ICSH AHB Collaboration Programme 2026 Launch
The ICSH AHB Collaboration Programme has been established to support collaboration and consolidation projects in the AHB sector. Projects such as mergers between smaller bodies, takeovers involving smaller and larger AHBs, the establishment of group service arrangements for AHBs and any other relevant initiatives leading to the re-organisation and rationalisation of the AHB sector are all eligible for support under the programme which is now entering its fifth year and which has supported over thirty projects to date. Successful projects have so far taken place across Care & Support, Elderly, Homelessness, Mental Health and General Needs housing providers.
About the AHB Collaboration Programme
The ICSH AHB Collaboration Programme aims to support collaboration and consolidation initiatives in the AHB sector. The programme is administered by the ICSH using funds received from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and it is designed to support projects where two or more AHBs come together to progress a consolidation, restructuring or housing management initiative. Click here for for further information on the collaboration fund and the AHB projects it supports.
This programme is a coordinated response from the ICSH and has emerged in response to current issues in the sector, such as board renewal and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, as well as encouraging AHBs to work more effectively with each other on housing management and collaboration initiatives.
The 2026 Collaboration Programme will continue to support smaller AHBs that wish to consolidate. It is also available for larger scale projects and collaborative working such as establishing a services company or shared administrative service between AHBs. Exploratory work into collaborative initiatives between AHBs that drive efficiencies in the sector (such as procurement panels) will also be considered.
To make an application for support under the fund, an AHB should complete the accompanying application form. The deadline for receipt of fully completed applications form is 5.00pm on Friday 27th March 206.
AHB Collaboration Programme 2026 Information Webinar
An information webinar was held on Tuesday 17th February at 12.30pm to detail previous projects and to answer any questions from those interested in putting in an application for 2026. Click here to download the presentation