A land-use planning term: "both low-cost market and subsidised housing (irrespective of tenure, ownership - whether exclusive or shared - or financial arrangements) that will be available to people who cannot afford to rent or buy houses generally available on the open market" (DETR Circular 6/98).

The term affordable housing is usually defined locally. The Government is currently updating Circular 6/98 and new guidance on the term is expected shortly. It is usually low cost housing for owner-occupation or shared ownership, or social rented housing.

Social Housing Grant provided by the Corporation.

The annual capital plan drawn up by the Housing Corporation. This has to have the approval of the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and Regions and thereafter it forms the annual cash limit and agreed programme by heading.

Housing management company which a council owns, or has a majority share.

Set up in October 2001 to reduce the number of homeless households placed in bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation. The Unit will work with local authorities, RSLs, the voluntary sector and others to implement a £35 million programme to ensure that: by March 2004 no homeless family with children has to live in a B&B hotel except in an emergency, and then for no more than 6 weeks.

The performance framework set out in the Local Government Act 1999, defined as a duty to deliver services to clear standards - covering both cost and quality - by the most economic, efficient and effective means available. Local authorities publish annual best value performance plans and review all of their services every five years, showing how they are continuously improving. The Housing Corporation's Best Value framework for RSLs aims to secure continuous improvement in the performance of individual landlords and the sector as a whole, through comprehensive service reviews and performance plans. Best Value will help RSLs deliver cost effective services that meet the needs and aspirations of their tenants and residents.

Black and minority ethnic persons/households.

A site which has been previously developed for industrial/commercial or residential use

The annual spending limit of Housing Corporation SHG set for each RSL.

Architectural organisation which aims to improve peoples' lives through better buildings, spaces and places. CABE promotes high standards in the design of buildings and the spaces between them, helping and advising those who create, manage and use the built environment.

Housing Corporation funded schemes approved in previous years.

Revenue grants to be provided by the Housing Corporation to assist tenants and residents develop their skills and abilities to be involved in the planning and management of their housing and neighbourhoods.

Part of the Government's performance framework for local government, in which a judgement on the performance and proven corporate capacity of English councils is made by the Audit Commission.

A form of low cost home ownership, under which RSLs develop new properties or rehabilitate existing properties which are then made available on the basis of part-rent/part-sale.

Statutory partnership between local authorities and the police, in co-operation with other local bodies such as probation committees and health authorities, aimed at reducing crime and disorder.

Homes which meet or exceed specified minimum standards and state of repair, defined by the Government.

Government department, formerly the Department of Social Security.

Means-tested grant to pay for alterations to a disabled person's dwelling, to make it safe and suitable for use.

Bodies charged with local implementation of the Government's national drugs strategy "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain", launched in 1998. Role is to promote effective community-based drugs prevention at local level.

Programme arising in response to the Rethinking Construction report of the Construction Task Force. Designed to improve the way the construction industry operates with a customer led focus concentrating on continuous improvement through innovation, partnering, benchmarking, supply chain management and driving out waste.

Government agency with a key role in delivering the government's new 'living communities' agenda to regenerate towns, cities and rural areas. The agency will work closely with the Housing Corporation and other key agencies to co-ordinate plans for affordable housing. It is also responsible for advising on development of surplus government land and buildings to help create new communities where needed; assisting with the assembly of sites for regeneration and sustainable development; maintaining a national brownfield strategy; 'gap' funding housing projects that would otherwise be commercially unviable; and operating a number of innovative programmes and extending good practice.

The purchase by an RSL of a second hand existing dwelling of a standard and condition suitable for immediate social housing letting.

A promise of an allocation of Housing Corporation SHG for a scheme in a future financial year. Also referred to as a Pre-allocation.

A limit on the amount of expenditure which Housing Corporation Regions may commit from the indicative cash limits for future years.

An integrated approach to meeting the needs of young people during their transition into adulthood by combining affordable accommodation with training, employment and advice services.

