HMR pathfinders operated in a changing housing market context, through periods of heightened demand, through severe market downturn and recession. Periodically, the programme sponsors required us to focus on a specific theme in order to explore the pathfinders’ response or positioning to a significant issue in more detail:
Use of resources
The 2008/09 use of resources framework was used to examine in more detail each pathfinder's approach to use of resources and to consider how well each pathfinder is managing and using its resources to deliver value for money and better and sustainable outcomes for local people. See the strategic reviews 2009 for reports.
Crime and anti-social behaviour
A Respect action plan protocol was agreed between pathfinders and CLG in 2006. This required each pathfinder to produce a delivery plan, outlining their contribution to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their area. We produced a 2007 Respect baseline report outlining how pathfinders were proposing to use the HMR programme and activities to help to deliver the government's Respect action plan. A year later, we revisited each pathfinder to assess progress in delivery against the plan. Findings are reported in the Respect update report 2008.
Analysis of market change
Market change reports 2008/09 provide a technical commentary on market conditions and issues faced in each of the pathfinder areas and their wider constituent local authorities. They supplement the 2008 strategic reviews. A year on, and in a recession, market response reports in 2009/10 explore how each of the pathfinders is responding to the changing market conditions, how HMR programmes are being adapted and what new solutions are being devised to meet current challenges.