On 10 November the Homes and Communities Agency and the National Housing Federation held an event, Learning the Lessons from the Local Investment Plans. Simon Nunn, the National Housing Federation’s Assistant Director (Regions) spoke about how his team had worked with members across the South West on the LIPs in their areas.

1. Local Investment Planning
Learning lessons and a view
of the future
10 November 2011
Simon Nunn
Assistant Director (regions)

2. About the Federation
We support and promote the
work of housing associations and
campaign for better housing and
neighbourhoods
– Influencing government and other
partners
– Raising the profile of associations
– Supporting training, networking,
good practice
– Listening to members
– Offers and benefits

3. LIP leads network – the
Federation’s approach
Network of RP leads and
shadow leads established
in 2009
– Consistent Criteria to choose
between RPs
– Overseen by Fed regional
committee
– Tasked with representing RPs
within LIP process
– Transparent channel of
communication and engagement

4. LIP leads network research findings
(June 2011)
Survey of RPs and partners (72 responses)
• 60% felt it had contributed to stronger
engagement between RPs and LAs
• 70% supported the continuation of this approach
– though question marks over role of LIPs going forward
– keen desire to see strengthened engagement between
RPs and LAs on a range of issues
• Action points around refreshing the LIP lead role
profile and considering similar approach for LEPs

5. Strong RP and LA engagement
around LIPs
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS:
• Named RP contacts
• LA open to involving RP partners
• Strong HCA support for RP involvement
• Strength of RP lead’s local contacts
• Strong existing networks and forums (especially when
coterminous with LIP area)
• Seminars delivered in every LIP area to discuss introduction of
AFP.

6. Strong RP and LA engagement
around LIPs
SOME CHALLENGES:
• Harder for RPs to engage when housing not leading the LIP
process in LA’s
• Political concerns about engaging developers in process
• Concerns around competition between RPs & conflict interest
• RPs seen as contractor not full partner
• Cascading information to all interested parties
• Managing expectations amongst non-lead RPs

7. Future of LIPs and RP/LA
engagement
• Strong RP/LA engagement
key priority for Federation
• Continuing with LIP leads
and shadows approach
– Updated role profile
• Future role of LIPs
– Reviews/updates of LIPs
– Delivery of AHP, monitoring
delivery of affordable housing?
– Tenancy strategies
– Influence on LEPs?

8. Federation support
• Raise profile of housing with Cllrs
– Publications, events
• Ongoing support to RP LIP
leads/shadows
• Developing relationships
and new structures
– LEPs
– H&WB boards

9. Any questions?
Simon Nunn
Assistant Director (regions)
Simon.nunn@housing.org.uk
0117 929 7388