Established in 1994, Government Offices bring together the activities and interests of different Government Departments within a single organisation. They are key agents of Government in the regions, ensuring effective delivery of Government programmes regionally and locally. Government Offices are funded and staffed by "sponsor departments": the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; the Department for Transport; the Department of Trade and Industry; the Department for Education and Skills; the Department for Work and Pensions; the Home Office; and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. They work with regional partners, including the Housing Corporation, local authorities, Regional Development Agencies and other organisations, to achieve the Government's aims in a joined up way. GOSW is the Government Office for the South West region.

The maximum percentage of the total scheme cost of an RSL housing development that may be funded with public capital subsidy.

An organisational structure for Registered Social Landlords (RSL), in which a parent RSL often controls a number of subsidiary RSLs that are members of the group.

A general term covering shared ownership schemes, Voluntary Purchase Grant (VPG), Right to Acquire (RTA) and the Homebuy scheme.

A form of low cost home ownership, under which qualifying tenants will receive interest-free equity loans to meet 25% of the cost of buying a home.

A non-profit making organisation that provides social housing. A HA usually has paid employees, and a committee or board of management made up of volunteers. See registered social landlord.

Housing Association Stock Condition Indicator used to distribute cash available for Works to RSL stock between regions.

Housing Benefit

A non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, whose role is to regulate and also fund Registered Social Landlords in England.

Total Housing Corporation finance provided for new schemes.

A general term covering mixed funded shared ownership and improvement for sale schemes

Published in April 2000, entitled "Quality and Choice, A Decent Home for All", the green paper sets out the Government's proposals and strategy for housing policy in England.

Fund Government funding to tackle low demand in areas where the housing market has collapsed. Nine areas where the problems are most acute have been invited to establish pathfinder projects to tackle this problem.

A basket of indices of housing need which has been used to determine the distribution of the Housing Corporation's ADP between regions, and between individual authorities; the use of HNI for the latter purpose is gradually being phased out.

An approach to the provision and management of sustainable social housing which acknowledges the importance of, and actively uses and develops, the two-way linkages between housing and other social and economic activities.

The council's landlord account into which rents are paid. It is used to cover the cost of housing repairs, management, maintenance, and housing debt.

Cash limit given in the Budget as the anticipated level in future years.

Revenue grant provided by the Housing Corporation in support of innovative projects, or ones which identify and disseminate good practice. The outputs should be of benefit to RSL residents.

Housing Corporation investment region identical to the administrative boundaries used by the Government Offices for the regions, the Regional Development Agencies and other parts of central government.

The standardisation, pre-assembly and modularisation of schemes funded through the ADP. See Off site manufacture, Egan and Rethinking Construction.

Enables elderly people to buy a sheltered home from an RSL on a shared ownership basis. Depending upon the money they have available, elderly people can buy either a 25%, 50% or a maximum 75% share. Re-sales are limited to people aged 55 years or over.

An amount of money collected by local authority on behalf of the Government, following transfer, equivalent to 20% of the authority's net capital receipt less certain deductions.

A local government administrative body such as a county council, a unitary authority or a district/borough/city council.

Social Housing Grant (SHG) paid by a local authority to fund or part-fund an SHG-eligible scheme, such as an approved housing association development.

Body representing all local authorities, police authorities, fire authorities and passenger transport authorities in England and Wales, to promote better local government.

A non-statutory, non-executive body, aligned with local authority boundaries, that brings together different parts of the public, private, business, community and voluntary sectors so that different initiatives and services support each other and work together at a local level.

A general term covering shared ownership schemes, Voluntary Purchase Grant (VPG), Right to Acquire (RTA) and the Homebuy scheme.

Sir William MacPherson's inquiry into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence, identifying the lessons to be learned for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes.

An element of the HRA subsidy to provide local authorities with capital required to maintain housing in its current condition.

Mainly items of major repair, but also covers adaptations for people with disabilities, DEN3, insulation/energy conservation and other works (e.g. lead in drinking water, asbestos).

