Here you will find information and briefings from HQN, plus all the latest information from government, regulators and inspectors.
Scroll down to find the document you want.
Documents are also stored in our electronic library, and older items are in our archive.
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19 August 2008
Positive practice information
Identified at inspection by the Audit Commission
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19 August 2008
More power transferred to new unitary authorities
Further regulations to facilitate the smooth progress of transition to new unitary authorities in seven areas across England have been laid before Parliament by Communities Minister Parmjit Dhanda
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19 August 2008
Urban Settlement 2001: England and Wales
Statistics based on the Urban Settlements boundaries (England and Wales, 2001) data. These boundaries and the statistics based upon them are collected every ten years following a national census
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19 August 2008
Assessing Neighbourhood-Level Data for Target Setting
This report assesses key small area datasets for target setting, performance monitoring and wider contextual analysis
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18 August 2008
Third affordable homes developers report
From January 2008 the Housing Corporation initiated a regular survey of the 100 largest developers, seeking to ascertain views on funding and housing markets. The report from the Corporation's third survey, undertaken in July 2008, is now available
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15 August 2008
Three month trial Network membership
This Network trial membership is currently being offered to Housing Associations with 1200 or fewer properties
Additional files:
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14 August 2008
Inspection report
Durham City Council - Strategic Housing Services
Star rating:
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14 August 2008
Inspection report
Wolverhampton City Council - Supporting People Re-inspection
Star rating:
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14 August 2008
Inspection report
Ocean Housing Limited - Housing Management Services
Star rating:
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13 August 2008
House Price Index - June 2008
The latest UK house price index statistics produced by Communities and Local Government
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13 August 2008
Inspection report
According to the Auditor General Cymdeithas Tai Cantref Housing Association has failed in services to tenants
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13 August 2008
Housing and Planning – Key Facts
This quick reference leaflet is published quarterly and contains a snapshot of the main housing and planning data
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13 August 2008
“Another step forward” for new Unitary Authorities
Local Government Minister John Healey has laid new regulations to smooth the progress of arrangements for new unitary authorities in seven areas across England. The regulations remove many of the practical barriers to the creation of the nine new councils, helping to support and maintain momentum during the transition process
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13 August 2008
Consultation on PPS4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Development - Summary of key issues and analysis of consultation responses
In December 2007 Communities and Local Government launched a consultation on the draft Planning Policy Statement 4: Sustainable Economic Development. This summary reflects the views of 321 organisations and individuals who responded
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12 August 2008
The Socially Excluded Adults Public Service Agreement
Network briefing by Bill Hewlett explores how the government is taking action through the Socially Excluded Adults Public Service Agreement
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11 August 2008
Principles of Representation: A framework for effective third sector participation in Local Strategic Partnerships
This document provides advice to the third sector on how best to organise themselves to maximise their input on Local Strategic Partnership boards (LSPs); help LSPs decide how best to involve the sector; and assist all LSP partners to agree an inclusive approach involving the sector more and, through them, empower their communities to exert more influence over local decision-making
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7 August 2008
Inspection report
Orbit Housing Association - Housing Management Services
Star rating:
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7 August 2008
Audit Commission aims for stable and consistent framework as CPA enters its final year
The Audit Commission has announced only minimal change to the framework for the last ever round of Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). The decision follows consultation with English single-tier councils and county councils which indicated that 92 per cent supported the proposed final update to the Harder Test assessment programme established three years ago
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7 August 2008
Last ever Housing Corporation corporate plan published
The last ever Housing Corporation corporate plan has now been published. In 2008-09 the Housing Corporation has committed itself to facilitating the smooth and effective transition of its responsibilities to the new agencies, working in close partnership with the teams tasked with setting up the Homes and Communities Agency and the Tenant Services Authority
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7 August 2008
Gender Equality Scheme: Annual Report 2007/2008 Gender Equality Scheme: Annual Report 2007/2008
This report summarises the progress CLG has made in promoting gender equality in the first 12 months of the scheme by providing information and evidence gathered, and by identifying the next steps
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6 August 2008
The Community Infrastructure Levy
This document explains the community infrastructure levy, which is a charge that local authorities in England and Wales will be empowered, but not required, to levy on most types of new development in their areas to support local and sub-regional infrastructure development
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6 August 2008
Funding transport Infrastructure for strategically significant developments
This consultation seeks views on a set of proposed guidelines and principles covering transport connections to strategically significant developments and who should fund them. The closing date for comments is 31 October 2008
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6 August 2008
Common Starting Points for Section 106 Affordable Housing Negotiations
This research report was commissioned to improve the evidence on the dynamics of planning obligation negotiations for affordable housing contributions. It explores whether establishing a common starting point for affordable housing negotiations would improve practice and outcomes
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6 August 2008
In Focus: Putting people first: Equality and diversity matters 2
The Commission for Social Care Inspection have issued this bulletin, which aims to address the needs of black and minority ethnic people using care services. It calls for black and minority ethnic people to have their cultural and social needs addressed on a more personal level, which will help to ensure that their specific needs are adequately considered during assessments by care homes and providers
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6 August 2008
Valuing Planning Obligations in England: Update Study for 2005-06
This study examines the number of planning obligation agreements entered into in England in 2005-06 and estimates their value.
