The two organisations charged with championing tenants' rights and inspecting housing services have demonstrated their commitment to promoting better services to tenants by signing their first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) and the Audit Commission (AC) have agreed the Memorandum, which identifies making life better for tenants through improved services and places to live as being at the top of their joint agendas.

The MoU will further strengthen joint working, setting out how the two organisations will work together in regulating and inspecting providers of affordable housing. The AC will support the TSA's regulatory role through carrying out inspection on behalf of the TSA. The TSA will support the AC in its role on Comprehensive Area Assessments.

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TSA Executive Director, Governance and Viability, Clare Miller said: "The MoU has set out how the TSA and AC will work together in regulating and inspecting providers of affordable housing, and supporting the role of local authorities in their strategic housing role. Inspection is a key aspect of the new regulatory arrangements and we intend to ensure that we target our resources where they will improve services for tenants."

Director of Housing and Economic Development at the Audit Commission, Roy Irwin said: "This new agreement between the TSA and AC sets out our shared aspirations for building a close and productive relationship for the benefit of tenants, service providers and the many partnerships working to deliver better housing and related services throughout England.

"The Memorandum is a tangible demonstration of our shared goals and commitment to work together, which will start at the top and go right through the two organisations."

(CD/KMcA)