Top marks for Oldham Rochdale HMR

An independent inspection by the Audit Commission into how Housing Market Renewal in Rochdale makes use of resources has scored the Pathfinder as ‘performing strongly’.

The Pathfinder is one of only three in the country to receive the highest mark available.

The study – the first of its kind by the Audit Commission - looked into the approaches the ten UK Pathfinders take in handling resources, including achieving value for money.

The report praised the Oldham Rochdale Pathfinder for successfully attracting more than £21 million private investment and a further £7 million from partners, equating to 24p of additional private investment for every Pathfinder pound.

The Audit Commission highlighted a number of strengths including, an established research programme which informs strategic decisions, a robust appraisal processes, effective risk management and financial controls, a well aligned strategy with national and regional agendas including growth and renewal, an integrated financial plan which incorporates English Partnerships and Housing Corporation finances and achievements in sustainable development.

Pathfinder Director Alastair Graham said: “We take the responsibility of managing the resources we have very seriously, so are incredibly pleased that this has been recognised. The result mirrors the overall inspection we received from the Audit Commission last year.

“We were pleased that the report noted that we have a clear direction, and that by using resources effectively the Pathfinder has firm foundations to enable us to widen the choice of modern homes across neighbourhoods in Oldham and Rochdale.”

The inspection took a close look as work to assemble sites for housing in East Central Rochdale, six neighbourhoods to the east of Rochdale town centre. A key thread of the regeneration strategy involves acquiring, clearing and subsequently redeveloping sites formerly occupied by industry, which were no longer appropriate so close to residential areas.