Lee Sugden, Chief Executive, Salix Homes and NHC Board member At the last count, there were over 600,000 empty homes in England – that equates to two years’ worth of the Government’s targets for new home completions. Of those, more than 200,000 are classed as long-term empty, in that they’ve stood empty for more than […]
Advice was published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) on 18 December last year on ‘external wall systems that do not incorporate Aluminium Composite Material’ – in other words, buildings where the type of cladding used on the Grenfell Tower is not present. Despite this, MHCLG has advised that there are […]
Thirteen’s employability service has launched a new scheme to support young people aged 16-24 from County Durham into work (funded by DurhamWorks as part of the Youth Employment Initiative). Over recent years Thirteen has extended its employability portfolio, delivering services for both tenants and the wider public. Our support progressing individuals into work has provided […]
Landlords have a legal requirement to ensure that a property is safe before letting it to a new tenant and local authorities have a statutory duty to keep the housing conditions in their area under review. It is now almost thirteen years since the introduction of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Introduced […]
The new independent Affordable Housing Commission (AHC) is chaired by Lord Best and includes housing experts and parliamentarian commissioners. The Smith Institute will act as secretariat to the commission and the NHC will be supporting the commission by holding an event on 1 March 2019 (this event focuses on the North East and Yorkshire and […]
The cross-party forum for parliamentarians to discuss and advance northern specific housing challenges, the APPG Housing in the North, met again this week to explore further how housing can play a central role in supporting personal health. The group, made up of MP’s and Lords of all political persuasions, heard from a range of speakers […]
Landlords have a legal requirement to ensure that a property is safe before letting it to a new tenant and local authorities have a statutory duty to keep the housing conditions in their area under review. It is now almost thirteen years since the introduction of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Introduced […]
On 20 March 2019, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (The Act) comes into force in England and Wales amending sections 8 to 10 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The Act creates an obligation on landlords to make sure dwellings provided are fit for human habitation from the start of their […]
In 2016, Plus Dane, in partnership with SHAP, was awarded the Refugee Resettlement Contract for Halton Borough Council; Halton are a great Council to work with and there was a coalition of the willing. The contract fitted well with the social and moral purpose of our organisation. And so began a new strand of […]
Karl Dickman, Product Manager at Home Group, explains why he set up the Housing Association Digital Forum and how already it’s been a great success. I started the Housing Association Digital Forum in September 2018 with the first participants invited from the North East, and Yorkshire and Humber. I set it up, primarily, because I […]
Liam Gregson, Member Engagement Officer, Northern Housing Consortium With austerity swelling social housing’s role as an ‘ambulance service’ for vulnerable groups, it is unsurprising that the mental health problems faced by residents has come increasingly into focus. Research by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute has suggested that one in three people living in […]
The Social Housing Commission (the Commission) is an independent cross-party body which was set up by housing charity Shelter. On 08 January 2019 the Commission returned a year’s worth of findings in the form of a report entitled ‘Building for our future: A vision for social housing’ which aims to bolster tenants’ rights in the […]
The Social Housing Green Paper published last year included a specific question around how residents can be supported by their landlords to ensure their homes are safe. A Call for Evidence – available here – has been issued to understand what safety issues are most important, the extent to which current engagement works and what […]
Over the summer Homes England launched the Community Housing Fund (CHF) (£163m). Both phase 1 revenue support and phase 2 capital funds are now open for bids. At Homes England we are supporting community led housing activity and we know through enquiries and actual bids that communities are developing projects throughout the region. An element […]
In this article, Ward Hadaway discusses the renewed focus on modular (formerly known as ‘prefab’) housebuilding, particularly in light of the latest Affordable Housing Supply figures, published on 22 November 2018. The recent statistics The Affordable Housing Supply 2017-2018 figures, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, show a staggering 78% reduction […]
As 2018 draws to a close, this will be my last Christmas message as Chief Executive of the NHC, as I will be retiring next spring and handing the reins over to our Deputy Chief Executive, Tracy Harrison. I look forward to seeing her take the organisation from strength to strength. In the years I’ve […]
The appetite for mergers, group structures and amalgamations within the housing sector does not appear to be slowing, fuelled by the need to realise efficiencies, increase financial resilience and to create the capacity to increase the supply of much needed new homes. As Torus, a north-west based group comprising Golden Gates Housing Trust and Helena […]
Tracy Harrison, Deputy Chief Executive, Northern Housing Consortium Last month’s Budget delivered some welcome certainties and a shift in sentiment from government towards working with the social housing sector as part of the solution. The one clear certainty was the commitment to the national supply target of 300,000 new builds a year, this was despite […]
Our lives today are dominated by technology, from smartphones, to social networks, to the IoT, all of which we are now using daily in our places of work – and housing providers are no exception to this trend. As a result, hardly a day goes by without a mention of the need to transform digitally […]
Yvonne Castle, new NHC Board member and Chief Executive of Johnnie Johnson Housing When we talk about our pending crisis of an increasing population in the UK due to ageing we think about: pressure on the NHS; woeful Residential Care (at Southern Cross, winterbourne view and more recently Allied Healthcare), the scale of dementia issues, […]
