HMR programme bucking recession, say auditors
The recession has not impeded the progress of housing market renewal (HMR) pathfinders in revitalising the market, according to a government watchdog.
The Audit Commission assessed ten pathfinder partnerships involved in the programme on priorities including the number of new and affordable homes and the promotion of cohesive and sustainable communities.
Five scored the highest mark of ‘performing strongly’ and the other half were judged to be ‘performing well’.
All pathfinders maintained overall performance levels, while three improved areas of their work, including Newheartlands in Merseyside, which covers approximately 130,000 properties in some of the most disadvantaged communities of Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton.
An ‘impressive record’ of developing new homes despite the credit crunch, drawing in more complementary investment than any other pathfinder and attracting Kickstart funding to help build developments which might otherwise have been mothballed saw Newheartlands move from ‘performing well’ to the top ranking.
Managing director Brendan Nevin said the report demonstrated the pathfinder was delivering ‘real change for the better in the neighbourhoods that need it the most’.
There were also ‘significant improvements’ at Urban Living, the pathfinder for Birmingham and Sandwell. Cabinet member for housing John Lines described the review as ‘confirmation that we're on the right tracks in terms of making positive change for residents’.
Other pathfinder areas assessed included Manchester Salford, north Staffordshire and South Yorkshire. Renew North Staffordshire was praised for performing strongly in areas including place-shaping and developing affordable homes and mixed communities, but the review also recommended better maintenance of vacant sites to support regeneration and regular evaluation of its research programme.
Transform South Yorkshire was commended for establishing itself as ‘an influential agent of change’ but the commission expressed concerns over its long-term impact and the ‘continuing absence’ of a value for money strategy.
However, the commission’s housing director Roy Irwin said value for money issues that remained for some pathfinders were being addressed.
‘Our assessments show that, even in difficult economic times, the HMR pathfinders are playing an important role in efforts to improve existing homes and provide new homes while supporting communities,’ he said.
The assessment was carried out for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), whose chair Robert Napier said: ‘The HMR programme makes a vital contribution to the growth, sustainability and continuing economic development of some of the north and midlands’ most deprived areas.’
by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
