No. 28/04

Press Release: Wednesday 21 July 2004

HOUSING CORPORATION ANNOUNCES REMOVAL OF PLACES FOR PEOPLE FROM SUPERVISION

The Housing Corporation has removed the Places for People Group (PfP) from supervision. PfP was originally placed under supervision in October 2003 following concerns about its corporate governance at Group Board level. Two statutory appointments were made to the Group Board in order to provide additional skills and expertise to address these concerns.

An independent review of governance was carried out with the full co-operation of PfP's Board and senior staff. This review has been concluded, and PfP has also appointed a new Chair and new Board members. The Corporation is now satisfied with the improvements that have been made in corporate governance. One appointee, Julia Middleton, stood down at the end of April 2004. The appointment of the second appointee, John Belcher, has now been terminated. The Corporation's Assistant Chief Executive Bob Dinwiddy said "I am pleased that we have been able to work closely with Places for People to bring this case to an early conclusion, and we are very grateful to the appointees for the significant contribution that they have made."

ends

Notes to Editors

1. The Housing Corporation is the Government agency responsible for regulating and investing in over 2,000 housing associations in England. Its biggest ever investment programme of £3.3 billion for 2004-06 will fund over 67,000 affordable homes. 16,000 of these will go to key workers and 25% will use some form of modern methods of construction.

2. For further press information about the Housing Corporation contact Gillian Watson, Head of Communications 020 7393 2095; email gillian.watson@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk or Rob Davies on 020 7393 2227; email robert.davies@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk.