Affordable Housing Update June 2009
You are probably aware that several of our team including 2 Directors have worked at the Housing Corporation and at RSLs as well as with Local Authority housing strategy and planning teams. You may not be aware that we are able to offer advice and assistance with both affordable housing negotiations and with scheme appraisals and feasibilities under the HCA bidding regime for LAs.
Affordable housing negotiations
In the current economic climate we know that many authorities are having difficulty negotiating the affordable housing requirement that has been established within their evidence base and affordable housing policy. Where authorities have been able to negotiate affordable provision, it is more often than not 100% social rented housing where a tenure mix would have been preferred.
We have been working with authorities to support them through individual negotiations with developers to secure a mixed affordable housing provision. We have introduced new products such as rent to purchase and more importantly been able to move developments on to site.
LA direct social housing provision
You are no doubt aware that the HCA have now issued the bidding guidance for LAs/ALMOs wishing to bid for grant to develop new social rented housing. This is a major step forward and one that many authorities have been eagerly awaiting.
The process will involve submitting details via the HCA's Investment Management System (IMS). This in turn will require the collating and inputting of Housing Quality Indicator (HQI) information. We have over 25 years experience of preparing, inputting and submitting funding bids to the HCA (Housing Corporation) and can cover all of the practical details and processes.
We are offering tailored training and guidance through our Associate Mandi Lamb who is working with us on a comprehensive package relating to the new funding regime. Combining her detailed knowledge and experience with our successful track record in submitting a range of funding bids from single schemes to sub regional partnerships like the Green Corridor and Tees Valley Living should give you the advantage you need to start your new build development programme.
For more details contact Gaynor Asquith.