News Release : 13 October 2004

ASSEMBLY WELCOMES BIGGER HOUSING ROLE

The South East England Regional Assembly’s Planning Committee has welcomed Government’s proposals that the Assembly should in future lead on producing the region’s Housing Strategy. This will involve advising ministers on the priorities for public investment in housing. The aim is to tie in the housing strategy more closely with regional planning.

The proposals are covered in a consultation paper from Government that follows recommendations in Kate Barker’s report on housing supply published earlier this year.

Currently, the Regional Housing Board is run by the regional Government Office; besides the Assembly the Board involves the Housing Corporation, English Partnerships and SEEDA. Under the new proposals the Assembly will take the lead; partner agencies will remain fully involved.

The South East England Regional Assembly’s Chief Executive Paul Bevan said: “This at last presents us with a real opportunity to improve integration between the planning and the delivery of affordable homes.”

If confirmed, the new arrangements will come into effect in autumn 2005.

Comments on the proposed Independent National Unit
The Assembly’s Planning Committee expressed reservations about the Government’s proposals in the same consultation paper for an Independent National Unit to provide advice on housing numbers. The Assembly recommends that the Unit’s remit should be restricted, so it does not duplicate the Assembly’s regional planning and housing role, risking confusion and conflict.

The Committee is recommending that the Unit concentrates on:

• Advising on regional affordability targets and performance;
• Monitoring regional housing markets;
• Creating a regular dialogue through a dedicated Regional Sounding Board that should include Assembly officers.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. More information in the 29 September Regional Planning Committee documents.
2. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
3. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
4. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007