Housing does not have a strong enough role in the new regional decision making processes being drawn up by the Government - according to the National Housing Federation (NHF) , Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing.

The Government is consulting on its Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration, which will create new decision making bodies following the abolition of regional assemblies.

In their joint response to the consultation, the NHF, Shelter and the CIH welcome the Review but call for greater recognition of the links between good quality affordable housing and economic development.

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The three major housing campaigners believe that the proposed reforms have the potential to strengthen strategic thinking on housing growth and regeneration - but they are concerned that unless action is taken, the new approach to strategy making could fail to address the full range of housing need and housing aspirations for all communities.

The group recommends that the new regional Single Integrated Regional Strategies - which will set out the economic, social and environmental objectives for each region - should explicitly state how they will meet the housing needs and choices of the whole of the regional community.

Derek Long, Head of the North regions at the NHF, said: "Good quality, affordable housing is a vital part of sustainable economic development. The Government's proposals for regional strategy-making do not reflect that key relationship - which is why we have made these crucial recommendations to ensure that affordable housing continues to drive economic growth."

(CD/JM)