National Housing Federation’s Post

Housing policy: Disconnect or different perspectives? 🏠 In his latest article, Martin Walker explores the challenges in balancing ambitious housing goals with local government priorities. While central government pushes forward with targets to “get Britain building,” councils are facing complex, immediate issues—like temporary accommodation and stock condition—that go beyond new builds. Is there a true disconnect, or are we tackling shared challenges from different angles? 🤔 🔗 Read the full article on our website to learn more about Local Partnerships’ insights and support for councils navigating these critical housing issues: https://lnkd.in/eRiEyhaX 💻 We also have a free webinar on 7 November on practical guidance on housing delivery vehicles - sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eTW8MdmS #housingpolicy #homelessness

A new era in housing is upon us. 🏘️ In our latest blog, Associate Director, Bonnie Ross, unpacks Labour's housing targets, policy updates, and industry responses shaping the future of UK housing. Plus, discover what’s on the agenda for our Building New Communities Conference 2025 as we bring the industry together to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Read more: 👉 https://ow.ly/8VT350UkEKE #HousingCrisis #SustainableCommunities #BuildingNewCommunities #BNC25

What is the potential of shared ownership in solving the housing crisis? As part of our special 'Housing Matters' series, hear our Group Chief Executive Elizabeth Froude on a special panel that was assembled at the fringe of the Labour Party Conference last month to discuss the tenure. #UKHousing #SharedOwnership https://lnkd.in/eaJkYwFi

We have been calling for greater collaboration between departments and between parties for some time, and it's great to see that London Councils and Adam Hug representing the Local Government Association have both been quoted in the press calling for the same thing. One of the reasons there is a housing crisis is because there has been limited collaboration around what makes housing work - strategy, supply, and support. There have been too many unintended consequences of singular policies crashing into each other. By enshrining a 'duty to collaborate' we may see that social and affordable housing of all tenure types does what it is meant to do - it goes beyond just a roof, it's a life... because a home changes everything. The Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, The Conservative Party, Green Party of England and Wales, Keir Starmer, Sue Edmonds #housing #ukhousing #housingpolicy #londonproperty #policy #notforprofit #collaboration #housingcrisis

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the Think Tank Battle: The Big Conservative Housing Debate event, chaired by Noa of Next Gen Tories and included a panel from top think tanks including the Adam Institute, Policy Exchange, Onward and Centre for Policy Studies. With a housing supply crisis, soaring rents and a looming general election, it is certainly an interesting forum for debate. As many of the problems over the last 20 years still remain, shaping policies that ensure affordability, free up more land for development and tackle sustainability should be high up on the agenda for government of old and new! #housingcrisis #thinktanks #housingpolicy

🌟 Congratulations to Labour on winning the 2024 election! 🌟 This victory brings new hope and direction for the housing sector. Angela Rayner, with her lived experience in social housing, is well-positioned to drive meaningful change. Her background ensures she truly understands the challenges faced by many. Labour’s manifesto includes promising commitments: - £1.1bn a year to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes: This will make homes warmer and more sustainable. - A review of the planning system: Aimed at increasing housing development, this will streamline processes and encourage growth. - 300,000 new homes each year: With a focus on building social housing, this addresses a critical need for affordable housing. Housing was a high-profile issue in the election debates, and it’s crucial that we collaborate with elected officials to meet housing needs in our region. We look forward to building strong relationships with Linsey Farnsworth MP in Amber Valley and Stuart Andrew MP in Daventry. Together, we can continue providing great homes and services to our communities. The National Housing Federation has long advocated for a comprehensive housing plan, and we will be watching to see if this new government can deliver on that promise. Let's work together to ensure that these ambitious plans become a reality, improving lives and building stronger communities across the East Midlands and beyond. #LabourVictory #HousingSector #RachelReeves #SocialHousing #EnergyEfficiency #PlanningReform #CommunityDevelopment #NationalHousingFederation #LongTermPlan #EastMidlands #AmberValley #Daventry

Our voice has been heard. Housing Europe's call to action to lead the way out of the housing crisis during the EU 2024-2029 mandate is even more pertinent following the recent election results. The shortage of decent, affordable homes, affecting many across the continent, poses a fundamental challenge to the EU's core missions: social cohesion, access to quality housing, and regional development. So, in the next five years, what should the new Commission, Parliament, and Council prioritise to bring the EU project closer to its citizens? They must find a long-term solution for the place we cherish most—home. First and foremost, they should support public, cooperative, social, and community-led housing as the backbone of national housing systems. These examples can guide all other housing types. How? 🔴 The EU must establish a new Task Force, led by a European Commission Vice-President, to integrate a new housing paradigm throughout policymaking. 🔴 Implement a transformative fund that harmonizes 19+ existing tools and ensures that socially responsible renovations are financially supported annually. 🔴 Make housing exclusion a core component in the impact assessments for EU policies.

Duncan Enright of The CCP reports from the Local Government Association conference. A keynote speech by Baroness Taylor - under Secretary of State for Communities, Housing and Local Government to the assembled Local Government Coincillors. Baroness Taylor’s speech in highlights: ◦ everyone deserves a place to call home ◦ local govt absolutely essential ◦ right homes in right places ◦ strengthened housing targets, particularly on the grey belt ◦ don’t underestimate challenge of 1.5m… it will be a challenge but can be done ◦ legislate to streamline delivery of housing and infrastructure ◦ reform planning committees to focus on right applications ◦ reform CPO fair not excessive ◦ 10k responses to consultation on NPPF, respond in next couple of months ◦ affordable and social homes are quite different things ◦ homes for those who need them most ◦ new social homes, £450m for councils to provide homes for those at risk of homelessness ◦ right to buy will remain but discounts to be reviewed, protection for new social homes ◦ spending review in spring will consider affordable homes ◦ net zero - consult on energy efficiency certificates, housing standards review More detailed analysis later.

I just walked past the site of yesterday’s fire in Catford, a stark reminder of the troubling state of affairs in our industry. As Peter Apps eloquently articulates in his preview of the Grenfell Inquiry Report, there is “a common thread of a hollowed out state,” characterized by a pervasive sense of being “worn down, worn out, and lacking the resources to do much beyond managing the daily tasks.” A glance at the building's facade reveals broken windows, covered with temporary sheeting. This imagery underscores a narrative of underinvestment and neglect, where disrepair makes the likelihood of fire almost inevitable. This issue extends beyond the London Borough of Lewisham; it is mirrored in cities across the UK. The root causes are societal and social democratic issues that current and future governments must address. These challenges are the foundation of our present crisis. We see the impact of these issues in every aspect of life—healthcare, social care, education, transportation, security, and utilities. What we need is a fundamental shift in approach, one that prioritises the wellbeing of all UK residents, creating a society we can be proud of and feel safe in.

A major change in the way we do government outside Westminster looks like it's on the way. The East Midlands has already gained an elected Mayor and East Midlands Combined County Authority this year, but a new goverment White Paper launched today by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Local Government Minister Jim McMahon could increase Mayoral powers and ultimately lead to a restructure of local government that could see a reduction in the numbers of councils. It could also lead to increased powers at regional level related to transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate change, health, wellbeing and public service reform, and public safety. This is only a discussion paper rather than a fully-fledged Bill to go before Parliament, but you can find out more here - https://lnkd.in/eQ6BpyBP #localgov #infrastructure #investment #housing #regeneration