HQN - What's new

What's new

Here you will find information and briefings from HQN, plus all the latest information from government, regulators and inspectors.

Scroll down to find the document you want.

Documents are also stored in our electronic library, and older items are in our archive.

Network briefings are only available to members - click here to find out how to join.

Support for All: the Families and Relationships Green Paper
9 March 2010
Network briefing by Tim Horsley
Research shows improving picture on landlords tackling unpaid rent
8 March 2010
New research shows an improving picture on how housing associations deal with social housing tenants in arrears
Plans to improve private rented housing
8 March 2010
The Scottish Government is consulting about the proposed Private Housing (Scotland) Bill
Backing for first-time buyers and housebuilding jobs
8 March 2010
£83m to get building over 5,700 new and affordable homes stalled by the recession back on track
The Governor
8 March 2010
The third issue of HQN's magazine for boards, executives and leaders
The government's Mortgage Rescue scheme
8 March 2010
Mortgage to rent
Projects to refurbish properties for local communities
8 March 2010
Community organisations are to receive up to £3.5m to help them to purchase and refurbish existing properties
Housing industry backs building scheme
8 March 2010
Seven companies will take part in a £2.5m trial to allow first-time buyers to buy a new shared equity home
How can we make the housing market more stable for vulnerable households?
8 March 2010
Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report
Making deprived areas better places to live
4 March 2010
Evidence from the New Deal for Communities programme
New green strategy will overhaul Britain's homes
4 March 2010
A green transformation of Britain's homes will take place over the next decade
Help for working social tenants
4 March 2010
Plans for tenants with a new job offer to get government help to find a new home
Evaluation of the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal
4 March 2010
Final report
Local Innovation Awards Scheme winners
4 March 2010
Tameside, Sunderland, Trafford and Northumberland Council along with their partners won five main awards
Annual Performance and Statistical Return (APSR) Forms and Guidance
4 March 2010
2009-10 return
Policy Statement on Regional Strategies: Consultation
4 March 2010
Summary of responses
Housing Benefits inspection report
4 March 2010
South Staffordshire Council - Benefits service re-inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Short notice inspection report
4 March 2010
Wulvern Housing - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission, Wulvern is improving its repairs service and this has been noticed by tenants. All homes have a current gas safety certificate and there are fewer empty homes, but they need to be repaired more quickly
Short notice inspection report
4 March 2010
Kensington Housing Trust - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission, Kensington Housing Trust is delivering a good repairs service and is working effectively to ensure that it meets its legal obligations to ensure the safety of gas appliances in its tenants’ homes. Overall, resident involvement is satisfactory but more could be done in this area
Inspection report
4 March 2010
Arhag Housing Association - Housing management services

