NEW FILM HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN HOUSING
19 June 2006

A new film to be broadcast at the CIH’s Annual Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday will highlight the need for continued Government investment in social and private housing or run the risk of letting down some of our most vulnerable citizens. The film details the major success the housing sector has achieved over the past six years but the CIH is concerned that a reduction in investment in the sector will undermine the Government’s own aims of creating long-term sustainable communities. The film, called Making the Case for Housing, highlights five areas that still need continued support from Government at its next Comprehensive Spending Review: Improving 1 million non-decent social homes Improving 5 million non-decent private homes Help 100,000 homeless people out of temporary accommodation Building an extra 20,000 affordable homes a year Building 11,000 affordable rural homes The film will be premiered at 2.00 pm on Tuesday 20 June in the Harrogate International Conference Centre. Short previews of the film can be downloaded HERE. The full 26 minute film can be downloaded from the CIH’s website from Tuesday at 2.00 pm.

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VALE HOUSING TRUST GETS £155 m BACKING FROM BARCLAYS
19 June 2006

The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (VAHT), which is taking over the ownership and management of council houses in Aylesbury Vale next month, is celebrating after it secured a £155 million loan from Barclays Bank. The money will help the VAHT buy the 7,350 homes from Aylesbury Vale District Council, fund an improvement programme planned for residents homes over the next 30 years, rejuvenate communities and also build new homes in the area. In April, officers from the Trust, which is a not-for-profit charitable organisation, took potential backers around the district to look at the area and see where their investment could be used. Following the tours, several interested parties came forward to make offers to the new trust and, at a board meeting, it was agreed to offer Barclays the partnership deal. Chief executive of the VAHT, Matthew Applegate, said he was thrilled at the formation of the partnership between Barclays and the VAHT.

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STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT LETS ELDERLY LIVE ALONE
19 June 2006

The Smart home's features The latest state-of-the-art equipment and technology designed to enable older and disabled people to live safely and independently in their own homes will be unveiled by TV science guru Professor Heinz Wolff. The Disabled Living Foundation’s SmartHome is a specially constructed show flat and part of its larger Equipment Demonstration Centre in West London. Laid out like an everyday home, the SmartHome combines existing mobility equipment with the latest in Telecare - a new generation of technology that uses a telephone network to provide a remote means of monitoring a person at home. A qualified therapist will show visitors to the SmartHome examples of equipment solutions for people who are forgetful, frail, prone to falls or simply at higher risk due to their age or because they live alone. For example, in the bedroom, a bed sensor activates a light when someone gets up and in the bathroom one of the devices automatically turns the tap off to stop the bath overflowing. Other sensors monitor a person’s activity and environment and can raise an alarm if, for example, the temperature rises rapidly or reaches a high or low point or if a person falls or doesn’t move for a long period of time. The SmartHome is the result of a partnership between Westminster City Council, Westminster PCT, CityWest Homes and the Disabled Living Foundation. Nicole Penn-Symons, Chief Executive of the DLF, said: “Caring for an ageing population is one of the biggest challenges facing local government and healthcare services. The DLF SmartHome is a perfect example of how we are working in partnership to help support the Government’s agenda for the development of telecare services for those most in need.”

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HOME PURCHASES AT ANNUAL HIGH
19 June 2006

Home purchases, as a percentage of all Hamptons Mortgages’ business, are at an annual high and representing 50.68% of all new business, a reflection of the strength of the current property market. Re-mortgaging has also held up well in the May as many homeowners opt to cash in on the increase value of their homes to carry out home improvements. With the World Cup already occupying the attentions of the entire nation, Hamptons Mortgages expects to see a slowdown in property purchases over the next few weeks as estate agents see viewing levels drop dramatically with each vital match. The withdrawal last month of the majority of the cheapest two year fixed rate deals has prompted a last minute stampede from customers to snap up the last remaining hot deals such as those offered by Cheltenham and Gloucester. Two year fixed rate business for May 2006 is more than double that seen in May 2005. With increasing nervousness about short term rates, reinforced by Mervyn King’s warning that borrowing could become more expensive, Hamptons expects to see a sharp decline in two year fixed business next month and customers fixing their rates for the longer term. Loan to value ratios have risen this month on all types of mortgages. Unstoppable price growth, which saw the CML revise its property price inflation estimates from 2% to 7% for ‘06, has meant borrowers need to borrow ever larger proportions of a property’s value. Costly two year fixed rates mean less incentive to switch, but discounts and trackers still offer great value for money: Jonathan Cornell, Director at Hamptons Mortgages, said: “World Cup fever has hit the mortgage market early as we see home purchases at an annual high- accounting for over half of all new business. We expect to see a slowdown over the next few weeks as viewing levels plummet but will cross our fingers for an England victory and the resulting boom in confidence in the property market as people capitalise on the feel good factor.”

