COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENT News Release (164) issued by The Government News Network
on 3 July 2008
A new agreement to
support the delivery of more homes and the regeneration of
communities has been launched today by Housing Minister Caroline
Flint, Local Government Association Chairman Sir Simon Milton and
Homes and Communities Agency Chief Executive Designate Sir Bob Kerslake.
The agreement sets how councils and the HCA will work together to
deliver high-quality homes in places where people want to live,
and regenerate the most deprived communities. The agreement includes:
* Helping bring forward land for development by providing
financial assistance and facilitating the provision of
infrastructure and community services;
* Providing information, advice and guidance services to help
unlock strategic land assets and develop innovative new approaches
to delivery;
* Working with public sector agencies to ensure that a
coordinated view is taken on developable land in an area;
* Spreading best practice which will help councils develop
effective approaches to delivery;
* Facilitating discussions between councils on housing delivery
to reach an agreed approach.
The agreement builds on the principles outlined in last
December's Central-Local Government Concordat.
Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:
"The HCA will be crucial in delivering the new homes we
desperately need - bringing together land, money and skills to
build more homes and regenerate communities. However, it is
crucial the agency works closely with local councils to support
them in their wide range of housing, regeneration and community
work, which is why this draft agreement with the LGA is so important."
Sir Simon Milton said:
"Councils want more and better homes for the people they
serve. The draft protocol rightly emphasises that this will only
happen if the new agency works with the grain of local ambition
and understanding, allowing councils to steer development to the
most appropriate sites.
"Local government supports the amendments the Government are
proposing to the Bill, which are intended to promote consultation
with councils and local people on designation orders and local
authority involvement in planning functions conferred on the HCA."
Sir Bob Kerslake said:
"This protocol underpins our commitment to working in
collaboration with local authorities through a process of single
conversations. As a national organisation that works locally, the
HCA will help deliver the ambitions of local areas within the
context of supporting national programmes for growth and renewal.
In addition, the agency's flexibility and strong regional
structure will ensure it is local government's best delivery partner."
Due to begin operating in April 2009, the HCA will act as a
bridge between national targets and local ambitions. It will
adopt a clear and consistent approach to the allocation of
funding, enabling councils to develop proposals for housing and
place-shaping in an informed way. Its links with central and
local government will also ensure the best use of surplus public
sector assets.
The protocol is issued today as draft for discussion. The final
version will be published after Royal Assent.
Notes to Editor
* This protocol has been published as a draft and a final version
will be released in the autumn.
News Releases: http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsroom