Last updated 12:33, Tuesday, 03 June 2008

A SUMMIT to discuss changes in the affordable housing sector was held in Carlisle yesterday.

Representatives from housing organisations and local authorities attended the breakfast briefing at the city’s racecourse, organised by housing regeneration specialist Lovell and TPAS, the leading national agency for resident involvement.

The event emphasised the critical importance of involving residents in the management and delivery of social housing.

Led by TPAS chief executive Phil Morgan, the briefing also looked at the creation of the new Homes and Communities Agency which will drive the provision of new social homes and the establishment of OFTENANT, the new social housing regulator.

Phil Houghton, Lovell area manager for Cumbria, who chaired the event, said: “The involvement of Mr Morgan, who has the most up-to-date information regarding changes being introduced for the social housing sector nationally, gave guests a unique perspective on the proposals and the growing importance of resident involvement.”

Lovell is working on the third phase of housing on Carlisle’s Raffles estate.

The company is building 77 homes on the estate, including three- and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom bungalows at Thomlinson Avenue and Brookside.