'Moving Homes' - new book captures the Housing Corporation's 44-year history » Housing » 24dash.com

A new book which captures the Housing Corporation’s 44 year history and its highlights key events is officially launched this week.

‘Moving Homes’ provides a detailed insight into the history of the Corporation from its introduction in 1964 right through to the present day as it prepares to hand over its functions to two new agencies - the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The book describes the origins, changes, achievements and successes of the Housing Corporation against a backdrop of changing housing markets and shifting political priorities.

Key highlights include:

• initial promotion of new approaches to housing with co-ownership from the first days;
• the move to supporting mainstream housing provision, the development of registration and regulation of housing associations and the introduction of Housing Association Grant;
• the development of private finance for housing, leading to its general adoption in 1989;
• major changes to the housing association sector through housing transfers from local authorities; and
• the effects of cuts and increases in finance in different years.

Steve Douglas, Housing Corporation Chief Executive said, “This book provides a comprehensive insight into the history of the Corporation highlighting our many achievements as well as the lessons we have learned along the way.

“44 years of history has been captured in this book and I’m sure that it will provide a valuable reference point for anyone who wants to learn about the sector. It is a fascinating read.”

‘Moving Homes’ has been written by Alan Murie, Professor of Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Urban Regional Studies.

Alan said, “The Housing Corporation survived and changed in an often uncertain political and economic climate. It has contributed to building homes but also building financial and organisational capacity that also remains an asset in facing current and future challenges. In facing these challenges, it is important to have some understanding of developments that have taken place in the past and why they have taken the form that they have - and to be able to build on past experience.”