable people. 
• Move-on research: research will shortly be commissioned using money provided by the Regional Assembly. This research will identify existing practice in, and barriers to, providing and securing move-on accommodation. It will go on to make recommendations about how to over-come barriers.

For further information please contact the Chair of the Implementation Group, Ceri Victory, at ceri.victory@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk or on 01392 428234.