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Inspection report
4 March 2010
West Somerset District Council - Strategic housing services re-inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Uncertain prospects
Inspection report
4 March 2010
Copeland Borough Council - Strategic housing services re-inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Poor prospects for improvement
ASB Family intervention projects
3 March 2010
Monitoring and evaluation
Putting the Frontline First: Meeting local government challenges
3 March 2010
Putting the Frontline First Taskforce report. See below for HQN event examining the key issues in more detail and looking at the solutions being developed
Additional files:
- Click here: Maximum impact from reduced housing resources
The Code for Sustainable Homes: Case Studies Volume 2 - March 2010
2 March 2010
CLG publication
The Code for Sustainable Homes: Case Studies
2 March 2010
CLG publication
PSA 16 (Socially Excluded Adults) qualitative research on settled accommodation
2 March 2010
CLG research
Clarifying when an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required on the sale or letting of buildings
2 March 2010
Impact assessment
Proposals for requiring Energy Performance Certificate ratings to be displayed on all property advertisements
2 March 2010
Impact assessment
Requiring Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
2 March 2010
Impact assessment
New deal on energy efficiency to help social housing tenants
2 March 2010
The government’s Warm Homes, Greener Homes Strategy will help social housing landlords halve the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from the homes they own, according to the TSA
Making better use of Energy Performance Certificates and data
2 March 2010
Consultation closes 25 May 2010
Value for money toolkit - 2010 edition
2 March 2010
Network toolkit updated by Steve Wood and Robin Tebbutt
The Implications of Housing Type/Size Mix and Density
1 March 2010
Research which looks at the viability and affordability of new housing
Consultation on proposed changes to the National Statistics on household projections
1 March 2010
Seeks users views on changes to National Statistics outputs on household projections
New planning regime for major infrastructure
1 March 2010
Fairer and faster planning decisions will help power the country to a low carbon future
Mayor of London's plans for affordable housing in the Capital
1 March 2010
Government response
Analysis of 2008/09 Scottish Local Authority Housing Management Performance
26 February 2010
By Hal Pawson and published by SHBVN
Decent Homes - the National Audit Office verdict
25 February 2010
Network briefing by Neil Merrick
Housing associations outperform the wider property sector in credit crunch
25 February 2010
According to TSA’s new study 'The impact of the credit crunch on housing associations'
Changes to the capital finance system consultation
25 February 2010
Summary of responses
Welsh company launches homes made from recycled waste plastic
25 February 2010
Eco-friendly homes that have the potential to revolutionise the building industry
Housing Stock, England
25 February 2010
Dwelling Stock estimates, England, 2009
Net supply of housing
25 February 2010
2008-09, England
Lifetime Neighbourhoods: turning vision into reality
25 February 2010
Speech by Lord Bill McKenzie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Short notice inspection report
25 February 2010
Gateway Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Gateway Housing Association is not working well in providing responsive repair services, however, there is a balance of strengths and weaknesses in gas servicing and income management.
Short notice inspection report
25 February 2010
Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission strengths outweigh weaknesses in the way that Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association involve residents in shaping its services and in its approach to repairs and gas safety
Short notice inspection report
25 February 2010
Village Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: An independent report released by the Audit Commission on Village Housing Association, looked at how the association deals with responsive repairs, gas servicing, income management and asset management
Housing Benefit inspection report
25 February 2010
Hart District Council - Benefits service inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Questions and answers
25 February 2010
Network members have a wealth of housing expertise so help spread the word by adding your questions and answering those already posted by our members on our questions and answers page. Click on the title above to view all our current member questions
Government response to the Matthew Taylor Review
24 February 2010
Updated implementation plan
English Housing Survey
24 February 2010
Headline Report 2008-09
Repossession pledge welcomed
24 February 2010
Move by Scottish Banks to deal sensitively with mortgage customers facing financial difficulty
Further £500m boost for affordable homes
24 February 2010
Every region of the country is benefiting from this extra cash to build much-needed affordable homes for sale and rent
The recession checklist: things social landlords and strategic housing authorities need to keep under review
23 February 2010
Network briefing by Charlie Hughes
Updated strategic approach to housing KLOE
19 February 2010
The Audit Commission has published an update to the strategic approach to housing key lines of enquiry (KLOE) for use from 12 April 2010
Benefits inspection report
19 February 2010
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council - Benefits service inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Benefits inspection report
19 February 2010
Torbay Council - Benefits service inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Analysis of English local authority housing management performance 2008/09
19 February 2010
Performance continues to improve but management costs are rising and tenant satisfaction levels are stalled
Trust, transparency and value for money
18 February 2010
Audit Commission consultation paper and associated Equalities Impact Stage 2 Assessment, on its draft strategic plan 2010 which invites comments on the contribution the Commission should make throughout the lifetime of the next Parliament
An overview of local government in Scotland 2009
18 February 2010
Audit Scotland report looks at how councils performed in 2009, how they plan and deliver services and how they use resources. It also highlights a number of areas where auditors say more action is needed
Draft Social Housing Equality Framework
18 February 2010
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) consultation paper seeks views on a new framework that will enable arms-length management organisations and housing associations to drive service improvements. Consultation closes on 26 March
Under pressure – Tackling the financial challenge for councils of an ageing population
18 February 2010
Audit Commission report on the financial challenge posed by England's ageing population and the need to innovate and save as the number of older people increases each year
Local authority inspection programme
17 February 2010
2010/11
Housing association inspection programme
17 February 2010
2010/11
ALMO completed inspection programme
17 February 2010
2010/11
£32m available in 2010/11 for Gypsy and Traveller sites
17 February 2010
Local authorities, ALMOs and HAs who wish to provide social rented sites for Gypsies and Travellers, can now bid for a share of £32m funding from the HCA
New powers for councils' to help communities thrive
16 February 2010
Councils' new levy will help fund economic growth and lay the foundations for future success of local areas
Creating more sustainable rural communities
16 February 2010
Network briefing by Chris Bowen
House Price Index
16 February 2010
December 2009
Housing Affordability: A fuller picture
16 February 2010
NHPAU has developed three new affordability indicators to show the ability to access home ownership and the affordability of maintaining a mortgage or renting in the private sector
Evaluating requirements for market and affordable housing
16 February 2010
NHPAU report examines some key issues in assessing affordability of house prices and private rents
The DWP's Housing Benefit consultation: Supporting people into work: the next stage of Housing Benefit reform
11 February 2010
Network briefing by Sue Beasor
Tenure and change in deprived areas
11 February 2010
Evidence from the New Deal for Communities areas
Running a regeneration programme
11 February 2010
The experiences of resident representatives on the boards of New Deal for Communities Partnerships
Mortgage Rescue Scheme monitoring statistics
11 February 2010
December Quarter 2009
Progress towards the sustainability of the building stock in England and Wales
11 February 2010
Second parliamentary report: Section 6 of The Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004
Inspection report
11 February 2010
Medway Council - Reinspection of strategic housing services

