HCA cuts provider risk on Empty Homes Programme

At a meeting organised by the South West National Housing Federation on 12th January, Pacian Andrews of the HCA addressed some important concerns faced by providers wanting to bid in the £100million Empty Homes Programme. Firstly, Pacian announced that any allocations under the Empty Homes Pogramme would not be added to existing Affordable Homes Programme contracts. This will make tthe monitoring of the contracts significantly easier for both providers and the HCA. He also made it clear that provider performance against Empty Homes Programme allocations would be kept separate from performance on the main programme, thus reducing the risk attached to under-performance on empty homes delivery (which can have more uncertainty attached). Issues associated with contracts and performance have been cited by many housing associations as reasons not to bid. The clarification provided by the HCA is welcome and it is hoped that this may encourage a change of heart amongst previously reluctant partners.