Section: Registered Social Landlords

RSL Update

The Amicus and Horizon housing groups revealed they were having merger talks, which could lead to the formation of one of the largest public sector landlords in the UK. The two groups have a combined housing stock of around 28,000 homes across the SE of England. Their combined turnover exceeds £130 million.
Newcastle & Whitley Housing Trust revealed it might become a subsidiary of Riverside Group, and that the two were in discussion on the proposal. If it came about and Housing Corporation approval was forthcoming, the Trust might change its name to Riverside North East.
Redland HA was removed from Housing Corporation supervision. It was placed under supervision in October 2003 because of concerns about governance and management. Redland is now part of Somer Housing Group.
Reidvale HA in Glasgow nearly halved the crime in its area by paying for additional policing. It was revealed that the Association paid Strathclyde Police £15,000 over a twelve month period to provide two additional hours of police patrol in the Dennistoun area of the City for two nights each week.

According to a report by the Urban Studies Department at Glasgow University, the initiative has cost each household 30 pence per week to reduce crime levels in the area by 44%.

A survey by Communities Scotland found that 63% of residents felt safer as a result of the increased policing and 99% were in favour of continuing the scheme.
Servite Homes signed an agreement with Black Country Housing & Community Services Group to jointly develop homes. The arrangement will allow Black Country to apply for Housing Corporation development money through Servite as its preferred partner.
William Sutton HA and Affinity HA were reported to be planning to make a joint bid for development funding to build 6,000 new homes across the country. It is understood that merger talks may follow at a later date.

Housing Corporation Library Updates

Abolition of Rent Surplus
Section 55 of The Housing Act 1988 introduced the requirement that surpluses arising from registered housing associations' increased rental income on pre-1988 grant funded stock should be shown separately in their accounts, in a fund to be known as the Rent Surplus Fund (RSF), and that the balances in that fund might be repayable on demand. Schedule 11 of the Housing Act 2004 abolishes RSF with effect from 18 January 2005.

This Circular announces the end of RSF and sets out what associations should do with any balances accumulated in their RSF restricted reserve.
Annual Efficiency Statements (AES)
This Circular outlines the Housing Corporation's expectations of how housing associations will produce their AES; the deadline for submitting the AES to the Housing Corporation, and how compliance will be assessed.

Section: Registered Social Landlords

RSL Update

Housing Corporation Library Updates

Housing Monthly Diary

Reporting on April 2005

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