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5 August 2008
The effects of benefit sanctions on lone parents' employment decisions and moves into employment
This research report presents findings from a qualitative study specifically designed to explore the effects of benefit sanctions on lone parents' employment decisions and moves into employment
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5 August 2008
Hand drill or PDA? A compendium of tools for managing value for money
Network briefing by Dylan Chipp has brought together the various measures and checklists that HQN has produced to assist asset management practitioners who are seeking to develop, embed and review their approach to VfM
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1 August 2008
Eco-town plans shape up, say experts
Significant progress has been made in the proposals for eco-towns, according to a report published by the Eco-Town Challenge Panel, an independent group of experts in sustainability and urban development set up by Housing Minister Caroline Flint
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1 August 2008
Toolkit on how to manage pitches for Gypsies and Travellers
A new report aimed at educating housing associations about pitches for Gypsies and Travellers has been released by the Housing Corporation
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31 July 2008
The Growth Fund 2008-2011: Consultation Response
In line with the principles of the Local Government White Paper, during 2007/08 Communities and Local Government reviewed how funding support for Growth Areas and Growth Points was delivered, in order to better align it with the development of Local Area Agreements and the Local Performance Framework
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31 July 2008
Growth Fund: Programme of Development Guidance 2008
The consultation on the Growth Fund closed on the 7 July 2008, and a government response has now been published. This guidance note has been prepared in line with the government response, and seeks to assist the existing Growth Points and Growth Areas to revise their Programmes of Development in order to confirm indicative allocations from the Growth Fund for 2009/10 and 2010/11, and to bid for additional funding made available from the Growth Fund for the same period
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31 July 2008
Engaging and empowering women in poverty
Joseph Rowntree report which examines participatory research conducted with women in poverty living in Birmingham, Cardiff and London. The project aimed to build their political capacity so that they could take their collective knowledge and experience, present it as policy proposals to policy-makers and actively help to produce policy change
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31 July 2008
Inspection report
Melin Homes - Wales Audit office report shows that Melin Homes is providing a satisfactory service to its tenants but there is room for improvement in three key areas
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31 July 2008
Inspection report
Halton Housing Trust - Housing Management Services
Star rating:
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31 July 2008
Inspection report
Govan Housing Association - According to the Scottish Housing Regulator Govan Housing Association has been awarded a fair rating overall
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31 July 2008
Bidders shortlisted in £200m transport scheme for new housing
Schemes shortlisted for a share of a £200m transport infrastructure fund for new housing developments have been announced by Housing Minister Caroline Flint and Transport Minister Rosie Winterton
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31 July 2008
Improving Consumer Information in the Home Information Pack: Consultation Paper
From March 2003 to June 2003 a full formal consultation exercise was carried out on the contents of the HIP including the 'Home Use Form' currently authorised for inclusion. This fed into the development of the HIP Regulations. The proposals on leasehold requirements within the HIP and on the PIQ therefore take forward existing policy and have been developed with industry and consumer representatives. This consultation concerns how CLG plan to implement those proposals and ends on 30.9.08
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31 July 2008
Improved information in HIPs will bring benefits for consumers
A proposal to further enhance the home buying and selling process for consumers by presenting information in a simpler way up front in a Home Information Pack, has now been announced
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31 July 2008
A guide to generating Energy Performance Certificates for similar dwellings owned by the same landlord
The guidance is intended to help landlords
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31 July 2008
Government guidance on housing provision to inform regional strategy revisions
Caroline Flint, Minister for Housing and Planning, has written to the Chairs of the eight Regional Assemblies and the Mayor of London offering guidance on housing provision to inform regional strategy revisions
