Panel Debate from The Housing Forum Yorkshire and Humber Regional Conference
01 August 2008 | Colm Quinn
Write up of the panel debate on "The Regional Structures and the new Homes and Communities Agency in Yorkshire and the Humber"
The Housing Forum features a regular "industry engagement" slot in our Regional Conferences. At Bradford, on July 16th, our panel of senior industry figures debated their current housing market concerns with Rob Pearson, Area Director for English Partnerships (EP) in Yorkshire and the Humber [Rob's opening presentation]. The discussion also considered the role the industry wishes the new Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to play in the region. Panellists included:
- Eugien Jaruga, Director of Partnerships, Keepmoat
- Janet Whipps, Chief Executive, Gateway Pathfinder
- Andy McDermott, Development Director, Kier
- Steve Trusler, Strategy Director, Wates Living Space
Our Chief Executive, Shelagh Grant chaired the panel debate, kicking it off by asking how they read the market in Yorkshire and the Humber in the immediate and medium term given the current market conditions, and what would be the impact on delivery, viability and affordability.
Janet Whipps outlined the role of the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders to restructure the residential offer in Hull, and support the area's regeneration. The budget of £87m for the next 3 years is the highest of any of the Pathfinders in relation to the bid figure , and has to deliver a large demolition and new build programme involving 2,000 homes, in partnership with Keepmoat in west Hull and a further programme to be worked up for east Hull with Bellway. Janet's central concern was to keep the momentum delivered so far going and to work to create the conditions for expansion when the market improves. This was a recurring theme during the day.
Eugien Jaruga raised the importance of developers working in partnership to maintain a long term vision. He also talked about the issue of speed and a concern that especially in the current financial situation, the HCA needs to hit the ground running. He stressed that government should get involved in the provision of infrastructure and public realm to add value and act as a catalyst to investment.
Andy McDermott's view was that we need to maintain our vision for regeneration but be prepared to re-sequence the order in which schemes may be brought forward. Skills and training become even more pertinent but it is certainty that is needed and long term relationships to exploit value.
Steve Trusler looked at the opportunities of the moment- the focus on building communities is positive, the targets however must be more than just building numbers otherwise we will end up not learning from the mistakes of earlier eras (1960's). Local Housing Company (LHC) model gives an opportunity to look at different delivery models in the current uncertain climate, but principally, the long term nature of these schemes, over 5, 10 and 15 years gives an opportunity to to have a consistent programme and focus on building future sustainable communities.
Rob Pearson responded that the value of LHCs to housing delivery is that the HCA is about the better use of public land, and LHCs are one way of delivering this. Local Authorities still own a lot of land, so the model makes sense, and all the margins can go back into the LHC.
He also stressed that we need to keep our eye on what happens when the down turn ends. Specifically we need to ensure that we have land availability right so that we don't head straight into affordability problems again. Shelagh then moved on the discussion onto what the panel saw as the opportunities or way through the current climate, and how we can get the best from the industry.
Seeing a way through for Eugien meant possibly switching the focus to renovating the existing stock. We should not necessarily switch to large numbers of social housing to compensate for slow market sales as this threatens the essence of “mixed communities" and would undermine pepper-potting.
Janet's view was that we should not start from any preconceptions - and not have the main focus on national building numbers but focus on what is right for each locality and create sustainable places. Long term partnerships -in place in as open and honest a way as possible are how you can add value. In fact, bringing in the private sector early adds value - as a reality check.
Steve argued that currently there are too many different bodies which means it is hard for the sector to engage and put ideas. The formation of HCA is a step in the right direction. The procurement process however often does not get the best out of the industry - it is wasteful and often provides no incentive for companies or housing associations that contribute real value or investment in communities.
Andy wanted to see more developer involvement earlier on with LHCs- bidding panels need to be more open, not just a case of EP or the HCA and the local authority putting together the scheme and then going out to tender. There was a massive amount of knowledge in the private sector to draw on.
The final question was on how the HCA would benefit the industry. Rob said that a major bonus to the industry of the HCA would a reduction in bureaucracy. The HCA will help to put the best local partnerships together whilst providing a strategic overview.
Steve commented that the HCA needs to deliver vision and consistency - and to keep above political changes to be effective in the long term. Andy concluded that the major benefit is that is is a simplified structure. Janet was looking for a less process driven organisation and Eugien asked where the Government Office might fit in. Rob replied that they have a large role in the planning process, so their involvement with the new agency is crucial.
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