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Short notice inspection report
11 February 2010
Soha Housing Limited - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Soha Housing has more strengths than weaknesses. It offers good customer care, gives residents a lot of influence over services through effective involvement, and manages its estates well
Inspection report
11 February 2010
Bromsgrove District Housing Trust - Housing management services

Star rating:

Comments: Excellent prospects
Britain’s only planned new island community gets Kickstart
11 February 2010
Workers are returning to a stalled development on St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime, Kent, thanks to £6.93m of Kickstart funding from the HCA
What works in neighbourhood-level regeneration?
11 February 2010
The views of key stakeholders in the New Deal for Communities Programme
Repossession help will continue
11 February 2010
Government will keep help in place for struggling homeowners as new figures published show that repossessions court activity has dropped by over a third compared with 2008
Councils in line for more housing cash
10 February 2010
Scottish local authorities are set to share a further £25m to help build a new generation of council houses
Community champions to tackle anti-social behaviour
10 February 2010
Communities Secretary John Denham has issued a rallying call for an army of community champions to challenge anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods
Tackling anti-social behaviour
10 February 2010
CLG leaflet which explains where someone can go for help to tackle anti-social behaviour
Home Insulation Scheme
10 February 2010
Thousands of households have been signing up for greener, lower-carbon homes, with the help of the Scottish Government
Cycles of poverty, unemployment and low pay
10 February 2010
Joseph Rowntree roundup
Attendance at work
9 February 2010
Network briefing by Kate Murray
Housing and Planning Key Facts
9 February 2010
February 2010
Overall employment rate
9 February 2010
Working age population at neighbourhood level (in deprived areas), England
Draft corporate plan 2010-13
9 February 2010
Top priorities for next three years outlined by TSA
Inspection report
9 February 2010
Argyll and Bute Council - The Scottish Housing Regulator has awarded the council a ‘fair’ rating overall for services to homeless people

