The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has set out the ways in which it will realise Government aspirations for affordable housing, contributing to economic growth and meeting local priorities through its major delivery programmes, for the remainder of the current Spending Period.
The HCA’s Corporate Plan 2012-15 details how the national housing and regeneration agency will use its commercial expertise, land assets and track record of delivering investment in affordable housing to help realise the Government’s Housing Strategy and make a major contribution towards its aspiration of creating up to 170,000 new affordable homes across England by 2015.
The Agency has taken on new roles as Regulator of social housing and owner of a significant portfolio of former Regional Development Agency assets, which will support local economic growth.
Pat Ritchie, chief executive of the HCA, said: “This plan sets a clear direction for the HCA, taking stock of our evolving role over the last year coupled with the Government’s ambitions set out in the Housing Strategy. We have set solid foundations this year, working with our partners to boost housing supply and economic growth, and we will continue to focus on delivery in the months ahead.
“By working closely with providers we have reviewed the delivery of housing supported through the £1.8bn Affordable Homes Programme. This means that some of the 80,000 homes set to be built under this programme will be delivered sooner than originally anticipated and invigorate the communities that need them.
“We have a vital role in meeting the Government’s ambitions for housing through its Housing Strategy, enabling and investing in the quality new and affordable homes the country needs. Our new role as the economic regulator of the social housing sector will ensure we meet these priorities and achieve the best value for money possible.”