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Local authority role in implementation
13. There are four aspects of the local authority role in the implementation of the Act, which will be based on the framework (guidance, secondary legislation, etc) put in place by the Executive. In the first place, a local authority will have a responsibility to integrate the improvement of local housing (taking into account the role of its partners) into its strategic approach for its area, as expressed in its Local Housing Strategy. Secondly, a local authority will be responsible for action arising from relevant provisions of the Act, such as declaring Housing Renewal Areas, issuing maintenance orders, implementing the changes to the HMO licensing system, and enforcing the provision of the Purchaser's Information Pack and single survey. Thirdly, a local authority may have a role as a landlord, for example in the provision of additional information to a tenant who requests a house valuation in connection with the right to buy. Finally, the local authority needs to be aware of the implications of other provisions where it is not directly involved in implementation (such as the new right to adapt a privately rented house), in order to fulfil its general role in housing (for example, the provision of information and the need to understand the housing market in its area).
14. The new powers for local authorities in the Act are flexible and may overlap into other areas of activity. There may therefore be potential to co-ordinate local authorities' use of the range of existing funding streams, such as Regeneration funding. The main funding stream for the purposes of the Act is Private Sector Housing Grant ( PSHG) and there will be additional funding from the money allocated to support implementation of the Housing Improvement Task Force recommendations. The allocation methodology for PSHG is under active review with CoSLA to improve its recognition of needs.
15. Each local authority should take appropriate steps to prepare for the implementation of the measures in the Act, for example, ensuring that appropriate resources, including staff with the necessary skills, can be put in place. The amount of new resources required will become clearer as guidance is issued. It should also be borne in mind that some existing activities will disappear as they are replaced by new powers and duties contained in the Act. Local authorities will also need to consider how local conditions and housing needs can be addressed within the current framework of national priorities and the new requirements of the Act.
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