Over 240 associations sign up to efficiency scorecard pilot

It means associations holding more than half of the sector’s stock will record data against 15 different criteria to improve value for money over the next 12 months. It will be done across five general areas focusing on: business health, development, outcomes delivered, effective asset management and operating efficiencies.

The Sector Scorecard is being created by the Efficiency Working Group and has the backing of the National Housing Federation and the Chartered Institute of Housing. It has been welcomed by Housing Minister Gavin Barwell and was referenced in the Housing White Paper. It has also won the support of sector groups such as the London G15 of large associations, the London 320 of smaller associations, Placeshapers and Homes for the North.

The highly-anticipated white paper called on housing associations and local authorities to build more and improve on efficiency, in return for clarity on rent policy post-2020.

It also comes after the social housing regulator called for a ‘step-change’ in efficiency last year.

The efficiency working group is led by Home Group chief executive Mark Henderson, who set out the plans in Social Housing last month.

He said: ‘The response to the scorecard has been phenomenal. We’ve had sign ups from large and small providers, those in rural and city areas and those with general needs stock and some with supported housing functions.

‘The high level of sign ups and the diversity they bring means we will be able to ensure the scorecard works in the best interests of everyone, which was one of the main objectives of the Efficiency Working Group.”

Mr Henderson added: ‘It’s encouraging to know the scorecard is being well received in government but I want to make one thing clear.

‘This is a move by the sector for the sector and we’re running the pilot to ensure the metrics represent the diversity in the sector.’

For more information on the scorecard, email: sectorscorecard@homegroup.org.uk