iN business for neighbourhoods was launched in September 2003. iN is an alliance of housing associations within the National Housing Federation working to create good neighbourhoods in cities, towns and villages across England.

The campaign aims to correct the perception that housing associations only provide poor quality homes for the poor, the deprived and the vulnerable - and little else. These opinions were gathered by a MORI survey in 2001 commissioned by the Federation and surprised many in the sector, including us.

The key focus of the campaign is putting pride back into communities, making them places where people want to live. This sits well with New Charter's mission statement and our WIN programme introduced in 2002.

The Federation consulted extensively on this campaign, including input from us. The Federation itself remarks that many of the more recent stock transfer organisations like New Charter are actually implementing this agenda already. The same, however, is not true of the sector. As our trade organisation, the Federation is right to ensure that we are all promoting the strength of the sector.

The key position statement drawn up following this consultation is fivefold:

We are in business for neighbourhoods.
We put our energy into creating places where people want to live.
We invest in a range of services as well as homes.
We are independent social businesses.
We work with local people and partner organisations to deliver results.

The Federation asked housing associations that sign up for the campaign to make three broad commitments:

1. A commitment to neighbourhoods.
2. A commitment to customers.
3. A commitment to excellence.