The Bermuda Housing Corporation has yet to establish an affordable housing strategy, a report by Cabinet?s Central Policy Unit revealed.

The report calls for greater transparency within the BHC, better management of public funds, a sound business plan with an established strategy for providing low-cost housing and better communication with the public, particularly landlords.

With a whole section devoted to the 2002 BHC scandal, the report, which was made available this week, lays out a list of recommendations for the quango to follow if it wants to succeed in its mandate.

The aim of the report was to review Bermuda?s 17 quangos and to find out if each semi-autonomous body is meeting Government?s needs.

The Cabinet report devotes a substantial section to areas in the BHC which need improvement and points out that the organisation lacks key personnel and clear performance indicators to monitor progress.

The report also suggests the BHC find ?a balance between sound fiscal policies without losing the social objective? as it draws heavily on a large loan facility.

The report states that it would be prudent for the quango to do so as Government grapples with the issue of limited resources.

The report recommends that in the immediate future a review of financial instruction procedures is an avenue for the quango to pursue.

The report recommends that the BHC improve its public image and increase its efficiency.

It states: ?The BHC must further encourage the private sector to invest financing in BHC initiatives to provide affordable housing.

?An agenda of solutions pursued in partnership with the private sector landlord and the international business sector may lead to a flattening of the housing rental market.

?Forging stronger partnerships with non-profit agencies could prove to be rewarding.?

The report also calls for a research component and a greater commitment from the BHC to improving its ability to gather and analyse relevant statistics relating to housing.

Other suggestions included filling positions, such as a management accountant, as quickly as possible.

The report states ?the absence of an accountant will undoubtedly impact on the financial continuity of the operation.

?Moreover it influences the operational processes as it relates to BHC capital acquisitions and housing stock portfolio.

?The absence of this post undoubtedly delays the development of a needed business plan.?

Another position which must be filled, according to the report, is that of a human resources personnel manager to address labour relations issues, recruitment and training and union negotiations.

Other steps to take to improve the BHC image would be introducing a scheduled calendar of meetings to ?improve the public perception of the organisation as it relates to issues of transparency and communication.?

The authors of the report are Ianthia Wade, corporate services officer Marva Jean O?Brien, Alexandra Storie, an information technology officer seconded from accountants KPMG, and Oronde Walker.