Comments: C
Cash for Crackdown on empty homes and anti-social behaviour
9 February 2010
Extra support for councils to step up efforts to get empty homes back in use and reduce anti-social behaviour
Strengthening Local Democracy
9 February 2010
Summary of responses
Over £60m to lay green foundations of eco-towns
9 February 2010
Country's biggest ever green home building programme, with four areas sharing £60m cash to build over 600 new homes to the toughest ever environmental standards
Alistair McIntosh's response to TSA regulation proposals
4 February 2010
Streamlined consultation and clarity of strategic vision required
Local Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny) Bill
4 February 2010
Impact assessment
The Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) Scoping Study
4 February 2010
The Working Neighbourhoods Fund Scoping Study report provides an overview of the nature and scale of the worklessness problem in WNF areas and the strategies in place to tackle it
TSA makes appointments to Three Valleys Board
4 February 2010
Three Valleys Housing (TVH), which manages around 5,000 homes in Derbyshire, has been placed under supervision by the TSA because of concerns about its governance and management
Short notice inspection report
4 February 2010
Notting Hill Housing Trust - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Notting Hill Housing Trusts responsive repairs, voids and lettings management were handled well for which there was an effective and improving approach to diversity. Tenants are well informed and involved, and complaints are generally well managed. However, performance on value for money needs to be further developed
Short notice inspection report
4 February 2010
Hyde Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Hyde Housing Associations weaknesses outweigh strengths in access, customer care and diversity
Short notice inspection report
4 February 2010
Peabody Trust - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission strengths outweigh weaknesses in the way that Peabody involves residents in shaping its services and in the approach to gas safety. However, weaknesses outweigh strengths in the responsive repairs service with too many repairs completed late and not too a high standard
Short notice inspection report
4 February 2010
Great Places Housing Group - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Great Places Housing Group have more strengths than weaknesses. More rent is being collected, empty properties are repaired and relet quickly and gas servicing is up to date
Short notice inspection report
4 February 2010
Newlon Housing Trust - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Newlon Housing Trust is working well in carrying out gas servicing and dealing with rent arrears, but could improve its repairs service
HRA Subsidy Determination 2010.11 Finalised
4 February 2010
Subsidy determination including Guideline Rent Increase finalised as per Draft Determination, subject to minor fluctuation for data changes
Lower rents increase for council tenants
4 February 2010
Guideline rent increases will be halved for 2010-11
The private rented sector: professionalism and quality – consultation
4 February 2010
Summary of responses and next steps
New practical help and protection for tenants in privately rented homes
4 February 2010
The moves will help tenants find safer and better homes for rent and offer extra support if they face problems with their landlords or accommodation
The TSA's proposed governance standard
3 February 2010
Network briefing by Steve Wood
Connecting Communities
2 February 2010
Connecting Communities seeks to reinvigorate and connect with those communities that feel the pressure from the recession most acutely
Tackling race inequality: A statement on race
2 February 2010
CLG strategy for tackling race inequalities and how it fits in with the wider agendas on equalities and fairness
New dawn for Glasgow tenants
2 February 2010
Ministers have backed moves to give tenants a voice in deciding to transfer 16,000 Glasgow houses into community control
Changes to shared ownership lease will assure lenders and buyers
2 February 2010
A new model shared ownership lease has been created by HCA
New powers to help residents fix local problems
2 February 2010
Communities are being given a powerful new way to fix local problems under new proposals to strengthen the ability of councils to scrutinise all local public services
Government backs proposals for greater legal protection for tenants
2 February 2010
The government has given its formal backing to a backbench bill aimed at giving tenants greater protection when their landlords face repossession action
Aids and adaptations toolkit – second edition
2 February 2010
By Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
Additional files:
- Word version for completion purposes
Analysis of 2008/09 TSA performance indicators for housing associations in England
1 February 2010
Network briefing by Clive Hall
The TSA’s equality and diversity requirements
1 February 2010
Network briefing by Joanna Jeffery and Richard Seager
Squaring Circles - State of the nation 2009-2010 (Scotland)
29 January 2010
Network briefing by Anna Evans
Local action on climate change
29 January 2010
Nine pioneering local authorities will work to develop a programme of action to tackle climate change.
Understanding the value and benefits of establishing a local information system
29 January 2010
CLG report which provides evidence for local partnerships on the costs, savings and other benefits of establishing a local information system
Citizenship Survey
29 January 2010
April - September 2009, England
Housing Benefit toolkit for social housing providers
28 January 2010
The Network's popular self-assessment toolkit by Sue Beasor
Additional files:
- Word version for completion purposes
Social housing regulator outlines plans for cutting £3.5m in running costs
28 January 2010
The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) will reduce its budget to £35m – down from £38.5m this year
Could online marketplaces tackle poverty?
28 January 2010
Joseph Rowntree publication
Can equity release help older home-owners improve their quality of life?
28 January 2010
JRF has been working with partners to develop equity release packages
Short notice inspection report
28 January 2010
Wandle Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Wandle Housing Association has a balance of strengths and weaknesses for value for money and strengths outweigh weaknesses for gas servicing and income management. However, weaknesses outweighing strengths in access, diversity and responsive repairs
Short notice inspection report
28 January 2010
Stadium Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Stadium Housing Association's responsive repairs, gas safety and rent arrears services are a balance of strengths and weaknesses
Inspection report
28 January 2010
North Lincolnshire Homes - Housing management services

