Welsh Government
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Minister outlines new regulatory framework for housing associations in Wales

Housing Associations across Wales will be under greater scrutiny in a new regulatory environment with more of a focus on financial viability and good governance whilst being more accountable to their tenants under new regulations set out by the Welsh Government, Housing Minister Huw Lewis announced recently (2 December 2011).

The new Regulatory Framework will deliver modern and efficient regulation and sets out key principles, features and our approach to the regulation of housing associations. The new framework that is now being implemented is a major shift as it describes what we expect housing associations to deliver. If places power in the hands of the boards of housing associations; it places responsibility for tenant involvement, scrutiny and engagement to be a core part of how they run their business.

The regulations will also help protect landlords by clarifying what is expected of them to ensure they have a clear framework to follow, whilst protecting public money by ensuring it is spend on the services that the tenants say these need rather than what the landlords dictate.

The ultimate aim of the framework is to ensure all housing associations are financially sound, provide good quality homes and deliver quality services for tenants across the country.

Huw Lewis said,

“Housing associations provide affordable homes for thousands of people across the country. So it is of the utmost importance that they are clear about what is expected of them and that they are held accountable if their responsibilities are not met.

“This new framework not only protects tenants from poor or failing landlords, it also offers them a voice to shape the services that affect them. They will help tenants get a fair deal for their home and demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to putting tenants at the heart of regulation.”

Amanda Oliver, Head of Policy at Community Housing Cymru said,

“The new Regulatory Framework for Housing Associations in Wales is based on a strong working relationship between the Welsh Government and the housing sector.   The Framework allows for greater scrutiny around financial and governance arrangements whilst still ensuring the sector has sufficient flexibility to develop and deliver high quality services which reflects the needs and aspirations of local communities.”

A Tenant Advisory Panel has been established. It is made up of fifteen tenant members from housing associations across Wales. Its members ensure that tenant’s views, their concerns and their interests are reflected in the work of the Regulatory Board for Wales thus helping to ensure that tenants are at the heart of the regulation and help inform future regulation policy set out by Welsh Ministers.

A new Regulatory Board for Wales was established in Summer 2010. The main purpose of the Board is to hold the Government’s ‘Housing Regulation Team’ to account for its work, to oversee the implementation of the new framework, and to advise Ministers on the performance of the housing associations sector as a whole.

The Regulatory Framework has been developed by the Welsh Government, in consultation with housing organisations and tenants associations from across Wales. It’s supported by Community Housing Cymru, a representative body for housing associations and other stakeholders.

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