Archives for June 2008
HCA claims housing associations should do more in building homes
Those working for housing associations and councils should play a larger role in the provision of house building, it has been claimed.
According to Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the newly-created Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the financial uncertainness caused by the credit crunch means that a wider range of organisations should be looking to construct homes.
Lancashire to receive affordable homes
An affordable housing scheme in Lancashire has been launched, it has been revealed.
The Clitheroe-based development, which consists of 16 two-bedroom apartments, is to be made available on a shared ownership basis.
Housing associations ‘making efficiency gains’
Those with housing association jobs are operating more efficiently, it has been reported.
In figures released by the Housing Corporation, it was revealed that housing associations in England achieved operating efficiency gains of some £360 million during 2005-07.
North-west housing associations merge
A merger between two housing associations in the north-west of England has been completed, it has emerged.
Blackpool-based Windmill Housing Association has now joined Manchester Methodist Housing Association (MMHA) which is a part of the Great Places Housing Group.
Notting Hill Housing to build Newham development
Notting Hill Housing is set to construct a mixed-up development in east London, it has been revealed.
The move comes after the organisation has exchanged contracts for Ivax Quays in Newham which will be transformed into a residential-led development consisting of a mixture of shared ownership, rented and private sale homes.
Genesis unveils funding for new homes
The Genesis Housing Group has announced the securing of funding in order to help it build new homes, it has emerged.
In a statement by the housing association, it was revealed that the organisation had completed additional loan facilities of £160 million via its treasury company GenFinance to assist with its development pipeline.
South Gloucestershire council ‘looks to tackle empty homes’
South Gloucestershire council has launched a new scheme aimed at reducing levels of unused homes within the region, it has been revealed.
The local authority’s Empty Homes Strategy will see it look to boost occupancy rates amid concerns that the current difficulties being experienced in the financial markets may mean that a home is to take longer to sell.
Housing association sector ’should look to outride credit crunch’
Those working in the housing association sector must be efficient in their operations in order to avoid the strains being currently felt in the wider financial markets, it has been reported.
Speaking at a conference in Harrogate held by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Peter Marsh – deputy chief executive of the Housing Corporation – claimed it is important for housing associations to take steps to ensure they are able to outride the impact of the credit crunch.
Inverclyde housing association plans new homes with grant
River Clyde Homes is set to benefit from a multimillion pound investment into housing, it has been revealed.
Following funding from the Housing Association Grant scheme, the Scottish housing association will receive some £11 million to improve housing across Inverclyde.
Councils ’should support credit crunch affected homeowners’
Councils should offer greater levels of financial support to homeowners as the credit crunch continues, it has been stated.
In a report by the New Local Government Network, it was suggested that those with housing jobs for local authorities should offer whole or partial mortgages which are set below market rates.