An area of housing consisting of mix of different tenures, normally social rented housing and privately owned housing.

The Total Public Subsidy adjusted to include the impact of the capitalised value of the housing benefit consequences of prospective rents. Also referred to as Total Public Cost.

The trade body of housing associations, working with and in support of members and other partners to promote the values and strategic interests of the social housing sector.

A national strategy formulated in response to the Social Exclusion Unit's report on deprived neighbourhoods. The strategy is aimed at preventing, arresting and reversing the wholesale decline of deprived neighbourhoods. It involves action on reviving local economies and communities, ensuring decent services, and leadership and joint working. The Strategy places communities and strong local economies at the heart of the renewal process and create a stronger focus for efforts at local and national level. The Action Plan follows extensive consultation on the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal framework document, bringing together the work of many departments and agencies.

Funding available for supporting regeneration in the 88 most deprived local authority districts over the next three years. See Neighbourhood Renewal.

A Government programme which aims to bridge the gap between the poorest members of society and the rest of Britain. Focusing resources on small deprived areas, and working with the grain of other initiatives operating in the area, the programme seeks to address four themes common to most deprived neighbourhoods: tackling unemployment; improving health; tackling crime; and raising educational achievement. The programme will be delivered through partnerships formed between local people, community and voluntary organisations, public agencies, local authorities and business.

This term refers to that part of the ADP going to schemes newly allocated during the current programme year.

Grant from European Structural Funds providing regional aid, to promote the development and structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind the rest of the European Union.

Method of housing construction using standardisation, pre-assembly and modularisation. See Kickstart, Egan and Rethinking Construction.

The government department, responsible for housing policy including administration of the stock transfer programme.

The purchase by an RSL of a new property suitable for immediate social housing letting.

In a project with some Housing Corporation funding, funds made available by another public body (e.g. local authority, health authority, etc.) which may consist of free or discounted land or cash contributions (e.g. Local Authority SHG).

Overhanging debt arises where the capital receipt from the sale of housing and other HRA assets is less than the amount of assumed HRA debt.

Planning Policy Guidance Notes set out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning, to be taken into account by regional planning bodies and local planning authorities in preparing Regional Planning Guidance and development plans. PPG3 provides guidance on a range of issues relating to the provision of housing.

Teams set up by the Social Exclusion Unit to help develop the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, to fast-track policy thinking on some of the most intractable problems. The 18 PATs were made up of government officials, outside experts and people working in deprived areas to ensure that recommendations were evidence-based and reality-tested.

A promise of an allocation of Housing Corporation funding for a scheme in a future financial year. Also referred to as a Forward Allocation.

Identified in the Draft South West Regional Planning Guidance as the 11 largest urban areas in the South West. These are: the Bristol conurbation, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Swindon, Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation, Exeter, Taunton, Plymouth and Torbay.

Priority Investment Area for shared ownership schemes. These areas will be those considered to be either urban or rural areas of housing stress which rank for priority investment of public funds, particularly for rehabilitation projects. These will be defined by the field offices of the Corporation.

This is the average rent which an housing association, on the basis of its rent policies and business plans, would expect to charge at first letting for a sample of house types.

The purchase by an housing association of a second hand existing dwelling necessitating a degree of repair to bring it to a standard and condition suitable for social letting.

The 'surplus' left to a council after certain costs, housing debts and a government levy have been deducted from the sale price.

The Government White Paper on regional governance, "Your Region - Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions" (published in May 2002) will strengthen regional policy across the country and provide regions with the opportunity to decide whether they wish to have directly elected regional assemblies. (Currently the South West Regional Assembly is a voluntary (non-elected) regional chamber).

The annual cash available to the investment region to finance the programme.

There are eight regional chambers, one for each of the government regions outside of London. The chambers (some of which have adopted the title "Assembly"), are voluntary groupings of councillors from local authorities in the region and representatives of the various sectors with a stake in the region's economic, social and environmental well being. Regional chambers' constitutions vary, they have the specific role of representing the interests of the region in relation to the work of the Regional Development Agencies. Some chambers are taking a broader approach. In some regions, including the South West, chambers are the regional planning bodies for their regions. See South West Regional Assembly.

