The Housing Corporation is to undergo a second inquiry into its workings, after MPs announced they are to launch their own investigation into the quango.
Last Friday's surprise announcement by the ODPM select committee was welcomed by the corporation but given a cold reception by the sector. It comes only three months into a government "end to end" review of the body.

Richard Clark, chair of the National Housing Federation, said: "The timing is unfortunate because of the amount of review the corporation has undergone in the last three years.

"Nevertheless, it's important that the NHF and other agencies give a clear response: that we think the corporation has been generally effective and are supportive of it retaining a long-term role."

Both inquiries will cover similar issues.

The select committee's inquiry, due to start on 6 February, will look at the effectiveness of the corporation's regulation of housing associations, and its role in increasing the supply of affordable homes.

Andrew Bennett, MP for Denton and Reddish, will chair the inquiry. In 2002, he voiced the view that the corporation was in need of reform. Bennett was unavailable for comment.

Source

Housing Today