Single conversation
By engaging local authorities in a ‘single conversation’ on all aspects of housing and regeneration, we aim to connect local ambition with national targets.
The Single Conversation is the HCA’s most important business process – it is the way in which we agree and secure delivery at the local level in support of our national objectives. By working in an open and transparent way with local authorities and others we aim to become local government’s best delivery partner, able to secure more and reach better outcomes for each place.
Why the Single Conversation
The term ‘Single’ Conversation refers to its comprehensive coverage including the full range of housing, infrastructure, regeneration and community activities. It draws on the priorities for a local area as set out in key local plans and is an ongoing, evolving and dynamic process. It will always be a negotiation and have at its core, shared visions and objectives for places.
We have produced a Guidance Framework to set out an overview of the approach and how the process works. It will be refined and developed in the light of experience of delivery in the regions over the coming months.
Guidance Framework
We will also publish further guidance on specific areas set out in the Guidance.
The Guidance Framework covers:
- What is the Single Conversation?
- What are the benefits of the Single Conversation?
- Who will be engaged in the Single Conversation?
- What is the strategic context for the Single Conversation and will it cover?
- What needs to be done before the formal Single Conversation starts
- What the Single Conversation delivers and the scope and context of the Local Investment Plan
- Local Investment Plans and Local Investment Agreements
- What is the timetable for the roll out of the Single Conversation?
The Single Conversation Guidance Framework - PDF (771 KB)
In addition to the Guidance framework, further information about the development of Local Investment Plans and Agreements is also available:
Local Investment Plans - PDF (1.23 MB)
Local Investment Agreements - PDF (208 KB)
Further information - evidence base - PDF (192KB)
We have also produced a series of Question and Answers to discuss some of the points which arise from the approach.
Our Regional teams will be carrying out Single Conversations. Over the coming months, they will be developing the approach in a number of areas and aim to have begun the process in every area by April 2011.
Last updated: 2 June 2009