A comprehensive new guide to the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 has been published by the National Housing Federation (NHF).

The book contains the full text of the Act, which became law in July, including the schedules, and an expert commentary explaining how it will relate to housing associations in practical terms.

The Act creates an entirely new framework for funding and regulating affordable housing. It sweeps away the old regulatory structure, abolishes the Housing Corporation, and creates two new bodies: the Homes and Communities Agency and the Tenant Services Authority.

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The commentary also explains how different parts of the Act interact, and highlights how it addresses the key issues and concerns raised during its passage through parliament.

NHF Chief Executive, David Orr said the final version of the Act represented an "immense improvement" to the one originally presented in 2007 and said the book would help all those involved in managing and delivering housing to understand how to work within the new framework.

"What matters now is that the sector, Government, local authorities and other stakeholders work together, within the framework that the Act creates, to deliver the programme of housing and regeneration that is so desperately needed, and the highest possible standard of service," he added.

(CD/JM)