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29 July 2008
Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: Easyread version
This is the government's plan about making sure older people have a good and safe place to live
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29 July 2008
Communities in control: real people, real power: Summary
This is a summary version of Communities in control: real people, real power which tells the story of power, influence and control and how people can use existing and new tools to access it
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29 July 2008
Roles and responsibilities in the local performance framework
This document provides an overview of what councils, Local Strategic Partnerships, Government Offices, Inspectorates and central government departments will be doing to implement the new local performance framework following sign-off of Local Area Agreements in June 2008
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29 July 2008
New deal for communities: lessons learnt
Network briefing by Sheila Spencer summarises the key messages coming from the evaluations so far, and draws some conclusions which may be of help to housing authorities and other housing agencies in developing their approach to tackling deprivation
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28 July 2008
Planning for housing
Scotland will see land for housing brought forward more effectively in future following the publication of revised planning policy
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25 July 2008
Making better use of the private rented sector
Network briefing by Chris Bowen explores how the PRS can provide a much greater role in meeting housing need and demand across the UK
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25 July 2008
Transforming disadvantaged places: effective strategies for places and people
Joseph Rowntree round up which summarises evidence about the underlying forces affecting place-based economic deprivation across Britain, and explores how interventions aimed at both people and places can be strengthened to tackle disadvantage
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25 July 2008
Inspection report
Glen Oaks Housing Association - according to the Scottish Housing regulator, Glen Oaks has been awarded a ‘fair’ rating
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24 July 2008
Living Working Countryside: The Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing
Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro and St Austell has carried out a review on how land use and planning can better support rural business and deliver affordable housing
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24 July 2008
Inspection report
Saxon Weald Homes Limited - Housing Management Service
Star rating:
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24 July 2008
Inspection report
South Somerset District Council - Strategic Housing Service
Star rating:
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24 July 2008
Inspection report
Oxford City Council - Strategic Housing Services
Star rating:
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24 July 2008
Inspection report
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council - Strategic Housing Services
Star rating:
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24 July 2008
Eco-towns set to face toughest ever green standards
Housing Minister Caroline Flint has set out the Government's latest proposals for the UK's toughest ever green standards for new housing as she unveiled a progress report on eco-towns
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23 July 2008
Tenant Services Authority (TSA) gets ready for action
The new social housing regulator – the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) – is now ready for action with the news that Royal Assent has been granted on the Housing and Regeneration Bill in Parliament
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23 July 2008
Report calling for fundamental shake-up of planning and affordable housing policy in rural areas welcomed
A report launched today calling for a fundamental shake-up of planning and affordable housing policy in rural areas has been published
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23 July 2008
Government welcomes Matthew Taylor report
The Government has welcomed Matthew Taylor MP's report into rural economies and affordable housing saying that his core proposals support and extend the commitments they have already made to boost affordable housing and ensure that every rural community can share in the nation's prosperity
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23 July 2008
Inspection report
Spire View Housing Association - according to the Scottish Housing regulator, Spire View has been awarded a ‘good’ rating
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22 July 2008
Housing Private Finance Initiative: bidding guidance for Round 6
The Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 allocated up to £1.87 billion of new Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits for local authorities to regenerate neighbourhoods and increase the supply of affordable rented housing.
