In research carried out by the Department of Communities and Local Government, it was indicated that the three months leading up until the end of September saw RSLs construct a total of 4,790 homes, in news that might interest those looking for jobs in housing.

Such a figure represents a 20 per cent increase on data recorded during the same period of time in 2007, however, it is 18 per cent below properties built over the course of the second quarter of this year.

Overall, RSLs were revealed to have outperformed the wider housebuilding sector as a total of 22,200 new homes were built in the third quarter of this year, the lowest figure recorded since the department began its research in 1980.

Margaret Beckett, minister for housing, said: "We have been clear about the scale of the challenge of our house-building targets in the current economic conditions, but now is not the time to row back on our long-term ambitions."

Findings by the department earlier this month revealed that there is a lower than average amount of social housing based in seaside towns.

For the latest housing jobs - My Housing Career

Steve Douglas, chief executive of the Housing Corporation, claimed that the organisations - which will take over from the corporation later this year - may face difficulties in ensuring the provision of quality, affordable homes as the economic crisis continues.

However, he expressed his confidence that in spite of the credit crunch, the HCA and TSA will be able to work effectively with both local and national government bodies to "deliver mixed and successful communities".

Mr Douglas said: "To the agencies and the sector, I urge you to be bold, be innovative."

"It will be tough, but meeting the need for affordable homes has never been greater," he added.

Such news could interest those searching for housing jobs.

Earlier this month, the Housing Corporation reported that typical tenant satisfaction with housing associations for this year stood at 80 per cent, the same figure recorded last year.

Register to save your searches - My Housing Career

The Welsh Assembly government has pledged some £80 million towards the construction of the properties that are to be built with high environmental specifications.

It was reported that the initiative comes in response to the recent Essex Report that investigated the issue of affordable housing in Wales.

Jocelyn Davies, deputy housing minister, said: "Less than five months after the report was published we are taking action to deliver one of its key recommendations."

She added that the review has encouraged those working for housing associations to provide new properties that are more effective in terms of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.

"This pilot scheme will help us investigate how we can achieve this on a large scale," Ms Davies reported.

Overall, 400 properties across 22 developments are to be constructed.

Meanwhile, environment minister Jane Davidson reported that planning procedure needs to do more to encourage the use of renewable energy technologies by developers.

In other news, it was recently revealed that Cottsway Housing Association has been given approval to build 40 affordable homes in the Oxfordshire village of Eynsham.

For the latest housing jobs - My Housing Career

In its research of key performance indicators by the Housing Corporation, it was revealed that the average resident contentment stood at 80 per cent. Such a figure remains unchanged from that recorded in 2007.

However, it was shown that there is a 20 per cent difference in satisfaction levels between the ten per cent of housing associations performing most effectively and those deemed to be the worst.

Clare Miller, director of regulation for the Housing Corporation, said: "Whilst we might not expect significant changes in the average national results for tenant satisfaction measures, given the three-year cycle for results, the continuing disparity between the best and worst performers is disappointing."

She added that it will be crucial for housing associations to focus on providing a quality service and their residents” perceptions of landlords ahead of the launch of both the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) later this year, in news might interest those with housing jobs.

Meanwhile, Steve Douglas, chief executive of the Housing Corporation, is to discuss the organisation’’s legacy later this week and is to offer suggestions on how the HCA and TSA may be able to manage through the economic crisis.

Register to save your searches - My Housing Career

The organisation won the award for contributing to wider community agendas for its Every Child Matters project, which saw HFI work together with Sports Activities for Everyone, Islington council and Arsenal Positive Futures.

Focusing on providing activities for children and young people living on estates managed by HFI, the project encourages such residents to take part in sports, drama and arts clubs.

In addition, Every Child Matters offers homework clubs and has seen various outdoor spaces improved, in news that might interest those looking for jobs in the housing sector.

Adam Borrie, chair of HFI’’s board of directors said: "Managing estates is about more than just improving homes, it is about providing opportunities.

