Projects

Time Series Database

Each year, the vast majority of Housing Associations registered with the Housing Corporation are required to complete the Corporation's Regulatory and Statistical Return (RSR). This is important because it provides the Housing Corporation with key data used in its approach to regulating the sector. As well as collecting data about the core rental stock the survey also collects information about wider activities such as low cost home ownership and other leasehold management activities, plus key management information, for example about staffing. The RSR thus provides a potential time-series of data on the HA sector in England from 1989 onwards. However, the data has been used mainly for producing annual reports and the Housing Corporation does not hold the data in a way that facilitates longitudinal analysis. Furthermore in 2002 the approach to data collection adopted by the RSR changed radically and as a result a new time-series of data commences from that year. The research team at Dataspring have therefore constructed two linked relational databases with which longitudinal analysis of this rich data source can be carried out. This can be used to both historically to provide evidence of trends and to promote forward-looking scenario planning for the future of the sector. Outputs from this project also include variable 'maps' showing the changing structure of the RSR through time, a technical Briefing Paper outlining the creation of the databases and linking tables, a short series of Briefing Papers giving examples of time series analysis on themes linked to data from different Parts of the RSR and a fuller report that includes background to the policy, financial and regulatory changes that underlie changes in the HA sector since 1989.

For interactive access to parts of this dataset please click here.

Contact:
Daniel Banks

Funder(s):
Tenant Services Authority