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22 July 2008
Further consultation on vital East Midlands regional plan
A 12 week consultation on the East Midland's vision to tackle climate change, address housing shortages and strengthen the region's economy has been launched by the Government Office for the East Midlands. Consultation closes 17 October 2008
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22 July 2008
Further consultation on vital South West development vision
A 12 week consultation on the South West's vision to tackle climate change, address housing shortages and strengthen the region's economy has been launched by the Government
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22 July 2008
Cost Analysis of the Code for Sustainable Homes: Final Report Cost Analysis of The Code for Sustainable Homes: Final Report
CLG report which presents the findings of research to update and enhance existing cost benchmarks for achieving different performance levels under the Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code)
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22 July 2008
New revolution for house building
A scheme to deliver more affordable homes for young families and first-time buyers has been set out by Housing Minister Iain Wright
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22 July 2008
Face to Face and Side by Side: A framework for partnership in our multi faith society - Summary
The Government have now published Face to Face and Side by Side: A framework for partnership in our multi faith society. The framework sets out how faith communities, Government and wider society can work together to encourage and enable greater local activity which brings people with different religions and beliefs together. This summary introduces the key points of the framework
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22 July 2008
Face to Face and Side by Side: A framework for partnership in our multi faith society
This document sets out how faith communities, Government and wider society can work together, at all levels, to encourage and enable greater local activity which brings people with different religions and beliefs together
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22 July 2008
Foundations to take home improvements for older and disabled people to the next level
Home improvements for older and disabled people will be supported and promoted by 'Foundations' after they were awarded the contract to run the national body for Home Improvement Agencies, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Baroness Andrews has announced
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22 July 2008
West Kent Housing Association/West Kent Extra case study on ‘worklessness'
Complimentary SUNnet briefing for Network members by Eammon Dillon, West Kent Extra, where they are tackling worklessness and disengagement, primarily through volunteering and employment opportunities in community projects
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21 July 2008
Empowerment in Action
Speech by The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
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21 July 2008
Preventing Violent Extremism: Next Steps for Communities
In April 2007 Communities and Local Government launched our Preventing Violent Extremism: Winning Hearts and Minds action plan. In that document we set out a range of practical actions to mobilise communities against violent extremists
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21 July 2008
Consultation on the future of the Local Area Agreement reward scheme (July 2008)
This consultation document sets out the Government's proposals for a new method of calculating Performance Reward Grant entitlement. Consultation closes 26 September 2008
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21 July 2008
Evaluation of Local Public Service Agreements: Final Report
This 4 year study found that Local Public Service Agreements led to improved working practices, new initiatives and wider change in local authorities
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21 July 2008
Immigration and social cohesion in the UK
Joseph Rowntree research which draws on original material gathered from six UK sites with different experiences of migration and post-industrial transformations, and comprising different populations of long-term residents and new immigrants
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21 July 2008
Special newsletter – HQN events, September 2008 – January 2009
HQN special events newsletter, giving you advance notice of all of HQN’s events up to early January 2009. To book a place, please go to the forthcoming events page. If the event is not yet listed on the website, please phone the office on 0845 4747 004 to make a provisional booking
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17 July 2008
London – a new Mayor. A new approach. A new strategy for housing?
Network briefing by Genevieve Macklin explores the changes and new ideas being introduced by the new Mayor of London
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17 July 2008
Inspection report
Derbyshire County Council - Supporting People programme
Star rating:
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17 July 2008
Don't stop me now - Preparing for an ageing population
The Audit Commission's new report, Don't stop me now – Preparing for an ageing population, has found that councils in England, particularly those which have the fastest ageing populations, are not ready to meet the challenges or grasp opportunities as we get older
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17 July 2008
Needs Analysis - Commissioning and Procurement for Housing Related Support
This guide is intended for local authorities and their partners. It is particularly aimed at commissioners of housing-related support, adult services, health, and probation projects
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17 July 2008
Procedural changes for receiving RSL financial accounts
Changes to the way the Housing Corporation collects financial accounts from Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) have been announced
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17 July 2008
Pilot for new Rent to HomeBuy scheme to help first time buyers
A pilot ‘Rent to HomeBuy’ scheme to help first time buyers onto the property ladder has been announced by Housing Minister Caroline Flint as she launched 'Facing the housing challenge - Action today, innovation for tomorrow’
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17 July 2008
Emerging proposals for the National Tenant Voice
The government is taking a real lead in putting tenants at the heart of decision making about their homes and neighbourhoods
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17 July 2008
Blears outlines new economic people-focused approach to regeneration
Ministers plan to focus on 'real-life' measures to improve people's lives rather than bricks and mortar targets for regeneration funding. This is so communities get more than a cosmetic facelift and are helped to unlock their potential and take responsibility for their own regeneration
