Shapps: Setting the Benchmark for Transparency in Social Housing

Housing Minister Grant Shapps has praised the latest social landlord to open its books and become more transparent to tenants. The Minister said Viridian's plans to publish all expenditure over £500 would not only make them more accountable to their tenants, but would also help them increase efficiency. Mr Shapps used the announcement to call on other housing associations to follow their example. Since becoming Housing Minister, Mr Shapps has consistently challenged all social landlords to match his Department's commitment on transparency. The Coalition believes that all organisations in receipt of public money can achieve better value for money when they ensure that transactions are open to real scrutiny. Mr Shapps said social landlords would be left behind if they failed to acknowledge the growing demands of tenants to see how their rent is being spent and that it was time to meet those expectations. Read more on the CLG website.