|
|
The report
The rapid growth in the size of housing associations in England raises challenges for the sector. In 2005 a Commission was set up to examine how this growth affects relationships with customers and partners, and how large associations should be run. The Future Shape of the Sector Commission concludes that growth will continue and that large associations are best placed to deliver the government’s agenda on efficiency and regeneration, but that they must change how they’re governed and operate to meet customer service and business needs. The report raises key issues for the associations, the government and its agencies, local authorities and partners and the National Housing Federation.
The main conclusions of the report were:
- Larger sized housing associations are here to stay. Fewer than 20 housing associations now own more than a third of the stock and control a majority of financial capacity.
- The largest associations must simplify their structures and how they are governed to deliver the best customer-focused service and have beneficial relationships with local partners and government.
- These associations have natural advantages such as their ability to deliver mixed tenure communities, build future capacity and provide high numbers of affordable homes for less public grant.
- The largest associations are improving their financial efficiency and cost effectiveness. This must continue if they’re to produce enough surplus capital to allow them to contribute to the government’s social policy agenda. The government must let associations maintain control of their surpluses.
- The large associations should improve local accountability and levels of customer satisfaction, and remain flexible. Resident involvement must be maintained and a wider base of customers should be involved in service development.
Downloads
|
| |
|
|
|
|