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SECTOR BACKS REPORT'S FINDINGS
20 June 2006

The National Housing Federation (NHF), the House Builders Federation (HBF), Shelter and the Campaign for More & Better Homes have backed MPs over their call for a major increase in the building of affordable rented homes. The backing surrounds a report into affordability and the supply of housing, published today by the ODPM Select Committee. A committee of MPs set up to scrutinise the former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (OPDM) will today tell the Government it has prioritised low cost schemes for homebuyers above affordable rented and sheltered housing. The report will tell the Government to deliver a significant boost in funding for affordable rented and supported housing in next year's Comprehensive Spending Review. The NHF has hailed the report as "a victory for common sense". Liz Atkins, director of strategy at the National Housing Federation, said: “The Comprehensive Spending Review is the Government's chance to show it is committed to providing decent, affordable homes in healthy neighbourhoods. To achieve this we need to see a big increase in funding for affordable rented homes.” She added: “The Government needs to raise its game on the delivery of affordable rented homes if we are to have any hope of reducing the 100,000 families currently in temporary accommodation. “We have been arguing this for years and are glad to see it picked up by the ODPM committee. This is a victory for common sense." Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation, endorsed the report’s central conclusion that housing output must meet demand. He said: “We share the Committee’s conviction that different groups have different housing needs and aspirations. Social rented housing is part of the solution, but affordability problems will remain if the demand for market housing is not adequately met. “Long-term, the industry wants to see a policy and regulatory framework for innovation that stimulates cost-efficient, consumer-friendly innovation. To forge further progress we will also need to take consumers with us.” Adam Sampson, director of Shelter, said: “We are delighted that the select committee has backed Shelter's campaign for an extra 20,000 social rented homes a year. “We hope the Government will also listen to the committee's call that a more balanced house building programme is needed, which doesn't simply focus on home ownership as the sole answer to the huge variety of housing needs and aspirations.” Speaking on behalf of the More & Better Homes Campaign, Nicola Gilchrist concluded: “The simple fact is that, whatever the need, new housing will not receive local support if existing residents believe that already overstretched resources will be burdened further. “The Campaign is now calling for the Treasury to make clear where gaps exist within the provision of infrastructure, how they will provide the necessary resources to close this gap and when these resources will be forthcoming.”

JUST A MINUTE: JOHN SONES, BRAINTREE HOUSING
20 June 2006

John Sones John Sones, Community Development Officer with the Braintree Housing Partnership How did you get started in the industry? My manager in a previous role knew I was looking for a new community based job and showed me the advert. Was it something you always wanted to do? Indirectly, as I have worked with people and the community one way or another for most of my life. Your biggest professional achievement: Getting continuing publicity for the Braintree Housing Partnership schemes to such an extent that I get comments about where will our photos appear next. Your biggest mistake: Not planning the viewing of a home under construction properly which resulted in a very large can of paint being knocked over causing some damage and embarrassment. Best advice you received: I cannot be specific but received a lot of help and support from colleagues when I started. Does your job give you a sense of well-being? I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years so far, arranging events, meeting new people and, in particular, get job satisfaction seeing someone really excited when they are being shown their brand new Braintree Housing Partnership home. What you would most like to change in housing? I would like developers to have a better understanding of how a change in handover dates affects prospective tenants and others involved in the allocations process. Do you read a daily newspaper? Occasionally. Are you making more use of the internet? I was once a technophobe but was forced to learn how to use a computer. I haven’t looked back and regularly use the internet for research etc. Hobbies and interests: Clay shooting, swimming, fencing and smallholding. Favourite holiday destination? Iceland. I have toured the island in summer and seen how they celebrate the New Year.

