A new agreement to support the delivery of more homes and the regeneration of communities has been launched today by Housing Minister Caroline Flint, Local Government Association Chairman Sir Simon Milton and Homes and Communities Agency Chief Executive Designate Sir Bob Kerslake.

The agreement sets how councils and the HCA will work together to deliver high-quality homes in places where people want to live, and regenerate the most deprived communities. The agreement includes:

• Helping bring forward land for development by providing financial assistance and facilitating the provision of infrastructure and community services;

• Providing information, advice and guidance services to help unlock strategic land assets and develop innovative new approaches to delivery;

• Working with public sector agencies to ensure that a coordinated view is taken on developable land in an area;

• Spreading best practice which will help councils develop effective approaches to delivery;

• Facilitating discussions between councils on housing delivery to reach an agreed approach.

The agreement builds on the principles outlined in last December's Central-Local Government Concordat.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint said:

"The HCA will be crucial in delivering the new homes we desperately need - bringing together land, money and skills to build more homes and regenerate communities. However, it is crucial the agency works closely with local councils to support them in their wide range of housing, regeneration and community work, which is why this draft agreement with the LGA is so important."

Sir Simon Milton said:

"Councils want more and better homes for the people they serve. The draft protocol rightly emphasises that this will only happen if the new agency works with the grain of local ambition and understanding, allowing councils to steer development to the most appropriate sites.

"Local government supports the amendments the Government are proposing to the Bill, which are intended to promote consultation with councils and local people on designation orders and local authority involvement in planning functions conferred on the HCA."

Sir Bob Kerslake said:

"This protocol underpins our commitment to working in collaboration with local authorities through a process of single conversations. As a national organisation that works locally, the HCA will help deliver the ambitions of local areas within the context of supporting national programmes for growth and renewal. In addition, the agency's flexibility and strong regional structure will ensure it is local government's best delivery partner."

Due to begin operating in April 2009, the HCA will act as a bridge between national targets and local ambitions. It will adopt a clear and consistent approach to the allocation of funding, enabling councils to develop proposals for housing and place-shaping in an informed way. Its links with central and local government will also ensure the best use of surplus public sector assets.

The protocol is issued today as draft for discussion. The final version will be published after Royal Assent.

-Ends-

Notes to Editor

• This protocol has been published as a draft and a final version will be released in the autumn.

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