3.22 The new delivery arrangements between the Department and the Agency have now been in place for over a year. The Agency's vision is for local authorities to initially address all their housing needs through a 'single conversation' with regional teams. All regions with a PFI project now have PFI leads although the Agency's central PFI team continues to provide detailed expertise and key decision-making. An example of how the central and regional teams work together was the assessment of round six funding bids where regional staff accompanied central staff on visits and were able to provide a local insight to help in decision-making.
3.23 Although early evidence from the sixth round suggests that the new structure has taken time to embed, with planned improvements the approach has the potential to provide a more coherent approach to local housing delivery. To achieve this vision the Agency and the Department need to ensure their relationship provides for efficient working. The Agency should continue to review its skills, capacity and capability and build on its working relationships with local authorities.