Agency See South West Regional Development Agency.

Forum, sponsored by GOSW, Housing Corporation and the South West Regional Assembly, which meets quarterly to discuss housing and other related issues which affect the South West. Members include representatives from local authorities, registered social landlords, and external partners such as National Housing Federation, South West Regional Development Agency and Chartered Institute of Housing.

In 2001, the Housing Corporation, South West Regional Assembly and GOSW worked together to produce the Regional Housing Statement, a descriptive analysis and a wide ranging look at the policy context within which housing is delivered. During 2002 the Regional Housing Forum has been working to evolve this into a Regional Housing Strategy, which will set out the key issues for the region and an action plan to address these. The Regional Housing Strategy will be published in Autumn 2002.

A strategy to manage the future distribution of land-use activities within the region over the medium to longer term. The draft RPG for the South West up to 2016 was published in July 1999. The report of the Public Examination of the draft RPG was published in July 2000. The final version of the RPG is expected at the end of 2000/beginning of 2001.

Registered Social Landlord. A Housing Association or a not for profit company registered by the Housing Corporation to provide social housing. Only such organisations are eligible to receive SHG.

Work to property in an RSLs ownership which has previously received public sector funding.

The maximum level of rents acceptable on new schemes. Produced at TCI area level, broken down by unit size (floor area).

A commitment to maintain rents at specified levels for a specified period of time, usually given as a formula relating future rents to the level of inflation.

The practice by which costs of providing services are not charged in full to the recipient, but are shared by all members of the rent pool. The national HRA is a form of rent pooling because the level of Government subsidy given to individual local authorities to pay for rent rebates is not directly proportional to their costs.

A general term covering housing for rent (MF Rent). Sometimes this term includes Works to Registered Social Landlord Stock (WTRSLS) and Temporary Social Housing.

The process of bringing rent levels and rent structures in line with Government policy, in which local rents will be determined according to a national framework for local authority and housing associations.

The report of the Construction Task Force Chaired by Sir John Egan, aiming to improve the way the construction industry operates with a customer led focus concentrating on continuous improvement through innovation, partnering, benchmarking, supply chain management and driving out waste.

Right to Acquire provision made to tenants of RSL rented stock provided under the 1996 Housing Act to allow them to buy their home as a right. Proceeds from such sales to be used by the RSL to provide replacement homes for social housing for rent.

Regulations which allow council tenants to purchase the leasehold or freehold of their home.

Programme designed to provide accommodation for people sleeping on the streets.

Initiative to provide housing in villages with a population of fewer than 3,000.

Capital and revenue funding provided from 2001/02 to 2003/04, ring fenced to provide supported housing for people fleeing domestic violence, ex-offenders, people with drug or alcohol problems, young people at risk and single parents.

The Housing Corporation's requirements and recommendations for all housing projects which receive Social Housing Grant (SHG).

Section 106 (S106) Agreement

An agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 regarding the use or development of land. Such planning obligations are often used as a legally binding agreement between a local authority and developer to deliver a percentage of affordable social housing within a development. Such agreements can enable social housing to be delivered at nil cost to RSLs.

A housing development undertaken by a self-build housing association or group. The group will either become the owners or tenants of the accommodation.

Programme under which RSLs develop new properties or rehabilitate existing properties which are made available on the basis of part-rent/part-sale. A proportion of the rehabilitated properties are available on the basis of outright sale.

Single Regeneration Budget (SRB)

SRB provides resources to support regeneration initiatives carried out by local regeneration partnerships. Its priority is to enhance the quality of life of local people in areas of need by reducing the gap between deprived and other areas, and between different groups. The SRB is administered at regional level by the SWRDA.

The exclusion of people from participation in the mainstream of society, as a result of a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown.

