It is reported that Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced a review of regulation after confirming that he will scrap the Tenant Services Authority (TSA).
According to reports, Mr Shapps said the decision had been taken to abolish the regulator and stressed he wanted to replace the quango with a system which promoted 'real tenant empowerment'.
In a speech at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference, Mr Shapps spoke about how he wants to see tenants and their representatives firmly in the driving seat - giving them the platform to get things done.
One option he is looking at is Tenants' Panels. Tenants will be able to complain to their panel and the panel would have real powers to intervene to resolve problems. Along with elected councillors and MPs, Tenants' Panels could also act as a new gateway to the Ombudsman.
The Minister also made clear the premium he places on tenant empowerment, but he is far from convinced that a large national quango is the best way to do it. He confirmed the Government review of the role and purpose of the Tenants Services Authority and the best framework for regulating social housing. This will consider the full range of options in line with the Government's commitment to reduce the number of quangos.
The Minister confirmed that the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will stay but will be smaller and more strategic. The reports reffered to above suggest that the Minister has hinted that the HCA could take over the regulatory functions of the TSA.