Review of the regulation of social housing

Date article online: 14/12/2006

An independent review of the regulation of social housing has been announced.

The Director of the Centre for Management under Regulation at Warwick University, Professor Martin Cave, has been asked by the Government to consider options for reform.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said the review would be the first independent assessment of the system of social housing regulation for thirty-two years. Ms Kelly added: "This review is a timely opportunity to look at how the regulatory system should be reformed to better support tenants, reduce burdens on social housing providers and to reflect current and future Government priorities."

"The legislative framework for the regulatory system for the social housing sector has remained in many respects unaltered since it was introduced in 1974, while the sector and wider policy environment has undergone significant change."

"Martin Cave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about regulation and coming from outside the social housing sector offers a fresh perspective to the issue."

Professor Cave said: "It will be a wide-ranging review of regulation of social housing that will put the needs of tenants at the heart of the regulatory process. And importantly the outcome of the review will centre on the evidence from all who have an interest in this sector. "
The Chairman of the Housing Corporation, Peter Dixon said:

"The Housing Corporation welcomes this announcement.  The time is right for a fundamental look at the way the regulatory system for social housing works within a modern mixed economy of providers."