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Violence against women and girls
28 January 2010
Network briefing by Tim Horsley
Councils shouldn't cut out third sector in efficiency drive
27 January 2010
Councils should consider the unique skills and benefits the third sector has to offer when improving local public services
Inspection report
27 January 2010
Orkney Islands Council - The Scottish Housing Regulator has awarded the council a ‘good’ rating overall for asset management and repairs and it’s services to homeless people

Comments: B, B
More housing for Shetland
27 January 2010
The Scottish Government have announced that ten new homes for social rent will be built in Aith, on Shetland
New home ownership scheme moves Armed Forces up the property ladder
27 January 2010
New home ownership scheme launched by the MOD and CLG
General consents for licensing schemes under Parts 2 and 3 of the Housing Act 2004
27 January 2010
Consultation closing date 12 March 2010
Houses in multiple occupation and possible planning responses: consultation
27 January 2010
Summary of Responses
Public will be intolerant of councils who fail to take tough decisions to be efficient
27 January 2010
Council taxpayers will be intolerant if told front lines services are being cut back when their local authority hasn't made every effort to be as efficient as possible, Communities Secretary John Denham has warned
Local powers for councils to protect communities and improve standards in the private rented sector
27 January 2010
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has announced new local powers to control the spread of high concentrations of shared rented homes and to tackle pockets of unsafe and substandard accommodation run by bad landlords
The TSA's proposed tenant involvement and empowerment standard
26 January 2010
Network briefing by Laurie McCormack
Positive practice 2009
25 January 2010
Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
Research into multi-area agreements
25 January 2010
Summary of key findings
Inspection report
25 January 2010
Argyll Community Housing Association - The Scottish Housing Regulator has awarded the council a ‘fair’ rating overall

Comments: C
Government drive to tackle repossessions
25 January 2010
The government have extended its campaign to help struggling homeowners get a grip on their finances and avoid repossession
The TSA's proposed anti-social behaviour standard
25 January 2010
Network briefing by Tim Horsley
Updated strategic approach to housing KLOE for use from 12 April 2010
21 January 2010
The key lines of enquiry (KLOE) and the descriptors and evidence documents below are for use on inspections that are on-site from the week commencing 12 April 2010
Short notice inspection report
21 January 2010
Paddington Churches Housing Association Limit - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Paddington Churches HA has 'strengths and weaknesses in balance' in its management of service charges and 'weaknesses outweigh strengths' in its response to anti-social behaviour
Inspection report
21 January 2010
London Borough of Sutton - Sutton Housing Partnership ALMO

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Connecting Communities
21 January 2010
More help for traditional working class communities
The TSA's proposed value for money standard
21 January 2010
Network briefing by Steve Wood
Social Homebuy
20 January 2010
Guidance for local authorities
Homes for the Hebrides
20 January 2010
Scottish Government have announced fifty-four new homes for social rent will be built on the Isle of Lewis
More housing choice for tenants
20 January 2010
More tenants across the country will have a greater say over where they want to live and what housing options are available to them, with over half a million pounds extra funding to create more choice-based lettings schemes across the country and expand several others already in place
Meeting the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers – a round-up of recent policy and other developments
19 January 2010
Briefing by Wendy Murphy
Government Response to the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee Report into the Supporting People Programme
18 January 2010
The government's formal response to the recommendations in the Select Committee's Report on the Supporting People Programme
Tackling race inequality: A statement on race
15 January 2010
This document sets out Communities and Local Government's strategy for tackling race inequalities and how it fits in with the wider agendas on equalities and fairness
TSA launches diversity plan
15 January 2010
The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) have set out how its plans to promote equality and good relations for social housing landlords and tenants in England with the launch of its first ever Single equalities scheme and supporting action plan
Right to Buy to end for new tenants
15 January 2010
New council house and housing association tenants will no longer have the Right to Buy (RTB) their homes, according to Scottish Housing Ministers
Devolution’s impact on low-income people and places
15 January 2010
Round-up and a series of reports from Joseph Rowntree explore trends in social and economic disadvantage as well as policy developments in four areas: housing and homelessness, employment, neighbourhood regeneration and long-term care for older people
Inspection report
14 January 2010
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council - Re-inspection of strategic housing services