CBE FOR ANCHOR TRUST CHIEF EXECUTIVE
20 June 2006

Anchor Trust Chief Executive John Belcher has been awarded a CBE for services to older people. Since joining Anchor as Chief Executive, Dr Belcher has ensured the organisation continues to develop innovative ways of improving the lives of older people. He was made a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. John Belcher Dr Belcher, pictured said: “I am delighted to have been put forward and I was overwhelmed to receive the letter. I'm really proud that we are improving older people's lives in a wide range of areas. “This honour reflects the hard work and commitment of staff across the organisation.” Anchor Chairman, Dianne Jeffrey, said: “John has steered Anchor through some major changes. He has been pivotal in the development of Denham Garden Village, our innovative retirement village, and our integrated care and housing model. “He has ensured Anchor has a solid financial basis on which to anticipate the needs and aspirations of the older people of the future. I'm really pleased that his visionary thinking and relentless focus on the needs of our customers have been recognised in this way.” Dr Belcher is a member of the NHS National Leadership Network and the Audit Commission Housing and Communities Board. He is a non-executive Board Member of both Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust and English Partnerships.

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CURTAIN RISES ON DAME JUDI AND ABBEYFIELD
20 June 2006

Time went by in style for Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer as they revived their onscreen partnership for a leading national charity which supports older people. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer The pair, both patrons of the Abbeyfield Society, were joined by actor and playwright John Moffat for a special performance to raise funds for Abbeyfield, one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit providers of housing and care for older people. This special evening, introduced by fellow patron of the society, Richard Baker, was attended by more than 500 theatregoers who flocked to the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London, to see Fond and Familiar, a medley of specially chosen readings. Those in the audience included the President of the Abbeyfield Society the Rt. Hon Baroness Bottomley and her husband Peter Bottomley MP as well as Abbeyfield residents, volunteers and other supporters. Dame Judi, who has been a national patron of the Abbeyfield Society since 1996, said: “I am delighted to support Abbeyfield’s work, and offer my congratulations for their 50th year. As a society we spend millions trying to combat the signs of old age, but not enough helping the UK’s growing older population. Hopefully this performance will highlight the need to focus on those who have put a lifetime into society and now deserve a little back in return.” Geoffrey Palmer first became involved with Abbeyfield over 30 years ago. He said: “I first found out about Abbeyfield when two elderly aunts of mine moved into an Abbeyfield house in Twickenham. Later I was very happy that my mother spent her last years in an Abbeyfield house. “Since that time I’ve been heavily involved in Abbeyfield’s work as President of Abbeyfield Great Missenden and thoroughly enjoy meeting the residents and taking part in Fond & Familiar.” The performance is one of a series of fundraising activities to mark Abbeyfield’s 50th year. The Abbeyfield rose has been created to mark the charity’s 50th year and was officially launched at Chelsea Flower Show in May.

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CIH CALLS FOR FRESH THINKING
21 June 2006

The Chartered Institute of Housing is encouraging the Government to enter into a dialogue in order to deliver continued success and reform in the housing sector. CIH President Barrington Billings The invitation was made by CIH President, Barrington Billings in his opening speech at the start of the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Annual Conference and Exhibition yesterday. Over the past six years the housing sector has delivered some major reforms and achieved considerable success. But there is more to do and the CIH is to highlight three key areas where more reform and Government support is needed: To take a fresh look at tenure, where help is available for both private home owners and tenants. To ensure that tenants can challenge the services they get and to make service providers more accountable. To find new ways to tackle social exclusion, including a fresh look at how people’s needs are met at different stages of their lives. Barrington Billings, CIH President, said: “The housing sector has successfully innovated and delivered a wealth of reforms in the past six years which have produced improved services for a vast range of tenants and home owners. “There is more to be done and we hope that we can work in close collaboration with Government to address some of the long-term challenges we still face, such as our pre-occupation with tenure, providing accountability to customers and helping the most excluded and vulnerable out of their tenure traps.”

