Housing Minister Grant Shapps has confirmed that Julian Ashby, deputy chairman of the Tenant Services Authority, has been appointed Chairman-designate to the Regulation Committee of the Homes and Communities Agency.

The committee will take on the regulatory functions within the Homes and Communities Agency of the Tenant Services Authority once it is abolished through the Localism Bill. The final appointment is subject to pre-appointment scrutiny by the Department's Select Committee and Royal Assent of the Bill.

As well as being deputy chairman of the Tenant Services Authority, Julian is also Chairman of the Institute for Voluntary Action Research and of two 'not for profit' organisations that have raised funds for social housing organisations. He is also Chair of the Financial Information Company that publishes a specialist housing journal.

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Mr Shapps said: "As we look to reduce red tape and regulate social housing more effectively, Julian's experience at the Tenant Services Authority will prove valuable. I look forward to working with him as he uses his skills to protect tenants' rights, and bring in the flexibilities needed to ensure that the precious resource of social housing is used most effectively to help those in greatest need."

Anthony Mayer, Chair of the Tenant Services Authority said: "Julian has played an important role for the Tenant Services Authority in improving the quality of regulation and building its credibility across the Housing Association sector. He will bring a balanced, carefully reasoned and evidence based approach to his new role that recognises the need to let providers get on with the job whilst identifying and tackling failure."

(CD/GK)