Powers
93General
(1)The regulator may do anything it thinks necessary or expedient for the purpose of or in connection with the performance of a function conferred on it by this Part or another enactment.
(2)In particular, the regulator may do anything it thinks appropriate for advancing its fundamental objectives.
94Studies
(1)The regulator may carry out or commission studies designed to improve the economy, effectiveness and efficiency of registered providers.
(2)The regulator may publish a report on a study.
95Financial assistance
(1)The regulator may, where it thinks it advances a fundamental objective, give financial assistance to a person in connection with—
(a)undertaking research,
(b)preparing guidance,
(c)developing and publicising best practice, or
(d)facilitating the management of social housing by tenants.
(2)Financial assistance under subsection (1) may be given—
(a)by way of grant,
(b)by way of loan,
(c)by defraying expenditure on behalf of a person, or
(d)in any other way except purchasing loan or share capital of a body corporate or giving a guarantee or indemnity.
(3)The regulator may, where it thinks it advances a fundamental objective, give financial assistance to a registered provider by—
(a)lending money to or in respect of the registered provider, or
(b)giving a guarantee or indemnity in respect of the registered provider.
(4)Financial assistance may be given under subsection (3) only with the consent of the Secretary of State (given with the approval of the Treasury).
(5)Financial assistance under subsection (1) or (3) may be given on conditions (which may include provision for repayment, with or without interest).
96Evidence
In considering whether to exercise a power under this Part the regulator may have regard to information or opinions from any source including, in particular, from—
(a)tenants,
(b)bodies representing tenants,
(c)local housing authorities, or
(d)an ombudsman appointed by virtue of section 124.
97Information, advice etc.
(1)The regulator may for the purpose of advancing its fundamental objectives—
(a)publish ideas or information;
(b)undertake research in relation to social housing;
(c)provide guidance, advice, education or training.
(2)The regulator may for that purpose—
(a)arrange for another person to do anything within subsection (1)(a) to (c);
(b)act jointly with, cooperate with or assist another person doing anything within subsection (1)(a) to (c).
(3)The persons to whom advice may be given under subsection (1) include—
(a)unregistered housing associations (as defined by section 2B of the Housing Associations Act 1985 (c. 69)), and
(b)persons who may be forming a housing association (within the meaning of section 1(1) of that Act).
98Tenant involvement
(1)The regulator shall—
(a)promote awareness of the regulator’s functions among tenants of social housing,
(b)where the regulator thinks it appropriate, consult them about the exercise of its functions (for example, by holding meetings), and
(c)where the regulator thinks it appropriate, involve them in the exercise of its functions (for example, by appointing them to committees or sub-committees).
(2)The regulator shall from time to time publish a statement about how it proposes to comply with subsection (1).
(3)Before publishing a statement the regulator must consult such persons as it thinks appropriate.