What is a housing association?
Housing associations are independent bodies that provide low-cost housing to rent and buy, together with many other services.
Most of their income is from rents and, although housing associations are not part of the public sector, many receive government funding - for example, to build new homes, provide specialist housing or regenerate neighbourhoods.
Associations are also able to borrow against their property holdings on the private market.
Although run as independent businesses, they do not trade for profit and any trading surplus is ploughed back into the business. Their work is regulated by the Tenant Services Authority.
Housing associations are now the UK’s major providers of new homes for rent while many, including Great Places, also offer property for shared ownership to help people who cannot afford to buy their own homes outright.
Much of the supported accommodation in the UK is also provided by housing associations. For example, Great Places’ projects include purpose-built housing for people with mental health needs and teenage parents, providing specialist support to residents and help them to prepare for independent living.
Many, including Great Places, are involved in projects beyond housing, such as community regeneration, employment training and support for social enterprise, and work with local authorities and a range of other partner organisations.
Housing associations are managed by boards which have overall responsibility for the work of the organisation. Board members may include representatives from local authorities, community groups, residents, businesspeople and politicians.
The National Housing Federation campaigns for better housing and neighbourhoods on behalf of all housing associations, and the principal professional body for employees is the Chartered Institute of Housing.