New ways of working across the social housing sector were revealed this week as both councils and associations were given new tools to improve estates
Councils are to be allowed to work on housing projects outside their boundaries by a new local government bill that could receive royal assent by the summer.

The bill will sweep away some of the legal restrictions that prevent local authorities adopting innovative approaches to housing, and "will give them greater freedom where they see a need for action".

A Department of Transport, Environment and Regions spokesman said it would, among other things, allow councils to spend money on improving estates outside their area if they felt there could be a knock-on benefit in their own territory - something they are currently barred from doing.

The news comes as the first Housing Corporation acquisition and demolition pilot scheme - as part of its new investment strategy - went public.

Under it Home housing association and North Tyneside council have teamed up in a bid to buy up a terrace of flats which have been blighted by falling demand, a bad reputation and anti-social behaviour.

The landlords have been given up to £280,000 by the corporation to buy the properties with a view to demolishing them as part of the "acquisition and demolition" pilot scheme.

The £4.5m programme to demolish and rehabilitate 7,000 private sector homes includes Manchester, Bolton and Rochdale (Housing Today, 22 July).

Housing Corporation chief executive Anthony Mayer said: "We're absolutely delighted to have made a start on the new investment strategy and in particular piloting these new tools. We hope that North Tyneside council and Home work with the residents to deliver real improvements for the community."

Meanwhile the new bill will allow local authorities the power to do anything they consider likely to promote the economic, social and environmental well being of their area - and to work with other bodies to prepare community strategies.

National Housing Federation policy officer Aaron Cahill said the move was "a very significant step" which "sits very closely with the Social Exclusion Unit's agenda of cutting red tape and delivering what people want".

But John Perry, policy director at the Chartered Institute of Housing, said most councils were so restricted by lack of money they would struggle to take advantage of any new powers.

Source

Housing Today