HCA agrees future HMR Pathfinder priorities

14 May 2009

< Back to news index
HCA logo

HCA welcomes Audit Commission review of Housing Market Renewal areas as future Pathfinder priorities are agreed with Chairs

The Homes and Communities Agency today welcomed the Audit Commission’s review of Housing Market Renewal areas, and confirmed that it had agreed broad priorities to be the focus of future activity at a meeting of Pathfinder Chairs.

Following a meeting between Sir Bob Kerslake, Housing Minister Iain Wright and each of the Pathfinder Chairs, broad priorities for future activity were agreed to help ensure Pathfinders continue to meet their potential as drivers of housing and economic lead regeneration in their specific areas. The Priorities include:

  • Conducting site remediation, assembly and infrastructure work to make what might be perceived as marginal development opportunities as attractive to developers as greenfield sites.
  • Focusing on how potential homebuyers in Pathfinder areas can most effectively be helped to access mortgage finance.
  • Concentrating on developing skills and creating new jobs through training programmes, local labour initiatives and wider economic regeneration.

Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “I anticipate Pathfinders concentrating now on immediate action to assemble attractive development opportunities, create jobs and help people into sustainable homeownership during the market downturn. And they will need to this alongside the holistic and innovative approach which has done so much for community engagement and cohesion, bringing people together to develop a shared vision for the future of their neighbourhoods.

“That’s why at the HCA we are investing £311 million in Pathfinder areas this year alone, with an additional 10% available as they demonstrate dynamic and effective market leadership.”

Commenting on the Audit Commission review which found that Pathfinders had made good progress to date and were well positioned to weather the current economic conditions, Sir Bob added:

“I welcome robust assessment of our work and I am pleased that this report highlights the many pathfinder successes as well as some of the challenges posed by the market downturn, from which no part of the country is immune.

“Less than halfway through a 15 year Programme, Pathfinders have already made significant progress which is best seen at a local level where many neighbourhoods have been improved with fewer vacant properties, cleared sites, local labour and training initiatives, and the start of new build housing.

“And as the report concludes Pathfinders have built strong foundations and are well placed to weather the current economic conditions.”

Ends

For more information contact Robert Davies in the HCA press office, 020 7881 1624.

Notes to editors:

The HMR Pathfinder allocations for 2009-10 are as follows:

Total £311m

An additional 10% funding is available in each HMR Pathfinder area, where organisations can demonstrate an active response to market conditions, achieving expenditure and impacts.

The Homes and Communities Agency is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England.

Our vision is about creating opportunity for people to live in homes they can afford, in places they want to live and for local authorities and communities to deliver the ambition they have for their own areas.

This will be achieved by:

  • Acting as the bridge between national targets and local ambitions, with a strong regional presence.
  • Through a process of 'single conversations' with local authorities, RDAs and sub regional partnerships.
  • Working effectively with the market, housebuilders, investors and other stakeholders.
  • Understanding the needs and aspirations of people and communities.

The HCA brings together English Partnerships, investment functions of the Housing Corporation, and the Academy for Sustainable Communities, with major delivery programmes of Communities and Local Government.

Email newsletter