House-building model mooted

Local authorities should use special-purpose vehicles to regenerate their redundant stock, the head of the new housing watchdog, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), has said.

Peter Marsh, whose appointment was announced this week, told LGC the local housing company (LHC) model could be used as a tool to regenerate current stock, as well as building new homes.

His proposal would see councils acting as landowner and master planner; housing association or registered social landlords managing stock; and a private contractor carrying out building work.

A number of local authorities, including Barking & Dagenham LBC, are setting up LHCs to build homes, but the model has yet to be used for regeneration.

Additional legislation has to be passed before the TSA — previously named Oftenant — can regulate councils.