The future of the Homes and Communities Agency looks uncertain as a leaked government document reveals that it is under review.
The document, seen by the Daily Telegraph, reveals that 177 organisations face the chop as the government looks to abolish some quangos to help tackle the deficit, with a further 94 still under review.
A statement from the Cabinet Office on the accuracy of the claims said: ‘The cabinet secretary has this morning asked for an immediate investigation into the leak of a government document on public bodies reform. We deeply regret any extra uncertainty for employees that this irresponsible leak has caused.’
Design body CABE and the social housing regulator the Tenant Services Authority also feature as ‘under review’, as well as the Buildings Regulations Advisory Committee.
The government is consulting on the future of the TSA, and housing minister Grant Shapps has made it clear he wants it abolished. However he has previously said the HCA would continue in a leaner and more focused form.
A HCA spokesperson said: ‘The housing minister has made it clear that the HCA will continue as a smaller and more streamlined enabling and investment agency with an important role to play in helping local authorities achieve ambitions for their communities.’