Name change reflects diversity in social housing

The National Federation of Housing Associations changed its name to the National Housing Federation this week in an attempt to reflect the wider diversity of the social housing sector. The creation of Local Housing Companies is just the latest example of the different kinds of social housing provider now operating in the sector.

A spokesman for the Federation said: "We hope the changes we have introduced will keep a single trade body and single voice for the independent social housing sector. There is no fundamental change in the values of the movement and its not-for-profit nature. We fought hard to ensure that Local Housing Companies will have the same values, although they are set up differently."

The social housing providers have faced a tough couple of years with over œ500 million hacked off the Housing Corporation's budget. Next year looks equally difficult in terms of available funding. The Federation has calculated that next year the Government will fail to fund even enough to meet its own minimum target of 60,000 additional homes a year.

The calculations are based on the Government's own budget estimates for 1997-98 set out in the November 1995 Budget. While it is too early to say what the Housing Corporation's actual budget will be next year, few believe there will be any increase in funds given the current public spending squeeze.