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DEVELOPMENT FOCUS - South Warwickshire H.A.
21 June 2006

South Warwickshire Housing Association has received planning permission to build 12 new affordable homes in Lighthorne Heath, Warwickshire. The scheme, on Leam Road, which has the support of the Parish Council, is part of a larger plan which includes the creation of a new shop and doctor’s surgery, as well as the construction of 22 homes in total - with five houses available through shared ownership and 17 to rent. Originally, Lighthorne Heath provided married quarters for airmen based at the nearby Gaydon/Lighthorne Heath Air Base, which was built in 1941 and came into use in 1942. In 1976, Stratford-on-Avon District Council purchased 132 two-bedroom homes, 20 three-bedroom homes, garages and stores from the Ministry Of Defence. The stores were leased for use as a Post Office and local shop. In 1978, a licence was also granted to use one property as a doctors surgery. In 1996, the estate was transferred to South Warwickshire Housing Association. The association currently owns 81 homes in Lighthorne Heath, 51 of which have been purchased under the right-to-buy scheme. SWHA has formed working partnerships with key organisations. Organisations offering support to the plans include: Stratford-on-Avon District Council; Lighthorne Heath Parish Council; Primary Care Trust; and the Warwick Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. To have your new development featured in Development Focus, send details and pictures to news@housingnews.co.uk

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HOUSING CORPORATION AGREES CONTRACT WITH BARRATT HOMES
21 June 2006

Barratt Homes Limited, one of the country’s biggest and best-known private house builders, has agreed a contract to secure funding from the Housing Corporation to build subsidised affordable homes in England. The Housing Corporation has made an initial award of £4.37 million to Barratt Homes to build 153 affordable homes in the North West and Midlands. Peter Dixon, left, Housing Corporation Chairman and David Pretty, Chief Executive Barratt Homes Limited. The funding for the much-needed new homes has been made available under the Corporation’s national investment programmes. Housing Corporation Chairman, Peter Dixon said: “This is an historic day for the Corporation. From a standing start a little over a year ago, we have successfully created a new market in the supply of affordable housing. We will be able to build on the impressive record of housing associations in providing good quality housing – while drawing on new sources of expertise and innovation in the commercial sector." Barratt Homes Chief Executive, David Pretty said: “As one of the pioneers of social housing partnership development in Britain, Barratt has become the leading provider of affordable social housing. We face a serious shortage of high-quality affordable homes in Britain today, and contracts like this will help make a difference.”

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£3m TO TACKLE ETHNIC MINORITY HOMELESSNESS
21 June 2006

Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has announced that £3 million will be awarded to projects across the country to tackle homelessness among ethnic minority groups. The Ethnic Minorities Innovation Fund (EMIF) will provide financial support to voluntary and community groups working in partnership with local authorities, to help deliver innovative projects that aim to reduce levels of homelessness amongst ethnic minority groups. Successful projects range from helping victims of domestic violence to supporting 11-25 year olds to gain life skills so that they avoid experiencing homelessness. Ethnic minority households face a disproportionate risk of experiencing homelessness. They represented 21% of households accepted as homeless by local authorities in 2004-05, but comprise only 8 per cent of the UK population. Ruth Kelly Ruth Kelly said: "We know that ethnic minority households are at disproportionate risk of social exclusion, and in the case of homelessness this is no exception as ethnic minorities are around three times as likely to become homeless compared to the rest of the population. "We need to do more to tackle this problem, which is why I’m pleased to be announcing these successful projects. Just last week we announced a further reduction in new cases of homelessness, but we need to make sure these reductions are sustained across all communities. “Ultimately however we need to build more houses so that people have access to a settled home.” The National Housing Federation, representing England's 1400 housing associations, has today welcomed the Ruth Kelly's announcement of £3 million for projects across the country to tackle black and ethnic minority homelessness. Fahmeeda Gill, Policy Leader at the National Housing Federation, welcomed the announcement. She said: “This is good news for housing associations working with the homeless in black and ethnic minority communities. “We are pleased that the Government is also addressing the range of needs amongst homeless people, including black and minority ethnic women in prison, Muslim prisoners, refugees, travellers and women escaping domestic violence.”

