HCA will use cash for everything

Sir Edward Lister, chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency, has said the newly streamlined agency will be able to focus solely on delivery once its regulatory function has been spun out. He was speaking to Estates Gazette after the announcement yesterday that, following the government’s review of the organisation, the housing association regulatory side would become a separate body. “The two bits don’t really sit very happily together,” said Lister. “I think everybody recognises that is a step forward in the right direction, it enables us in the HCA to concentrate on delivery, nothing else.” The government allocated around £5bn to the HCA through the Home Builders Fund and Accelerated Construction Fund to increase building. Lister said there are relatively few restrictions on what the money can be used for, providing it increases building, and there is potential to work with registered social landlords, housebuilders, SMEs and those practicing modern methods of construction. • To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@estatesgazette.com or tweet @EGAlexPeace or @estatesgazette