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17 July 2008
Community Power Pack: real people, real power
The Community Power Pack is a practical guide, which can help people play a more active role in their community and influence decisions that matter to them. It is easy to read and focused on fun and creative activities
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17 July 2008
Community Power Packs
Communities in control: real people, real power has now been launched. This White Paper is about passing power to communities and giving real control and influence to more people
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17 July 2008
Transforming Places; changing lives: a framework for regeneration
This framework sets out a package of proposals for consultation that aim to shape the way that regeneration is carried out in future in England. Consultation closes 31.10.08
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17 July 2008
Facing the housing challenge: Action today, innovation for tomorrow
As a result of the credit crunch, we have seen falls in house prices, people find it harder to get a mortgage and house-builders are experiencing difficult business conditions
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17 July 2008
Callcutt Review of Housebuilding Delivery - Letter of response from Communities and Local Government
This is an open letter, published 16 July 2008, from the Housing Minister Caroline Flint to John Callcutt
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17 July 2008
The Pomeroy Review of Prospects for Private Sector Shared Equity: Summary of Conclusions
A review into the future of the private shared equity market was commissioned by Communities and Local Government in July 2007 in order to follow up the conclusions of the Shared Equity Task Force (SETF) which reported to the Department in December 2006
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17 July 2008
Second round growth points: Partnerships for growth
This document provides a list of successful second round NGPs along with agreed housing numbers, local ambitions, and a location map
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17 July 2008
Housing and Planning Delivery Grant: Allocation Mechanism and Summary of Consultation Responses
This document confirms the detail allocation mechanism for the next comprehensive spending review (2008/09 - 2010/11)
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17 July 2008
Housing market recessions and sustainable home-ownership
Joseph Rowntree round-up considers how the government might respond to housing market recessions in the short-term, and what longer-term measures it might take to promote sustainability through the housing market cycle
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15 July 2008
Three statutory appointments made to the board of Presentation Housing Association
The Housing Corporation has announced that three statutory appointments have been made to the Board of Presentation Housing Association
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15 July 2008
More than the sum of their parts - partnerships seal deal to increase economic growth
Seven groups of councils and local partners are to seal their commitment to boost economic prosperity, in recognition that they can each achieve more than the sum of their parts - in the first set of Multi-Area Agreements (MAAs) which have now been signed
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15 July 2008
London Councils Summit 2008
Speech by The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
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15 July 2008
Immigration and inclusion in South Wales
Joseph Rowntree research which explores the impact of new migration on receiving communities, in particular on community, integration and cohesion. Based on research carried out in Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil, it explores the perspectives of both new and settled residents
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15 July 2008
Short notice inspections
Network briefing and guidance by Ellis Blackmore explains what to do in detail and how to overcome typical obstacles picking out the relevant key points for Network members
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11 July 2008
The Empowerment Fund: Consultation on proposals for funding third sector organisations to empower communities across England
This consultation paper seeks views on a draft of the Empowerment Fund Prospectus which the government intends to issue. This fund will provide support for existing national third sector organisations operating across England to help local communities turn key proposals into practical action on the ground
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11 July 2008
Rewarding awards?
Network briefing by Cathy Jackson provides a flavour of some of the key awards that are available
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11 July 2008
Inspection report
South Kesteven District Council - Landlord Services
Star rating:
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11 July 2008
Inspection report
Teesdale District Council - Strategic Housing Service
Star rating:
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11 July 2008
Inspection report
Wales Audit Office report shows that All Wales Housing Association is providing ‘satisfactory’ services to tenants
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11 July 2008
Third Sector Partnership Board: Consultation paper on the third sector's strategic voice within Communities and Local Government
Consultation paper on proposals to enhance the Communities and Local Government Third Sector Partnership Board covering its future role and remit, membership and way of working. Consultation closes 30.9.08
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11 July 2008
Communities in control: real people, real power - White Paper
Communities in control: real people, real power was launched on 9 July 2008. This White Paper is about passing power to communities and giving real control and influence to more people
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11 July 2008
Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities Statutory Guidance: Summary of Responses to Consultation
This document provides a summary of responses received as part of the consultation process for the draft statutory guidance Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities
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9 July 2008
White Paper delivers power shift to local people
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has published a White Paper setting out proposals to deliver a fundamental shift in power, influence and responsibility into the hands of communities and citizens
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9 July 2008
Managing Risks in Asset Transfer: A Guide
CLG guide which has been designed to give practical advice from the experiences of both local government and the third sector in how to manage risk and shows where it has worked well in practice
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9 July 2008