How CHoSS can help your council deliver more homes.
The Council Housebuilding Support Service (CHoSS) provides free, tailored improvement support across a set of core themes. These themes address common challenges councils face when building homes. We continue to refine and improve the offer based on feedback from councils engaging with the programme.
How support works
Once a council gets in touch, the process is simple and designed around your needs:
1. Introductory conversation
Your regional adviser will set up a short call to understand your priorities and challenges.
2. Self-assessment
If CHoSS feels like the right fit, we will invite you to complete the CHoSS self-assessment. This helps identify strengths, gaps and areas where support will have the greatest impact.
3. Bespoke support package
Your Senior Adviser will use your self-assessment to shape a tailored support offer. This may include:
advisory support
practical tools and templates
workshops or learning sessions
peer-to-peer activity
short-term or embedded delivery support.
4. Delivered by LGA and Local Partnerships
Support is provided by expert teams across the LGA and through our partnership with Local Partnerships, ensuring councils can access both strategic guidance and practical delivery capability.
This clear and collaborative process ensures councils receive the right support at the right time.
Our support areas
Below are the themes CHoSS can support councils with. Full details of specific activities and support types are available on request.
Helping councils build the strategic leadership, governance and confidence needed for delivery.
Support includes:
strategy development or refresh
corporate leadership support and member engagement
SRO development and skills support
governance and assurance frameworks
workforce and structure reviews (DMA methodology)
peer learning and leadership development activity.
Support for both stock-holding and non-stock-holding councils.
We offer:
guidance on HRA setup, management and business planning
HRA business plan review and modelling
pptions appraisal for councils without an HRA
policy templates and internal process checklists
legal and financial signposting
support for councils undergoing LGR.
We are developing a comprehensive HRA Manual, which will serve as a long-term resource for councils.
We help councils understand delivery routes and funding options.
Support includes:
bid writing guidance and business case development
options appraisal for delivery vehicles
review of council-owned housing companies
procurement and legal considerations
funding 'cocktail' case studies
advice on working with combined authorities and strategic partners.
Helping councils secure, prioritise and progress development opportunities.
A Senior Regional Adviser will arrange an introductory call and guide you through the next steps.
Meet the team
Debbie leads the overall design, delivery and development of the CHoSS programme, overseeing engagement with councils, strategic partners and government.
She brings extensive experience working across local government improvement, strategic housing, organisational design and major programme delivery.