Subsidised housing for households on low incomes, provided by either s or RSLs.

Capital grant provided by the Housing Corporation and local authorities to fund RSLs to develop social housing. Prior to the 1996 Housing Act SHG was known as Housing Association Grant (HAG).

The South West Regional Assembly is a voluntary grouping of councillors from local authorities in the region and representatives of various sectors with a role in the region's economic, social and environmental well being. Together with the other regional chambers in England, the South West Regional Assembly has been given a specific role by the Government to scrutinise and monitor the work of the appropriate Regional Development Agency. In the South West, the Assembly also acts as the Regional Planning Body.

One of eight Government sponsored Regional Development Agencies nationwide which came into existence in April 1999. They aim to co-ordinate regional economic development and regeneration, enable the regions to improve their relative competitiveness and reduce the imbalances that exists within and between regions. Their statutory purposes are to: further economic development and regeneration; promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness; promote employment; enhance development and application of skill relevant to employment; and contribute to sustainable development.

Adjustment to the Total Cost Indicator, which can be set by the Housing Corporation to reflect particularly high or low cost development locations.

Initiative Programme designed to ensure that key workers can buy homes in areas of high demand so that they are not priced out of urban and rural communities to whom their services are vital.

Schemes for particular client groups requiring additional management support or care, e.g. people with learning difficulties, young at risk, frail elderly etc. Previously referred to as special needs housing.

Revenue support for a higher level of housing management for people in supported housing provided under the special needs procedures.

A integrated policy and funding framework for the provision of accommodation and support services to a wide range of vulnerable people in different types of accommodation and tenure, to support people in the community.

Programme to improve the life chances of the most disadvantaged young children. Brings together the key players in health, social services and education to work alongside the voluntary sector and local communities to deliver joined-up services at local level to parents and children.

The most widely used definition of sustainable development, is the 'Brundtland' definition which refers to 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. The DETR defines sustainable development based on four broad objectives: social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment

A programme to help RSLs bring into use at sub market rents, accommodation acquired on a temporary basis with a life of more than 2 years but less than 30 years.

Part of the Government's agenda to improve local services, increase local democracy and strengthen and sustain local communities. Negotiated by local authorities with their tenants, they will set out how tenants wish to be involved in influencing and shaping the decisions taken by their council on housing issues in a way which meets their needs and priorities. Compacts will form an integral part of the best value regime

The price at which council homes are sold to an association. This is based on the value of the property as a socially rented home, taking into account the cost of necessary repairs/replacement.

The basis for cost evaluation of SHG funded units. Together with grant rates, TCIs ensure that the correct level of grant, and value for money in return for grant.

The Total Public Subsidy adjusted to include the impact of the Capitalised Value of the annual Housing Benefit consequences of Prospective rents.

SHG provided by the Corporation plus Other Public Subsidy.

Estimated total cost of producing new homes including acquisition, works and on-costs.

Similar to self-build, but incorporating training in the building industry in order to obtain future employment.

A household that has two or more bedrooms than that needed to avoid undesirable sharing ("the bedroom standard") is regarded as under-occupying.

Established by the Government in May 1998 with a remit to identify causes of urban decline in England and recommend practical solutions to bring people back into our cities, towns and urban neighbourhoods. The Task Force's report "Toward an Urban Renaissance" contains over 100 recommendations for change, covering design, transport, management, regeneration, skills, planning and investment, identifying ways of creating urban areas which respond to people's current needs and future aspirations; in other words, urban areas of choice. Also known as the Rogers Report.

Value for money.

A ceiling on the value of properties which RSLs may build under sales programmes. It varies according to area.

Scheme providing grants for RSL tenants to buy their existing RSL rented property if they prefer to do this, whilst requiring RSLs to use the disposal to build replacement properties for social renting.

Work to property in an RSLs ownership which has not previously had the support of public sector funding/grant.

A general term covering Major Repairs, Miscellaneous Works, Works Only Rehabilitation and improvements.