Star rating:

Comments: Excellent prospects
Inspection report
14 January 2010
East North East Homes Leeds - Re-inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Short notice inspection report
14 January 2010
Maritime Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Repairs to properties and various other services provided by north west-based Maritime Housing Association have more strengths than weaknesses
Housing Benefits inspection report
14 January 2010
Gravesham Borough Council - Benefits service inspection

Star rating:

Comments: Promising prospects
Short notice inspections – the first nine months – part two
13 January 2010
Network briefing by John Wheeldon
New task force to drive value for money for councils
12 January 2010
A new local government task force will drive value for money efficiencies and protect frontline services
House Price Index
12 January 2010
November 2009
Risk assessment decision making tool for building control bodies
11 January 2010
Final draft risk assessment guidance
Emergency cold weather arrangements for homeless
11 January 2010
Councils across Scotland have been advised on emergency arrangements to help ensure homeless people are not left sleeping on freezing streets
Council house-building cash doubled
11 January 2010
Seventy-three councils covering every region of England will share an extra £122.6m
Tracking economic deprivation in New Deal for Communities areas
8 January 2010
This CLG report is an in-depth study of economic deprivation in the 39 New Deal for Communities areas
Crimes occurring and prevented in New Deal for Communities areas
8 January 2010
This CLG report examines the economic cost of crime potentially prevented by the New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme between 2000-01 and 2004-05
Assessing neighbourhood level regeneration and public expenditure
8 January 2010
This CLG report compares levels of public expenditure in the Bradford New Deal for Communities (NDC) area with that across the local authority
Establishing unitary councils in April 2009
8 January 2010
Lessons learnt
Plans for national register of social housing tower blocks
8 January 2010
The TSA’s national register will hold details on ownership, the number of properties and the age of the tower block. It will also list the date of the last fire risk assessment and the date of the next assessment
Short notice inspection report
8 January 2010
Knightstone Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Knightstone Housing Association is good at helping disabled tenants live in safe and accessible homes and at managing value for money
Short notice inspection report
8 January 2010
Midland Heart Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Midland Heart Housing Association’s services contain a mixture of strengths and weaknesses.
Short notice inspection report
8 January 2010
A2Dominion South - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission A2Dominion South has more strengths than weaknesses. It provides residents opportunities to influence services through effective involvement, and manages its gas servicing programme well
HCA appoints one-stop-shop partner panel
8 January 2010
A variety of house builders, contractors and development consortia have been appointed to the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) new Delivery Partner Panel
Positive practice
7 January 2010
Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
Short notice inspections - the first nine months
5 January 2010
Network briefing by John Wheeldon
An evaluation of the community contracts pilot programme
5 January 2010
This report presents the results of a small-scale evaluation of community contracts, covering lessons about implementation and the impact of contracts on empowerment, local services, local communities, and local democracy
Creating a Single Equality Scheme for 2010-13
5 January 2010
Consultation closing date 28 February 2010
Work begins on biggest council house building programme in two decades
5 January 2010
Housing Minister John Healey has hailed the start of the biggest council house building programme in nearly two decades as work began on the first of over two thousand new homes to help tackle waiting list pressures
New year offers new help to resolve mortgage worries
5 January 2010
Housing Minister John Healey has urged struggling homeowners to make it their New Year's Resolution to seek early help, take control of their finances and avoid repossession
More cash and more homes
31 December 2009
In an end of year report Housing Minister John Healey said government funding for housebuilding has hit £2billion since June as he announced a further £278m for an extra 5,000 affordable homes across the country
New task force to drive value for money for councils
31 December 2009
A new local government task force will drive value for money efficiencies and protect frontline services. To meet tight spending controls, councils must prioritise frontline services through leaner back offices with fewer bureaucratic jobs, greater shared services and the promotion of innovative procurement and asset use. The task force will report in February
Mortgages: power of sale and residential property
30 December 2009
Ministry of Justice (MOJ) consultation on a proposal to require mortgage lenders to obtain a court order or the consent of the borrower before repossessing and selling residential owner-occupied homes. Closing date: 28 March 2010
Audit services
29 December 2009
Network briefing by HQN’s Financial Director, Steve Wood (ACA)
RSLs’ benchmarking page
24 December 2009
The Scottish Housing Regulator
Short notice inspection report
24 December 2009
