Describes the social and economic characteristics of the area of the pathfinder and provides some key statistics. Evaluates the extent to which the pathfinder has researched local housing markets and current trends in order to inform its strategy. Discusses the record of the pathfinder in terms of policy alignment and influence, its record of delivering and implementing its programmes, and its governance arrangements. Reviews the value for money of Manchester Salford Pathfinder and whether it has succeeded in sharing learning and taking an innovative approach to market renewal.

Market renewal pathfinders are partnership led projects set up by the Government in 2002 to take forward new approaches to tackling low demand housing and housing abandonment in parts of the North of England and the West Midlands. As a condition of their funding, all pathfinders must submit their strategies for independent scrutiny by the Audit Commission and this report summarises the Commission’s key findings and recommendations for action.

Reviews the updated prospectus outlining the pathfinder’s strategy which was submitted to government, as well as the progress made by the pathfinder against original Audit Commission recommendations made in October 2003.

Makes recommendations for action by the Manchester Salford Partnership in order to develop its market renewal strategy. In particular recommends the introduction of public accountability on investment priorities and the establishment of comprehensive output targets and performance monitoring.

Audit Commission

01/12/2002

//

Audit Commission

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing quality

Housing improvement