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NHF LOBBYING PAYS OFF AS LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE PLANS SHELVED
21 June 2006

David Orr The National Housing Federation (NHF), representing England's 1400 housing associations, has welcomed the Government's announcement to shelve plans to introduce Local Housing Allowance for affordable housing tenants, which would make housing benefits payments direct to the claimant and under a new formula. The NHF had responded to the Department of Work and Pensions consultation by making a strong case against this plan for affordable housing tenants. Helen Williams, Head of Neighbourhoods & Sustainability at the National Housing Federation said: "This is a sensible course of action and we are delighted that the Government has listened to the sector and is shelving these plans. "We believe that the way to achieve personal responsibility is through financial inclusion initiatives, not by withdrawing choice over how tenants pay their rent."

TENANTS ENCOURAGED TO INNOVATE AND PARTICIPATE
21 June 2006

A new free CD helping tenants of social housing to become more involved in the running of their homes is being launched at the Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference and Exhibition. The Innovation into Action CD includes a video message from Minister for Housing and Planning, Yvette Cooper, and is being launched at the Conference by Peter Housden, Permanent Secretary for the Department for Communities and Local Government. The CD contains guidance to help tenants create innovative participation projects in their own communities as well dozens of examples of good practice from across the country, including: A project tackling Anti-social Behaviour in Hounslow by tapping into the adventurous, challenging nature of its youth by channeling their energy into stunt work and stage combat. Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Tenant’s Jury set up to look at the Stock Investment Options for the Council and recommend a way forward. A project to produce and pilot a pack that provides training on equalities and diversity issues through games and information. In her video message, Minster Yvette Cooper says: "I am delighted to introduce this celebration of the achievements of the programme. Policies that promote tenant participation and community empowerment are central to the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan. We know that they can result in better, more responsive services and improve the quality of life for local communities." Ten thousand copies of the CD will be distributed to housing organisations and tenant groups over the next few months. Copies can also be obtained by contacting Ashraf Ahmed, CIH Tenant Participation Manager, on 020 7520 3385 or e-mailing:

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YOUR OPINION: CITY LIVING - THE HOUSING FASHION THAT COULD BECOME A SOCIAL DISASTER
22 June 2006

RLA Chairman, Chris Town The face of UK cities is being changed forever – by a fashionable housing trend that could create the slums of tomorrow, says Residential Landlords Association (RLA) Chairman, Chris Town. And there’s no going back – the boom in city living apartments is producing a new generation of high density tower blocks. The warning signs of an impending social disaster are starting to become apparent to one of the country’s leading professional bodies for landlords. “The tragedy for our cities,” says RLA Chairman, Chris Town, “is that there’s no going back. Building patterns, nationally, have shifted from houses to apartments and a fashionable housing trend has already been allowed to change city landscapes with purpose-built, 300 to 400-unit tower blocks that couldn’t be converted to any other use. “Local authorities think it’s great as the private sector funds new residential development with related roadworks and infrastructure. There seems to be a property boom … prices rise …and short-term prospects look good for investors. But it’s just not sustainable. “Apartments are already standing empty in many regenerated northern city centres. I know one where 50% of new units are unoccupied – yet 3,000 more are under construction and developers still have another 6,000 at planning stage. “Many city centre developments are a new lifestyle equivalent to ‘bedsit-land’ - poorly planned, low quality little boxes, ‘smartpads’, ‘crashpads’, call them what you will - with no open space and often little or no parking. “There are select, expensive, well located properties, of course, but some tower blocks can have more than 50 landlords operating different letting policies and attracting different types of tenants with conflicting lifestyles. As a result, falling values and falling returns are persuading some disillusioned professional landlords to disinvest … provided they can find a buyer. And amateur ‘buy-to-let’ investors are getting very burnt fingers. “The next problem is - who will live in these blocks then? Is this going to be a repeat, under a different guise, of disastrous public sector housing projects like Leek Street Flats in Leeds and Kelvin Flats in Sheffield which promised an exciting new innovation in the 50’s and 60’s … only to slide into crime-ridden slums and be demolished less than 30 years later? “I hope I’m wrong … because no-one needs that kind of nightmare.”

