The group has been set up to provide ideas and help the Government set out proposals for the terms on how the scheme will work and how loans will be distributed. The proposals are expected in time for the Government's Autumn Statement in December.
The focus group comprises the National Housing Federation as well as housing associations and DCLG officials. According to reports, there has been confusion among housing associations as to how the guarantees would work and how they could be accessed.
The Government announced the guarantee scheme last month as part of its major planning and housing package. It was set up to enable housing providers to raise a debt with a Government guarantee and to give assurance to investors. Under the scheme, the Government will enable providers to raise debt with a Government guarantee where they commit to investing in additional new-build rented homes. As part of the scheme, the Government aims for £2.5bn of the guarantees to be used to deliver 15,000 new affordable homes.
