Many Housing Associations are in, or are joining, development partnerships to ensure a role in the National Affordable Housing Programme and continued access to Social Housing Grant. Cobbetts is advising on the drafting of a number of agreements being prepared by lead associations, but we are increasingly being asked to advise those associations who are joining development partnerships.

It is clear that each association joining a development partnership should take its own legal advice, independent of that which the lead association is taking in creating the partnership agreement, to ensure that its essential interests are properly addressed in the agreement.

The objectives of a development partnership agreement should be to provide for a balanced and reasonable relationship between the members, whilst recognising the primacy of the lead association in accordance with Housing Corporation requirements. The agreement should contain clear obligations for the parties plus a series of checks and balances together with a clear process for consultation and problem solving. A clear basis for the sharing of costs should also be established.

Our experience acting on both sides of this process means we are ideally placed to provide comprehensive advice to your association. 

For further information please contact:

Philip Heath

Tel: 0845 404 2420

Email: philip.heath@cobbetts.com