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CIH CONFERENCE: LEADING ECONOMIST WARMS GOVT. OVER HEALTH AND HOUSING TARGETS
22 June 2006

Chancellor Gordon Brown won’t have much money to hand out in the next spending review but he should make sure some of it goes to housing, warned economist Andrew Dilnot at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Annual Conference and Exhibition. Andrew Dilnot He told delegates for housing to gain extra resources from the next comprehensive spending review then the sector has to make "a fantastic case.” In his keynote address, Making the Case for Housing….the financial context, Mr Dilnot warned that as the government struggles to deliver on its key priorities of Health and Education, resources for other areas will be scarce. “However,” he continued, “it will be crucial for money to go to housing if the Government’s key economic, health and education targets are to be met.” In his presentation he outlined three key arguments for extra resources for housing from the next spending review: housing is essential to the effective running of the economy; public spending on housing is crucial in the delivery of other public spending goals; and decent housing is a key right. And in a rallying cry for the sector, he urged all those working in housing to “tell as many people as possible what you do. Raise your profile. Raise the profile of the role housing has in the economy.”

CIH CONFERENCE: LYONS SEEKING GREATER INVOLVEMENT FROM SECTOR
22 June 2006

Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of the Lyons Enquiry looking at the future role and funding of local government, wants the housing sector to become more involved in shaping the future of Local Government. In a speech at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Annual Conference in Harrogate, Sir Michael said that housing was "critical to place-shaping" – a concept he has developed to describe the added value role of local government. Echoing the words of Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Ruth Kelly earlier in the week, Sir Michael went on to say that housing needs "to come higher up the agenda" and that more housing organisations need to contribute to the current debate about local government. However, he was disappointed that only a "handful" of housing organisations had made a contribution to the Lyons Inquiry so far. He also told a packed conference hall that the sector “needs to put its doctrinal differences to one side and pull together to work effectively with others’ to create a ‘better, richer and happier country.” CIH Director of Policy and Practice, Sarah Webb, said: “We need to respond positively to Sir Michael’s challenge and get the sector talking about the local government agenda. “We’ve started by publishing our ‘Visionary Leadership’ Report on the strategic enabling role of Local Authorities, but we need to take the debate much further", concluded the CIH Policy Chief.”

COMMUNITIES TO TAKE GREATER CONTROL OVER HOUSING
22 June 2006

Individual communities across England look set to provide more and more affordable housing for themselves in the future, according to the Housing Corporation which is set to announce significant new research into the use of Community Land Trusts. Community Land Trusts allow ownership of land by the local community to provide affordable homes or other facilities to meet local priorities, crucially without the need for social housing grant. Conducted by Bob Paterson of the University of Salford, it is anticipated that the research will underpin opinions that, as existing community leaders, the 1500 housing associations funded and regulated by the Corporation should be central to the successful creation of Community Land Trusts. Ultimately it will inform a best practice toolkit for Housing Associations as they guide and advise communities in taking greater control over the housing issues for priority local action. Jon Rouse Housing Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse, said: “We see a clear potential for more affordable homes to be provided by local communities themselves – for use by those same local communities in the future – which is why we have funded this practical research. “This is all about giving communities direct control over local housing issues and building more affordable homes in the neighbourhoods where they are needed. And as trusted organisations central to the communities in which they work, the Housing Associations we fund are ideally placed to help deliver the vision behind Community Land Trusts.” Bob Paterson, of Community Finance Solutions at Salford University, added: “Advice and technical support from Housing Associations will greatly benefit Community Land Trusts and this project will provide a framework for Associations to deliver that support. “We have a real opportunity to genuinely give greater control to communities by informing and spreading best practice in this field.” The research has been funded by £120,000 made available through the Housing Corporation’s Innovation and Good Practice Programme.