Estuary Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit commission Estuary Housing Association involves residents in improving services. Customer satisfaction with repairs is high and generally completed right first time, but not all repairs are undertaken within target times
Short notice inspection report
24 December 2009
Incommunities Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit commission Incommunities Housing Association are delivering response repairs, repairs to empty homes and gas servicing. It found it was easy for tenants to report repairs and repairs were completed quickly with high satisfaction
Building Regulations competent person self-certification schemes
24 December 2009
This consultation paper sets out and seeks views on proposals by the department for changes to the administrative provisions for approval, monitoring and quality assurance of Building Regulations competent person self-certification schemes in England and Wales. This consultation closes on the 19 March 2010
Tackling shoddy building work - putting more power in people's hands
24 December 2009
New measures to help people get fairer treatment when building work goes wrong have now been published as part of a consultation on boosting the professional standards for builders and tradesmen in approved competent person schemes
Councils to set out road to recovery
24 December 2009
Councils must give their area an 'economic healthcheck' to work out what needs to be done to get them on the road to recovery, Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton announced
Code for Sustainable Homes
22 December 2009
Impact assessment - December 2009
Code for Sustainable Homes technical guide
22 December 2009
This consultation version of the technical guide is part of the Sustainable New Homes: The Road to Zero Carbon: Consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Energy Efficiency standard for Zero Carbon Homes publication. The consultation closes on 24 March 2010
Tackling unlawful subletting and other tenancy fraud
22 December 2009
Network briefing by Neil Merrick
Zero Carbon Homes
22 December 2009
Impact assessment - December 2009
Taking forward the government's response to the Killian Pretty Review
22 December 2009
Second progress report
Better planning system to aid business recovery and build more homes
22 December 2009
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has announced a package of measures to streamline the planning system, help businesses deliver projects quickly and drive down costs during recovery
Testing Times
22 December 2009
Audit Commission report on how the recession has affected benefits services. The report describes key issues and some of the strategies councils are using to lessen the impact of the downturn
Social Lettings Tables
18 December 2009
Adjusted for missing local authority landlord data - 2008/09
State of the Cities Database indicator updates
18 December 2009
The indicators listed below from the State of the Cities Database, have been updated with new data
Town hall chiefs to face public pay scrutiny
18 December 2009
New rules to compel local authorities to fully disclose the pay and perks of top posts and name those earning more than £150,000 have now been set in law
Sustainable New Homes: The Road to Zero Carbon
17 December 2009
Consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Energy Efficiency standard for Zero Carbon Homes. Consultation closing date 24 March 2010
Recording Homelessness Prevention and relief at E10 of the P1E Quarterly Return
17 December 2009
Further guidance for local housing authorities
P1E Guidance: Homelessness Prevention and Relief
17 December 2009
Recording cases where positive action is taken to prevent or relieve homelessness
Fundamental review of inspections to support new housing standards
17 December 2009
The TSA and the Audit Commission have signalled a fundamental review of the approach to inspections to better target landlords with performance challenges and where tenants may be getting unsatisfactory services from their landlord
Short notice inspection report
17 December 2009
Eden Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission this short-notice inspection looked at how Eden Housing Association delivers day-to-day repairs and manages empty properties. Overall, there are more strengths than weaknesses in these services
Short notice inspection report
17 December 2009
Irwell Valley Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Irwell Valleys inspected areas of response repairs, re-letting and gas checks all have 'more strengths than weaknesses', but some aspects of value for money could be improved
Short notice inspection report
17 December 2009
Gateway Housing Association - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Gateway Housing Association is not working well in providing responsive repair services, however, there is a balance of strengths and weaknesses in gas servicing and income management. Improvements are also needed to make services responsive to the needs of all residents, the organisation needs to adopt a value for money culture
Short notice inspection report
17 December 2009
East Homes Limited - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission strengths outweigh weaknesses in the way that East Homes Limited undertakes repairs to empty properties and gas safety checks. However, there are more weaknesses than strengths in the way that it responds to requests for repairs with many repairs not completed on time or to a high standard
Short notice inspection report
17 December 2009
Richmond upon Thames Churches Housing Trust - Short notice inspection

