24 February 2006
The Housing Corporation has renewed its call for councils and housing associations to team up to tackle homelessness and to ensure smoother planning decisions.
At least nine pilot protocols between councils and registered social landlords should be announced next month. At the same time, the corporation is due to publish a consultation paper on how councils will help to assess the performance of RSLs.
The idea of a new partnership between councils and RSLs was first floated last year by the corporation's chief executive, Jon Rouse.
Earlier this month, the corporation set out a list of almost 20 areas that it expects the protocols to cover, including housing benefit, choice-based lettings and the supply of land for new affordable housing.
Matt Leach, the HC's director of policy and communications, said: 'Local authorities must provide the best possible leadership and help RSLs to deliver affordable homes in their area.'
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