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HOMES WITHOUT HIPS LOOPHOLE CLOSED
22 June 2006

The loophole allowing scams to help homeowners avoid having a Home Information Pack (HIP) has been closed by new regulations announced by the Government. The Association of Home Information Pack Providers (AHIPP) is backing the statement made by the Government that houses marketed prior to HIPs being made mandatory from June 1, 2007 will need a pack in place by the following November if it remains unsold. Mike Ockenden Mike Ockenden, director general of AHIPP, said: “This will stop any companies making money from prospective house buyers by listing their houses as on the market prior to June 2007, in the belief that they would never need a HIP. “Any home without a HIP after June next year will be at a distinct disadvantage against properties that do have a HIP, containing a valuable Home Condition Report, and vendors run the risk of being unable to sell as quickly or even at all. As a buyer which house would you favour? One which has a free condition report to one that does not.” The regulations and details announced by the Government today means that HIPs are on course for implementation on June 1, 2007. With less than a year to go, AHIPP believes that it is now time to inform the public about the consumer benefits of HIPs as the majority of people do not yet know what they entail. Much misinformation has been put about by self-interested opposition groups who clearly do not have the consumer’s interest in mind. But as Which? has said, the introduction of HIPs will greatly benefit the consumer and its early research suggests that the public supports HIPs.

CIH CONFERENCE: ‘FOUR MILLION HOMES NEEDED BY 2020,’ SAYS CBI CHIEF
23 June 2006

In his last major conference speech as Director General of the CBI, Sir Digby Jones has warned that four million new homes will be needed in England alone by 2020 or the UK’s economy will suffer. At the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate, Sir Digby also went on to heavily criticise the current planning systems which have barely changed in over 50 years and are in danger of harming the country’s competitiveness. In what Sir Digby described as the "biggest house-owning economy on earth" he said that more housing was needed to keep house price inflation down, to make home ownership a realistic aspiration for the young and to ensure that home ownership does not become socially divisive. In his speech he said that average house prices has doubled to £160,000 over the past 6 years, and the ratio of the deposit needed to buy a house compared to annual earnings had increased from 4.5: 1 in 1976, to 7:1 today. More construction workers will also be needed to meet housing demand. The latest forecasts indicate that another 350,000 people would need to join the two million people already working in the construction industry. To meet this growth Sir Digby said: “We must really drive up the aspirations of teenagers into vocational skills to fill this skills gap.” CIH Director of Policy and Practice, Sarah Webb, said: “Sir Digby has re-enforced our message to Government that continued investment in housing is a pre-requisite for economic growth going forward. “We cannot respond to opportunities and threats presented by globalisation without well-functioning housing markets. “When you’re looking for somewhere to locate your cutting edge knowledge-based business you’re not going to head for a place with boarded-up, run down houses covered in graffiti and in streets strewn with litter.”

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CIH CONFERENCE: MERGER NEEDS TO BE RIGHT FOR TENANTS
23 June 2006

A senior civil servant has said there is growing support for the idea of a single agency responsible for delivering housing strategy in England. But the Chartered Institute of Housing believes it should be more than just a merger of the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships, and any proposals must ensure clear benefits for tenants and residents. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate, Richard McCarthy, Director General, Places, Planning and Community Group, Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), said there was “fantastic enthusiasm” for his Department’s on-going review of housing and regeneration. He reported that responses sent in to DCLG have suggested support for the idea of a single agency but it has to be more than the merger of the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships. Mr McCarthy said: “We have to think about getting one plus one to equal three.” He also talked about the future for regulation and asked whether or not it should be “co-located” or “linked to investment”. He promised that he would be considering the “what” and “how” of regulation not just the “where”. Sarah Webb, CIH’s Director of Policy and Practice, added: “The ultimate test of any change will be if it makes a real difference on the ground for tenants and residents. “If we get it right a new agency will deliver more new homes.”

