The Government has announced proposals for a new agency to deliver regeneration and housing in a major shake-up of the way it supports the delivery of new homes and develops mixed, sustainable communities in England.
The proposed agency - Communities England - will bring together the functions of English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation, and a range of work carried out by the Department, including delivery in the areas of decent homes, housing market renewal, housing PFI, housing growth and urban regeneration.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said the new agency will further enhance the Government's agenda to ensure social mobility and economic inclusion: "With the expectation of over £4 billion of public spending at its disposal, Communities England will pioneer innovative and more efficient ways of working with our key partners in the public, private and voluntary sector to get better outcomes from public investment in places. Communities England will reflect the Government's on going drive to ensure that the ambitions of local people for their communities and their families are realised."
This announcement follows a nine month Review by the Communities Department, in co-operation with the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships.
