Ten areas testing new ways to revitalise housing markets are continuing to make good progress, despite the recession.

The Audit Commission has assessed each of the pathfinder partnerships involved in the Housing Market Renewal programme. The Commission assessed five partnerships as performing strongly and five as performing well.

In a year that has seen significant challenges, all pathfinders have maintained overall performance levels.

Roy Irwin, Director of Housing at the Audit Commission said: "Our assessments show that even in difficult economic times, the Housing Market Renewal pathfinders are playing an important role in efforts to improve existing homes and provide new homes while supporting communities.

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"However, while all must be given credit for maintaining or improving overall performance in a difficult year, issues around value for money remain for some pathfinders, but these are being addressed."

Homes and Communities Agency Chairman Robert Napier said: "We welcome the publication of Audit Commission reports on Housing Pathfinders. The reports demonstrate what we already know; that the ten pathfinders which make up the Housing Market Renewal Programme are delivering, despite the severity of the current economic climate. The Housing Market Renewal programme makes a vital contribution to the growth, sustainability and continuing economic development of some of the North and Midlands’ most deprived areas."

(CD/NS)