Protecting social housing assets in a more diverse sector: a discussion paper on principles for amending the regulatory framework for social housing in England

Posted on: 10 April 2013
By: mackene
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The Government has published a consultation document which considers the rationale for changing the Regulatory Framework in the light of new risks facing the social housing sector, and in particular diversification both in terms of the activities that providers undertake and their constitutional form. It also summarises the options for change. Comments are requested by 4 June 2013.

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Shelter Housing Insights for Communities

Posted on: 10 April 2013
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The Shelter Housing Insights for Communities resource is aimed at anyone involved in community consultation on housing development. Built using ACORN and extensive bespoke national surveys on housing attitudes, this resource is a unique insight into the housing views and aspirations of local communities; providing advice on cost-effective and targeted consultation.

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Going to market: The role of outsourcing and shared services in housing associations

Posted on: 2 April 2013
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This paper builds on current debate, and considers the role that shared services and outsourcing may play in the future delivery of housing services. It explores the continued evolution of the housing association sector and the challenges of delivering front-line and back-office services cost effectively. The report draws on detailed interviews and visits to sponsors Circle Housing Group and Orbit Housing Group, lessons from the private sector and HouseMark analysis.

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Homes and Communities Agency: Best practice and guidance

Posted on: 27 March 2013
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The Homes and Communities Agency aims to share its experience through best practice and guidance. The HCA has published or worked with its partners on a number of documents to helping local authorities and other partners to maximise delivery in their areas. A library of external guidance and research that may be of use is available through downloads and synopses, together withcase studies. Guidance is available under the following themes: affordable housing and Section 106; design, planning and quality; environmental sustainability; and growth, economic assessment and viability.

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The New Homes Bonus

Posted on: 27 March 2013
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The Department for Communities and Local Government is not adequately monitoring the £1.3 billion New Homes Bonus paid to local authorities up to 2013-14 according to a report from the National Audit Office.  Although  it is too early for the scheme to have had a discernible influence on the number of new homes, the NAO adds that the financial risk to some local authorities is substantial because of the redistributive nature of the scheme. The Department has plans to carry out a review of the New Homes Bonus during 2013-14, but has not decided upon its scope or methodology. The National Audit Office has called the review of the scheme essential, and for it to be carried out urgently.

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Department for Work and Pensions: Managing the impact of Housing Benefit reform

Posted on: 26 March 2013
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The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has published a report which argues that the Department for Work and Pensions should state in advance what it will do about any increase in homelessness or rent arrears that result from its plans to cut housing benefit. It adds that the department is introducing these significant changes without comprehensive modelling of the likely outcome on individuals or on housing supply and with limited understanding of the costs local authorities will incur.

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Additionality of affordable housing

Posted on: 26 March 2013
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Research carried out by Savills on behalf a group representing London’s largest housing association argues that the way the government measures the value of affordable housing in fundamentally flawed.  The case for Government investment in affordable housing is based on assumptions about the displacement of market homes. The Department for Communities and Local Government carried out its impact assessment of the current affordable homes programme using the assumption that the additionality of affordable homes is 50%. This says that for every two new affordable homes, there is displacement of one new market home. The report suggests that the government could deliver more by investing in affordable housing.

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Future Housing Summit. Abu Dhabi, 3-5 March 2013

Posted on: 26 March 2013
By: mackene
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This event examines the growth of the housing infrastructure in countries in the Middle East. Background material is available online.

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London Finance Seminar. London, 6 March 2013

Posted on: 26 March 2013
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This event examined the issue of housing finance, the current economic situation and future prospects. Presentations are available online.

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Help to Buy

Posted on: 22 March 2013
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In his budget speech the Chancellor made reference to Help to Buy – which offers two schemes aimed at helping those who want to get on, or move up, the housing ladder. This FAQ answers some questions about the scheme.

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