Revised guidance on the selling of vacant social housing homes has been published by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

'Disposing of Land' gives guidance on the revised procedures for gaining the Regulator’s consent to the disposal of social housing and other land, and introduces changes to the process by which the Regulator will approve programmes of disposals.

Social Housing Providers are now able to seek the Regulator’s consent to a policy of disposals, rather than individual consent as is currently the case. This will increase flexibility and reduce administrative burden for providers who can demonstrate a strategic approach to the management of their assets.

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Matthew Bailes, Director of Regulation, said: "This change to our consent process recognises that a programme of sales can be an important part of providers’ strategies to achieve best use of the resources available to them. It will particularly help those providers with agreements to deliver new Affordable Homes, with sales receipts contributing to the overall resource requirements.

"It is also intended to relieve administrative burdens for those providers who have developed plans for a significant level of sales, where previously they would have to seek individual consent."

(CD/GK)