Section 189 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the Act”), which is brought into force on 1st April 2012 (“the commencement date”), introduces a definition of England in respect of the Homes and Communities Agency’s objects which excludes Greater London. It also makes other amendments to Part 1 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 to exclude Greater London from references to England. The purpose of these changes is to facilitate the transfer of the functions of the Agency, in so far as they relate to Greater London, to the Greater London Authority (“the Authority”).

This Order makes amendments to secondary legislation, additional to the amendments to primary legislation contained in the Act, which are consequential on the modification of the Homes and Communities Agency’s objects and the transfer of its property, assets and liabilities to the Authority (article 3 and schedule 1).

The amendments in the Act, and in secondary legislation, are subject to transitional and savings provisions, the purpose of which is to ensure continuity between things done by the Homes and Communities Agency in or in relation to Greater London prior to the commencement date, and the assumption by the Authority of its new functions (article 4 and schedule 2).

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.