<p>A review of the government’s housing and regeneration functions, announced by the then ODPM on April 19, will address several key issues in relation to the delivery of affordable housing and regeneration projects. It is widely expected that this will result in the creation of a new delivery agency, effectively merging the Housing Corporation (HC) and English Partnerships.</p> <p>Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference, HC chief executive Jon Rouse said: “For the Corporation, further change is inevitable.</p> <p>This is true whether we are merged into a new agency or not. The reality is that in many ways we feel like a new agency already.” The HBF has submitted a response to the review consultation in which it supported the creation of a new agency. “Our support is based on the new body respecting and recognising the private sector’s importance in delivery,” said HBF head of planning Andrew Whitaker.</p><b> <p>NEXT KEY DATE: An interim announcement is expected before the parliamentary summer recess.</p></b>