04 June 2004
Local authorities should be encouraged to transfer homes to landlords set up for black and ethnic minority (BME) communities, says a report for the Housing Corporation.
Unless these housing associations are given greater support, many will run into business problems and be forced to merge, says the study.
Sixty-four BME associations are registered with the corporation – of which half own fewer than 200 homes. But the largest 23 manage more than 20,000 properties between them and have a gross annual turnover of £82m.
The study, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Housing, found no evidence that the BME sub-sector is financially weaker than mainstream landlords.
Transfers of council homes must be promoted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, says The future of BME housing associations, published on June 1.
'Local authority transfers offer a vital opportunity which can only be fully taken up if all the relevant agencies make the effort to ensure this is high on the list of authorities' considerations.'
BME housing associations should also play a greater part in the expansion of house building, the report adds.
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