AMT Public

There are three elements of regional level strategy that are particularly important as a context for affordable housing provision: Regional Spatial Strategy, Regional Economic Strategy and Regional Housing Strategy (see Diagram 1).  However, change is happening and from 2010 these strategies will be integrated into a single Integrated Regional Strategy.

Regional Housing Boards from 2003 had responsibility to produce Regional Housing Strategies which identified key priorities in each region.  From 2006 responsibility passed to the Regional Assemblies to build on their work as Regional Planning Bodies.  From 2010 a new framework is in place for the production of a new single Integrated Regional Strategy whereby Regional Assemblies will cease to operate and their responsibilities assumed by the Regional Development Agency and Government Office.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)

The current RSS in your region was most likely prepared by the Regional Assembly.  The RSS sets out how much development there is going to be in a region as a whole over a 15-20 year period.  It sets the amount of new housing that is going to be built in each sub region and local authority area.  In turn it then sets the framework within each Local Planning Authority’s Local Development Framework for delivering affordable and market housing.

Regional Housing Strategy (RHS)

The current RHS in your region was most likely prepared by the Regional Assembly and Regional Housing Board. The RHS identifies key priorities for each region and sub region and is therefore the basis upon which decisions on housing capital investment for affordable housing can be made.  Although the content will vary, each RHS should aim to:

• Set out a picture of the current housing situation across the region
• Be based on robust up-to-date evidence; cover all tenures – not just affordable housing
• Set out a vision for the region
• Set out priorities for action
• Cover the medium to long-term
• Identify sub-regions based on housing markets
• Show clear links to the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.

The RHS is a non-statutory document, belongs to the region and requires neither approval nor sign-off by Ministers.

Regional Economic Strategy (RES)

Produced by the Regional Development Agency, the RES identifies clear priorities for seeking to improve regional economic performance, and to identify strategies for achieving them. The aim is to ensure that regional opportunities are fully exploited, and that those responsible for economic decision-making are working effectively together, with common goals and accepted priorities for regional development.

Integrated Regional Framework

From 2010 a new framework is in place for the production of a new single Integrated Regional Strategy whereby Regional Assemblies will cease to operate.  Their responsibilities will be assumed by the Regional Development Agency (RDA) and Government Office. The RDA will be responsible for production of the new single Integrated Regional Strategy.  The Integrated Regional Strategy will replace the existing Regional Spatial Strategy, Regional Economic Strategy and Regional Housing Strategy.  It will outline proposed priorities for long-term development in the region by bringing together economic, environmental and social priorities.

What are Regional Development Agencies?

The eight Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) were established under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998, and were formally launched in eight English regions on 1 April 1999. The ninth, in London, was established in July 2000 following the establishment of the Greater London Authority (GLA).  Their primary role is as strategic drivers of regional economic development in their region; however from 2010 their role has been enhanced to cover environmental and social priorities. The agenda for each RDA includes regeneration, taking forward regional competitiveness, taking the lead on inward investment and, working with regional partners.

Diagram 1: Regional Policy

Each region is split into sub regions which will either already have in place or be in the process of developing their own sub-regional housing strategy, which makes the link between the regional housing strategy and local housing delivery plans.  The development of sub-regional level strategy is being strongly encouraged by Government and the HCA as part of their Single Conversation business approach to form the basis of housing resource allocation within a region.

Government within the regions

Within each region, Government Office’s are responsible for ensuring that Government policies are communicated, acted upon and monitored in that region.  They work in partnership with organisations across the region to deliver Government policies in the most effective and appropriate way for the region’s communities.

Put simply, their aims are threefold, to improve the region’s economy, improve the quality of life of all those who live, work or visit here and to protect and improve the natural and built environment.

Go to Part III: What is affordable housing?