Durham County Council’s housing arm, Durham City Homes, is one of seven similar organisations working with the Northern Housing Consortium and Sheffield Hallam University on a study into the economic impact they have on the northern economy.
The study will consider the impact the sector has financially as well as looking at its effect on employment levels in the North. In particular it will focus on the ‘day-to-day’ activity of housing providers, such as repairs, maintenance and housing management.
Launching the study, NHC Chief Executive Jo Boaden said: “The Consortium has recognised that it is increasingly important for housing to be able to evidence our economic impact.
“This innovative project will set out an authoritative evidence base ahead of the next Comprehensive Spending Review.”
“We are delighted to be working with Durham City Homes on this exciting project, and we are grateful for their contribution towards the cost of the research.”
Paul Lawless, a Professor of Urban Policy at Sheffield Hallam University, added: “The Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research is excited to be working with the Northern Housing Consortium and Durham City Homes on this project.
“The Centre is well placed to work with the NHC on this study as a result of our previous work in this area, such as the evaluation of the national New Deal for Communities programme and similar work with a number of NHC Members.”
Simon Bartlett, manger of Durham City Homes, said: “This is a great study for Durham City Homes to get involved in.
“It will give us a better understanding of our contribution to the local economy and how we can develop our approach to maximise our impact in the future.”
The study will run throughout the year and culminate in a final report to be launched in early 2013.
For more information contact: Northern Housing Consortium: Brian Robson, Policy and Strategy Manager, [email protected], 0191 566 1000.