No. 27/04

Press Release: Thursday 1 July 2004

Seamless delivery of the regional agenda and increased efficiency of housing associations - while reducing the regulatory burden on them - are at the crux of the new action plan announced by Ministers today to mark the successful conclusion of the Government's End to End Review of the Housing Corporation.

The review reaffirms the Housing Corporation's pivotal role in the housing supply chain of the future and praises its excellent track record in delivering the affordable homes programme and consistently hitting challenging targets for completions.

Its role as an effective regulator of the sector - particularly its work in enabling housing associations to borrow at low interest rates - is also highlighted.

The action plan of priorities will enable the Corporation to tackle new challenges and play a key role in cutting through the complexities of the systems through which affordable housing is currently provided, ensuring that resources are targeted and delivered as effectively as possible.

Key highlights of the action plan are:

• a new regional structure to bring about closer working arrangements with Regional Housing Boards and other partners, ensuring seamless delivery of the investment programme;
• the establishment of a new unit to increase housing association efficiency - including a new efficiency index determining how housing associations are performing compared to other similar organisations;
• improved joined-up working between the Corporation's regulation and investment functions, with an expansion of the Lead Regulator and Lead Investor roles;
• closer involvement in the ODPM policy making process from inception through to delivery.

Welcoming the findings and recommendations, Housing Corporation Chief Executive Jon Rouse said: "The Review has shown that in our 40th anniversary year, the Corporation and its work are as relevant - and even more necessary - than ever. We are pleased to have received such a reaffirmation of our role as a key agent for delivering more affordable homes and creating strong, sustainable communities.

"But we should never be complacent or wait for change to happen to us - that is why most of the proposals in our action plan are already underway or are well on the way to implementation.

"The Review provides us with a solid base from which we can move forward to the challenges of the next phase in our history - providing affordable homes to people who most need them while ensuring that the regulatory and bureaucratic burdens on housing associations are kept to a minimum."

For more information contact Gillian Watson, Head of Communications on 020 7393 2095; email: gillian.watson@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk or Robert Davies on 020 7393 2227; email: robert.davies@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

The Housing Corporation was one of the first Government agencies to undergo the new-style review which will be periodically carried out on all Government agencies to help improve performance and achieve targets. Launched in September 2003, the Corporation's End to End Review looked at current processes and relationships with stakeholders and took comments from more than 100 organisations and individuals.

Full copy of report on ODPM website