Renewal pathfinders make good progress
Housing market renewal pathfinders have made good progress over the past year despite difficult economic circumstances, according to the Audit Commission.
Five of the 10 schemes assessed were described as ‘performing strongly’ – the top mark – and five as ‘performing well’ over the past year.
Three had improved areas of their work:
- Urban Living Birmingham and Sandwell made good progress in its work on community cohesion
- Bridging Newcastle Gateshead improved its approach to efficiency and effectiveness
- New Heartlands Merseyside moved from ‘performing well’ to ‘performing strongly’
Roy Irwin, director of housing at the Audit Commission said: ‘Our assessments show that even in difficult economic times, the housing market renewal pathfinders are playing an important role in efforts to improve existing homes and provide new homes while supporting communities.
‘However, while all must be given credit for maintaining or improving overall performance in a difficult year, issues around value for money remain for some pathfinders, but these are being addressed.’
The report on Bridging Newcastle Gateshead notes: ‘Achievements in respect of complementary and levered public sector funding were good, but leverage of private sector funding continued to be relatively limited.’
The report on Urban Living Birmingham and Sandwell recommends: ‘Its value for money strategy would benefit from being more clearly focused on measurable targets and outcomes.’
New Heartlands Merseyside’s report reads: ‘It has progressed previous recommendations, further developing its role in coordinating work to ensure programmes of growth and renewal are complementary.
‘Research and evaluation is guiding its work and customers continue to be effectively engaged.’
Homes and Communities Agency chairman Robert Napier said: ‘The housing market renewal programme makes a vital contribution to the growth, sustainability and continuing economic development of some of the north and midlands’ most deprived areas.’
The Audit Commission assessed the pathfinders on whether they are meeting their priorities in areas including the number of new affordable homes created, and the promotion of cohesive, sustainable and safe communities.
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Readers' comments (1)
grace mukasa | 06/03/2010 1:38 pm
Currently I am undertaking Masters qualification in Housing and holding a BSC ( HONS) degree housing. I am fed up with employers refusing to offer housing freshers an opportunity to get on the career ladder. I wish they could give us a chance and see what good we can offer as well. Grace Thank you.
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