The 2005 Best Practice handbook considered:
- the programme in context
- how well pathfinders' responded to the challenge
- how pathfinders were contributing to wider policy objectives
- barriers to progress
It formed conclusions and made practical recommendations for improving the programme as pathfinders went into a phase of strategy development and programme delivery. Recommendations included:
- articulate a strong vision for their area, which specifically sets out the type of housing markets they are aiming for and their relationships with other areas
- review governance arrangements, with a view to creating an organizational culture and skills base with the appropriate blend of public sector and commercial expertise
- continue to develop their understanding of the local housing markets, improving their use of market intelligence to inform their actions.