HOUSING CORP AGREES CONTRACT WITH UK’s LARGEST HOUSE BUILDER
23 June 2006

Persimmon, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has agreed the final terms of a contract to secure funding from the Housing Corporation to build subsidised affordable homes in England. Housing Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse, and Persimmon Group Chief Executive, Mike Farley, made the agreement at the Housing Corporation stand at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference. This represents the first time a combined grant has been awarded to a private house builder, utilising funds from the Housing Corporation’s New Partners in Affordable Housing Programme (NPiAH) and National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP). The Housing Corporation has made an initial award to Persimmon of £16.53m to build 930 much needed affordable homes. Just under £7.5m will come from the NPiAH programme, while a further £9.10m will come from the NAHP 06-08 programme. Left to Right: Mike Farley, Persimmon Group Chief Executive; and Jon Rouse, Housing Corporation Chief Executive, agree the contract. The homes will be built largely in the South of England, and completed over the next few years. Housing Corporation Chief Executive, Jon Rouse said: “From a standing start a little over a year ago, we have successfully created a new market in the supply of affordable housing. “We see this as the start of a long term relationship with Persimmon which I hope will see us build many homes together, making use of their expertise in MMC, including the potential £60k home. “This is just the start, in total nine private developers are set to receive funding from the Housing Corporation. We hope to make further announcements soon.” Persimmon Group Chief Executive, Mike Farley added: “Today’s announcement sees the successful culmination of over 18 months working in close partnership with the Housing Corporation team. “ The completion of this agreement enables us to bring together these skills with our strong land bank to help satisfy the Housing Corporation agenda and provide an efficient and deliverable solution to the affordable housing challenge.”

CHARLES LAUNCHES PROGRAMME TO TRANSFORM VICTORIAN BUILDINGS
23 June 2006

HRH The Prince of Wales A pioneering partnership to transform Victorian buildings into energy efficient accommodation for 21st century living has been launched today by HRH The Prince of Wales, President of The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment. The collaboration between The Prince’s Foundation, BRE, the East of England Development Agency and the University of Hertfordshire will begin with the refurbishment of a Victorian stable block at BRE’s Headquarters in Watford, Hertfordshire. The project will demonstrate and analyse how older buildings with solid walls, poor insulation, draughty windows, inadequate heating and in a state of general disrepair can be transformed to provide attractive, flexible and energy efficient accommodation for the future. Britain has the oldest housing stock in the developed world and much of this is represented by the Victorian terraced housing that characterises the centre of our urban areas. There is much talk about the house of the future and the regeneration of our older urban areas, but the reality is that, at current demolition rates, the average house will have to last for 1000 years before it is replaced. David Strong, Managing Director of BRE Environment, said: “Oxford University’s 40% House Report suggests that over 1 million Victorian terraced houses would need to be demolished by 2050 and replaced with new energy efficient homes to meet future carbon emission targets. “The BRE Victorian House of the Future project will show that there is another option open to us. One that allows us to upgrade existing stock whilst avoiding the waste associated with demolition and of course preserving the mix of architecture that makes our urban landscape a more humane and interesting place in which to live and work.” Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Foundation agrees. He said: “By retrofitting these old buildings you save the embodied energy within them – rather than using more energy to make new buildings. “Furthermore, these Victorian terraces were built in a more sustainable urban layout - a layout that in itself can help reduce fossil fuel consumption - than the suburban layouts produced in the post war era.” The project will benefit the East of England region where more than 50% of ongoing construction output will be connected with existing building stock, rather than new build.

JRF AND CIH LAUNCH GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
23 June 2006

A key tool is set to help private house builders and housing associations meet the substantial challenge of developing successful mixed income communities. Creating and sustaining mixed income communities: A good practice guide is published this week by the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The guide chimes with central and local government drives to create communities that bring together people of different income levels in settings combining both rented and owned homes. Researchers found evidence of successful well-established and new housing developments which integrate different tenure and home size so that it is impossible to identify tenure solely by appearance. They also identified four essential elements to developing successful mixed neighbourhoods: a clear assessment of local housing needs and market conditions; a briefing and masterplan process which produces a full range of housing types and sizes, located in an attractive environment; a vision promoted and sustained by all stakeholders; a locally based and unified system of housing and environmental management embracing all stakeholders and including substantial community involvement. Nick Bailey, who led the team of researchers, said: “Tenure mix is an important prerequisite to a successful community, but so too are the masterplan, the design quality of the homes and public facilities such as parks, the quality of schools and access to jobs. “In the end, the success of mixed developments depends on whether they are places where people choose to live, and whether the mix of tenures and range of sizes of homes is retained through responsive management practices in the long term.”

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