Comments: According to an independent report released by the Audit Commission Richmond upon Thames Churches Housing Trust is providing tenants with a good day-to-day repairs service and is carrying out annual gas safety checks well. However, access to services and information and the way the Association manages value for money need to improve
Inspection report
17 December 2009
Dale and Valley Homes - ALMO reinspection

Star rating:

Comments: Excellent prospects
Proposed changes to the delivery of local authorities' and FRAs' freedoms and flexibilities after the introduction of CAA
17 December 2009
Summary of responses
Overhauling the green rating standard for new homes
17 December 2009
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has today launched proposals for a more consumer-friendly green rating for homes
Kickstart cash boost to get as many as 12,000 workers and apprentices back on site
17 December 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has announced a further 265 stalled housing developments shortlisted for a share of up to £550m to help get building work on over 22,400 homes back on track
House Price Index
15 December 2009
October 2009
An analytical framework for community empowerment evaluations
15 December 2009
This standardised analytical framework aims to provide guidance to researchers and practitioners undertaking evaluations of projects which aim to deliver empowerment outcomes at the local level
Tackling worklessness together
15 December 2009
Speech by The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister for Local Government and Regional Minister for Yorkshire and Humber
Councils share millions for more homes
15 December 2009
The Scottish Government has allocated a further £24m to help 20 councils build houses for rent
HCA consults on proposals to directly recover grant linked to value
15 December 2009
The Homes and Communities Agency has launched a consultation around options for the recovery and recycling of grant funding
Debt advice help for homeowners extended
15 December 2009
Housing Minister John Healey has extended free advice for families facing the threat of repossession
Connecting communities programme triples in size
15 December 2009
Communities Secretary John Denham has extended a major drive to address the concerns of traditional working class communities to a further 84 areas of the country
State of the Nation 2009: A reality check
15 December 2009
Network briefing by Kate Murray
Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans
11 December 2009
The July 2009 bi-annual Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans
Statutory Homelessness
11 December 2009
3rd Quarter (July to September) 2009, England
2009 PBR
11 December 2009
HCA on course to deliver
The draft Housing Revenue Account Subsidy Determination 2010-11 and the Item 8 Credit and Item 8 Debit (General) Determination 2010-11
11 December 2009
Consultation closing date 2010
Pre-Budget Report 2009
11 December 2009
Communities Secretary John Denham and Housing Minister John Healey have welcomed the Pre-Budget Report as a fair outcome for local government - but one that sets it a clear challenge to protect frontline services in the future
Tackling social exclusion and inequality in housing
11 December 2009
Complimentary SEN briefing by Sarah Hopkins
Gone but not forgotten - Former tenant arrears training
1 October 2009
Tuesday 17 November,
Manchester

Wednesday 25 November,
Birmingham
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Don't get caught in the regulation funding loop
29 May 2009
For assistance with board appraisal and training, governance, performance improvement, inspection, business planning, options appraisals and funding solutions HQN is available to help at all stops
It's time to get real... Use mystery shopping and reality checking to check what your services are really like
7 May 2009
Whether you are preparing for inspection or looking to drive service improvement, HQN offers a cost effective, credible and independent health check of your front line housing services designed to complement your existing performance management mechanisms and quality checks

Welcome to HQN and The Housing Quality Network

What's new

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