"I”m delighted that this work has been recognised and it highlights the benefits of local agencies working together."

He went on to report that HFI is dedicated to support communities and providing opportunities for young people.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that HFI and Islington council are to start work on a new council property development on Boleyn Road.

For the latest housing jobs - My Housing Career

Based in the village of Eynsham, Cottsway Housing Association has received the go-ahead for the project, which will see some 40 new homes be built.

Work is due to start next spring, with the first phase of the development expected to be complete the following winter, upon which the first batch of tenants should be ready to move in.

It was also reported that some 26 homes will be available for rent, with 14 on offer through part-ownership basis.

David Waters, chief executive of Cottsway Housing Association, said: "This is a large development for Cottsway and will be beneficial to local people needing homes and to the village itself."

Overall, the development is worth £4 million, in news that could be of interest to those on the search for jobs in housing.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that planning permission had been given by Blaenau Gwent council to United Welsh Housing Association for the construction of some 33 affordable homes in Briery Hill, Ebbw Vale.

Register to save your searches - My Housing Career

On Tuesday November 18th, the 2008 Northern Housing Summit will take place at York Racecourse where Peter Marsh, chief executive of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), will discuss the issue of regulation for the sector in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, the chief executive will also explain what changes housing associations can be expect to take place as the TSA prepares to takeover the regulation of social housing from the Housing Corporation.

Steve Douglas, the outgoing chief executive of the Housing Corporation, is also set to give a speech at the conference, focusing on the legacy of the organisation.

In addition, he will also comment on ways in which it may be possible to manage through the current financial crisis.

News of the summit may be of interest to those with jobs in housing.

Earlier this month, the TSA revealed that six members of its executive team who are to work alongside the board underneath the stewardship of chairman Anthony Mayer.

For the latest housing jobs - My Housing Career

United Welsh Housing Association has been given the go-ahead by Blaenau Gwent council to construct 33 properties in Briery Hill, Ebbw Vale.

The development is to consist of four flats, 29 semi-detached houses and is also set to include a car park for residents, the South Wales Argus reports.

Such news could be of interest to those with jobs in housing.

The publication also revealed that the report considered by the council’’s planning committee on Friday saw councillors be advised to enter a legal agreement which will ensure that the properties being built will be made affordable.

It was pointed out that although United Welsh Housing Association is a registered social landlord, there is no legal requirement for the developer of the homes not to sell the properties for their full market value.

Meanwhile, research by the National Housing Federation published last month showed that demand for social housing is at its highest in the north-west of England.

Register to save your searches - My Housing Career

Funded by the local authority and supervised by HFI, the partnership will see the two organisations work together on the construction of ten low-rise family-sized homes on Boleyn Road.

And in news that could interest those seeking jobs in housing, it was reported that the project is the first set of council properties to be built in Islington for 25 years.

Adam Borrie, chair of the board of directors at HFI, claimed the project "is an exciting new step for social housing" in the region.

"This new housing will be the first in a new generation of council homes and they will set new standards in environmental standards," he added.

The development is set to be complete by next summer, after which it will be managed by HFI.

In August, it was revealed that HFI had refurbished more than 110 of its reception centres for homeless people.

For the latest housing jobs - My Housing Career

In news which may be of interest to those considering jobs in the housing industry, the organisation has revealed six members of its executive team.

These are due to work alongside the board under the stewardship of Anthony Mayer, the housing group asserts.

Peter Marsh, chief executive officer of TSA, says: "What mattered to me most in building this new team was that we chose professionals who shared a passion to make a difference."

Under the government of the group, the organisation suggests that experience of sectors including charities, local authorities, housing and finance might be brought together.

Meanwhile, the TSA previously announced plans to work more closely with tenants and housing providers on the formation of new regulations.

At the time, Mr Marsh explained that the group intended to develop a framework for standards which would put in place a "level playing field" for housing providers throughout the industry.

Register to save your searches - My Housing Career