New Partnership Aims to Accelerate Housing Development in Liverpool
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has forged a significant partnership with Homes England and its subsidiary, the National Housing Bank, through the signing of a Place Delivery Agreement (PDA). This landmark agreement marks the first of its kind in England and aims to expedite the development of housing, facilitate regeneration, and stimulate economic growth across the region.
This innovative agreement ensures that national resources, expertise, and investment are strategically directed towards fulfilling the Liverpool City Region’s goals of creating new homes and enhancing major regeneration prospects, ultimately fostering sustained economic growth.
Place Delivery Agreements represent a novel approach to the government’s devolution strategy, transitioning the relationship between Homes England, the National Housing Bank, and Mayoral Strategic Authorities from mere collaboration to a framework of co-delivery. This shift is supported by the establishment of dedicated Joint Delivery Units comprising personnel from Homes England and local authorities, thereby reinforcing accountability and enabling mayors to play a more influential role in defining local housing and regeneration priorities.
Empowering Local Authorities for Greater Impact
As the devolution process advances, PDAs are set to become the primary mechanism through which Homes England collaborates with mayoral authorities to enhance housing delivery and regeneration efforts, backed by the Agency’s new regional operational model. Moreover, Homes England will continue to engage with local partners in areas without mayoral governance, ensuring that every locality can benefit from the necessary support, investment, and expertise to realise its aspirations.
The PDA established with the Liverpool City Region will bolster mayoral influence over housing and regeneration investment decisions, aligning the activities of Homes England and the National Housing Bank around three pivotal objectives:
- Transformative Growth: This includes initiatives like the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation and the Central Station Gateway, both of which are large-scale projects designed to significantly enhance the city region.
- Housing Pipeline: The agreement aims to maintain and improve the housing supply in the City Region, focusing on the delivery of social, affordable, and council homes.
- Tackling Barriers: Collaborative efforts will focus on establishing conditions that expedite housing delivery across various categories, addressing skills and capacity issues, and enhancing place-based investment.
Joint Delivery Unit to Streamline Processes
To facilitate the objectives of the PDA, a dedicated Joint Delivery Unit will be established, bringing together representatives from Homes England, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and the National Housing Bank. This unit is envisioned as a cohesive team that will provide clarity in delivery processes, develop viable project pipelines, and expedite housing and regeneration initiatives that will shape the region’s future.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this groundbreaking agreement, stating, “I’m delighted that Liverpool City Region is the first place in the country to sign a Place Delivery Agreement. This gives us a real opportunity to get more council and social homes built and ensure investment is focused where it can make the biggest difference.” He emphasised the importance of this agreement in allowing local leaders to effectively manage housing and regeneration projects.
Strengthening Partnerships for Future Growth
Pat Ritchie CBE, Chair of Homes England, highlighted the significance of empowering local leaders to effect change within their communities. She viewed this agreement as a vital step in enhancing collaboration with the Liverpool City Region, allowing for more effective delivery of new housing, unlocking regeneration opportunities, and supporting economic development. Ritchie expressed optimism about extending this collaborative framework with mayors across England in the near future.
Ultimately, the Place Delivery Agreement not only builds upon the existing Strategic Place Partnership but also aims to ensure that Liverpool City Region plays a pivotal role in shaping housing investment across all sectors. This alignment of local priorities with national investment seeks to mobilise larger private and institutional investments, thereby fostering the growth of new homes and strengthening local communities.