English Partership's Robert Napier scoops job as HCA chair

Robert Napier, the chairman of English Partnerships (EP), has accepted a £90,000 a year job to chair the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Mr Napier will take up the post immediately and continue working at EP – getting an annual salary of £135,000 for the dual roles until the HCA is formally incorporated.

The HCA, set up to drive affordable homes, is expected to begin business by the end of July.

Mr Napier said he had been a “passionate” believer in the HCA and its ability to deliver added benefits for people through housing and regeneration work.

He said: “The HCA will build on the strengths of EP and The Housing Corporation to create new and more innovative ways of meeting the challenges facing us.

“Our work with local authorities to underpin their efforts to deliver better quality places will be one of our most important tasks.”