Landmark housing deal struck in Sheffield

December 6, 2016 / Isla MacFarlane
Landmark housing deal struck in Sheffield

A landmark agreement between local authorities and housing providers in the Sheffield City Region will drive the economy and help deliver much-needed affordable homes, Councillors and sector leaders have said this week.

Key political and housing figures from across the city have signed a ‘Housing Compact’, demonstrating their commitment to working together to solve the housing crisis and meet the needs of those living and working in the City Region.

Speaking at its launch on Monday 5 December 2016, senior leaders at the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority praised the deal for creating a crucial common purpose.

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said, “We are pleased to be involved in this fantastic collaboration. Partnership working across the city is essential if we are to deliver more affordable housing and achieve ambitions of growth in our communities.

David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said, “Strong local leadership is vital if we are to solve the housing crisis. This agreement represents an excellent opportunity for the Sheffield City Region.

“Housing associations will use their local knowledge to work with partners across the City Region to grow the economy, regenerate communities, create jobs and help end the local housing crisis. This partnership can also play a key role in improving skills, job opportunities and health and social care for local communities.”

  • Local authorities, housing associations and arms-length management organisations (ALMOs) from across the Sheffield City Region can sign the Compact to demonstrate a commitment to working collaboratively and by the core values of fairness, openness and transparency.
  • The objectives of the Compact are to:
  • Expand the supply of new housing across all tenures and help the City Region meet its targets for housing growth
  • Create sustainable and thriving communities
  • Support and invest in existing stock
  • Understand the products and services needed to meet housing need
  • Ensure vulnerable people can continue to access good quality affordable housing
  • Enhance and increase opportunities for joint working and shared services across a range of delivery areas
  • Maximise opportunities provided by national policies and funding streams, and ensure they are coherent at a local level
  • Engage with the wider public sector reform agenda, including employment and skills, crime and policing, health and social care and poverty.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ashton B Crew

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