EUKN - United Kingdom - Housing market renewal: annual review 2005/06

Housing market renewal: annual review 2005/06

Introduction

A report on the progress of the government's Housing Market Renewal Programme, set up in 2002 to tackle the problem of declining demand for housing in the North and Midlands of England.

Description

The report describes the context in which the programme has been operating and also deals with the question of low demand areas which fall outside the formal Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder areas. It provides case studies of community consultation and house price monitoring and property speculation.

Case studies are included of:

managing and using data;
complementary action;
joint working with other agencies;
working with housing associations;
pathfinder collaboration;
and business planning and efficiencies.

The key challenges facing pathfinder areas are identified:

retaining historical character;
environmental quality;
mixed and sustainable communities;
affordability;
and the needs of ethnic minorities.

The report addresses the future of the programme, and sets out lessons that can be learned from the review.

Background information

The Housing Market Renewal Programme was created in 2002 to tackle the problem of declining demand for housing in the North of England and the Midlands.

The Audit Commission has been closely involved in the programme as support and a reviewer of the pathfinders’ programmes. This review looks at the progress pathfinders are making, it explores some of the emerging issues, and looks forward to the challenges and policy changes of a developing government agenda.

Methodology

The pathfinders' progress is measured by looking at:

responses to recommendations arising from the original scrutiny of pathfinder prospectuses;
the strategic review of scheme updates recently submitted by pathfinders;
and responses against the recommendations contained within the Best Practice Handbook produced by the Audit Commission in 2005.

Conclusions

Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders now have a clearer understanding of what drives their housing markets and many have invested significantly in order to create opportunities to replace and diversify the kind of housing available.

House prices have increased in most pathfinder areas, and there has been improved strategic alignment of policies at a sub-regional level. Value for money is the most underdeveloped area, although there is a better understanding of complementary funding and the holistic approach to market renewal.

Recommendations for pathfinders include:

more of a focus on community cohesion;
understanding the needs and aspirations of the people in the area;
understanding the relationship between affordable housing for rent and other tenures;
working to sustain marginal owner-occupation;
and developing rigorous approaches to value for money.

Contact info

Audit Commission
Phone: +44 20 7828 1212
foi@audit-commission.gov.uk

Publication date

Project finished

01/12/2006

Researcher

Audit Commission

Links

Visit the Audit Commission website

Download the "Housing market renewal: annual review 2005/06" (PDF, Eng, 1.6 MB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Urban environment > Urban renewal

Keywords

Housing estate redevelopment