12 September 2003
A major review of the way housing associations are funded and regulated has been launched by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
The end-to-end review, part of the Cabinet Office's drive to reduce bureaucracy across central government, will focus heavily on the Housing Corporation but also involve agencies such as the Audit Commission, which took over inspection of registered social landlords in April.
It is only three years since the corporation was last subject to a review. But Norman Perry, the corporation's chief executive, said the difference this time is that there was no longer any question mark over its future. 'It's looking at a cross-section of processes, starting at the ODPM,' he said.
'What's done at the ODPM is just as important in formulating policy as what happens at the Housing Corporation and RSLs.'
A review steering group, to include representatives from the ODPM, the corporation and the National Housing Federation, will start meeting from next month. 'We are looking at how systems can be more efficient and effective,' said an ODPM spokeswoman.
NHF chief executive Jim Coulter, a member of the group, said it was important to look at whether new regional housing boards will duplicate the corporation's investment work.
RSLs were also keen to ensure that there is no overlap between the work of the corporation, which still regulates housing associations, and the Audit Commission.
'There is a clear assumption that the corporation has a future,' said Coulter. 'This is an opportunity to ensure that it is redefined in the light of the changes the government has made.'
The corporation, meanwhile, has published a charter setting out minimum standards that housing association tenants should expect from their landlord. All RSLs, says the charter, must deliver continuous service improvement and value for money. They must also be committed to equal opportunities and have strategies to tackle antisocial behaviour.
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