Working with the Housing Corporation, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has committed to a protocol agreement designed to provide affordable housing in Lancashire.

Agreed this week at Blackburn’s Old Town Hall, the accord is based on a national protocol laid down by the corporation and the Local Government Association, concerned with the delivery of local priorities.

Regional developers, planners, housing providers and associations have already helped Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council draw up an action plan to facilitate the implementation of the new protocol.

Key points include the promotion of choice-based lettings, the optimal use of council-owned land for affordable housing and the importance of private developments.

Working together, the protocol is expected to help contributing organisations assess delivery performance, maximise available land, tackle homelessness and promote the government’s Respect Agenda.

“Local government has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of affordable housing at a local level,” said Housing Corporation chief executive Jon Rouse.

“The Housing Corporation recognises the importance of this key leadership role and is committed to working in partnership to help meet local housing need.

“This protocol - and others we are signing across the country - will play an important role in the delivery of more and better affordable housing in places where people want to live now and in the future.”

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