Governance and operations

The HCA is sponsored and funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The HCA’s Board is responsible for ensuring that the HCA carries out its functions effectively. The Chairman and members are appointed by the Secretary of State for DCLG. The Board has adopted a Code of Practice. A register of Members’ interests is available for inspection by the general public at the HCA's headquarters.

Our Chief Executive, Pat Ritchie, is the HCA's Accounting Officer, which means she is responsible to Parliament for ensuring public funds are properly used. We are also subject to scrutiny by the National Audit Office and can be called before the House of Commons Public Account Committee.

Every year we publish our Annual Report and Accounts and lay it before Parliament. We also publish our Corporate Plan, which shows what we plan to do in the future. You can find the latest and past versions of these documents in the publications section.

An independent and objective opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the arrangements in place for governance, risk management and internal control is provided by the HCA’s Corporate Assurance function. Further information is contained within the HCA’s Internal Audit Charter - PDF (23.7 KB).

A Framework Document has been agreed between the HCA, DCLG and Treasury and issued by the Secretary of State. It describes the financial and management processes that govern the operation of the HCA and its relationship with the government through its sponsoring department.

Further information on the Framework Document

HCA GLA Memorandum of Understanding

This Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Homes and Communities Agency to help ensure that each organisation is able to carry out its respective functions and responsibilities as efficiently and effectively as possible.

HCA GLA Memorandum of Understanding - PDF (323KB)

HCA LGA agreement

We have recently signed a unique three-way agreement outlining roles and responsibilities in the delivery of housing and regeneration in England together with the Local Government Association (LGA), and DCLG.

Under the agreement it is acknowledged that central Government will set national policy and priorities, backed by funding for infrastructure and affordable homes.

HCA - LGA: Central Local Agreement on Housing and Regeneration - PDF (82 KB)