As finances continue to tighten, councils are looking for more ways to address budgetary shortfalls while addressing local issues. Many are turning to housing companies which not only generate much needed revenue, but also meet many authorities' desire to be more proactive in the supply of local housing.

In responding to increased pressures in the past few years, many councils across England are adopting more entrepreneurial approaches to safeguard service delivery. This is taking numerous forms ranging from establishing complex joint ventures with the private sector to establishing wholly-owned trading companies.