HCA Announces Tougher New Approach To VFM

The English social housing regulator has announced a tougher new approach to value for money, as research shows “concerning” unexplained cost variations in the sector. Julian Ashby, chair of the HCA’s Regulation Committee, wrote to the chairs of the 350 largest housing associations this morning over his concerns about the sector’s approach towards efficiency. The letters point out the individual landlord’s social housing costs per unit, compared to sector averages. Mr Ashby sets out how the HCA will “reinforce” value for money regulation. Currently, housing associations are required to set out transparently how they measure value for money. However, the HCA will now also look more closely at how well landlords are obtaining value for money in practice. Read more on Inside Housing.