Government announces housing and regeneration review

The review has been proposed in order to look at the ways in which private investment, public subsidy and land holdings, and assets funded by past public investment are used to build new homes, make improvement to existing homes, and the create sustainable communities.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister says it will draw on advice from an expert panel, including the chairs and chief executives of English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation, representatives of local government, lenders, and other external members with relevant expertise.

David Miliband, Local Government and Communities Minister, says the review will look at how the government could take the next step in improving the delivery of sustainable communities.

"We have made real progress over the last few years. But delivering sustainable communities across England will require even greater focus and skill in the future, as we move towards creating genuinely mixed, sustainable communities in every English region.

"In the successful programmes of English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation we have a strong foundation. But this review is about much more than just the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships. It is about looking at how can make more of the resources at our disposal and how we can bring innovative solutions to the challenges we face."

Housing Corporation chairman Peter Dixon, welcomed the review, adding: "The Corporation has a first class record in delivering new homes to high standards and excellent value for money, levering in high levels of private investment at very low cost, and supporting the housing association sector to develop as cutting edge social businesses. We have had significant success in bringing new entrants to the market over the last year, exceeding our targets for new homes to rent and buy, whilst maintaining a strong and stable sector that meets the needs of some five million tenants in neighbourhoods and communities across the country.

The review is expected to report to Ministers in July, with decisions to be announced during the summer.

If you have any comments you would like to add to this story or would like to speak to its author about a similar subject, telephone Matthew West on 020 7484 9893 or email [email protected].

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