Please help the Environment Agency by supporting their Flood Action Campaign which will launch between now and the end of the year in their next ‘torrential rain window’. The aim of the campaign is to target and educate 18-30 year olds about flooding and what they can do to minimise damage and any related emotional […]
The way we work has changed drastically in recent years. All organisations, regardless of sector, are now dependent on technology to some degree – unsurprising, given how much digital technologies have impacted our lives both in and out of work. Housing providers in particular are among those beginning to employ digital transformation strategies, looking to […]
With NHS Mental Health Trusts facing unprecedented levels of pressure it’s unsurprising that many in the field are looking for new ways to respond to the challenges they face. In this environment, it is becoming increasingly clear that housing is a key issue for their service users and that by integrating housing services and expertise […]
The government has published a consultation on its social housing rent policy from 2020. The document reflects the government announcement in October 2017 of the intention to permit registered providers to increase their rents by up to CPI+1% each year, for a period of at least 5 years. For the first time, the government intends […]
ValueLicensing are pre-owned Microsoft licencing specialists based in the UK. We support both the Private and Public Sector to save up to 70% on their licensing requirements. For over nine years, 3,300 businesses throughout the UK and Europe have benefited from purchasing pre-owned licences from ValueLicensing, representing a total saving in excess of £20 Million. […]
Along with the rest of the sector the Northern Housing Consortium had been anticipating the publication of a Social Housing Green Paper for some time. So, when the document was finally released on 14th August, it was important for the NHC to bring members together and take full advantage of the opportunity to give detailed […]
The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) was delighted to join Lord Best and a variety of stakeholders in delivering the recent Rural Housing for an Ageing Population Conference. Alongside ADASS, Housing LIN, and the LGA, the NHC welcomed over one hundred delegates to the Harrogate Convention Centre to explore the opportunities and challenges of providing fit-for-purpose […]
One area of interest contained in the recently published Social Housing Green Paper was the renewed focus on neighbourhood management and addressing anti-social behaviour as a core component of the ‘new deal’ between tenants and landlords. This work has always been vital and respected as such by social housing providers, yet it was notable to […]
The long awaited, much trailed Social Housing Green Paper announced by the former Secretary of State for Housing as a “wide-ranging, top-to-bottom review of the issues facing the sector” and by the current Secretary of State as “a landmark opportunity for major reform” was finally published on 14 August. It was published alongside: A Review […]
Remember that there are increasing opportunities for affordable housing through the remaining unallocated funding within the SOAHP – Shared Ownership Affordable Housing Programme. Partners are therefore encouraged to speak to Homes England Contract and Relationship Managers at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss project requirements and grant needs to be taken through continuous market engagement […]
Over the past year Government policy has understandably turned to focus on the social housing sector and particularly the needs of residents. Against this backdrop, a strong attendance of over 100 tenants and housing staff attended the National Resident Involvement Conference in York to make sense of the recent changes in housing policy as well […]
The Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme is open for bidding – funding is available for a range of tenures. We offer increased flexibility in 18/19 and beyond – using our land, working in collaboration and encouraging new entrants into the programme. Talk to your Homes England Contract Manger or email Victoria.Keen@homesengland.gov.uk for more details. […]
In the year that we celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS, we often forget that the man credited with its creation, Nye Bevan, was not just the Minister for Health, but also for Housing. His vision for the creation of the NHS was equally matched by a vision of a country living in new […]
Chief Executives from the NHC membership were present at the last meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group Housing in North (APPG HiN) to hear how innovative approaches were being used to support older people to live independent lives. APPG HiN Chair Ian Mearns MP also welcomed Lord Best, who updated attendees on the APPG […]
The Homes England NEYTH team would like to say a huge thank you for all your hard work to achieve such a fantastic result for 17/18. From a position of being significantly under programmed in September 17, working closely with our RP partners, we ended up in a position where we could have exceeded our […]
For over 18 years the Northern Housing Consortium’s Anti-Social Behaviour Study Group has provided an invaluable forum for stakeholders to meet, discuss, and develop the services they provide. Group members, taken from the NHC membership and beyond, have heard from expert speakers outlining the changes and challenges brought about by government policies. These have included […]
Despite the terrible weather conditions that blighted the final week of February, a strong group of intrepid adventurers braved the elements on the 27th to attend the North West Housing Forum’s Debate on Regeneration. The Forum, which is supported by the NHC, brings together the housing officers, Board Members, and Elected Members of the North […]
Melanie Rees, CIH CIH’s Rethinking Social Housing project is now in full swing. Formally launched in January, we wanted to get a national debate going about the role and purpose of social housing – and we’ve been blown away by the response we’ve had! We developed a toolkit to help people to hold their own […]
Now there’s a question to get the brain cells working. For many, to even question the assertion that planned maintenance delivers value for money is heresy. But is it? Given that the vast majority of social housing has been modernised in the last 15 years and most have “reasonably modern” facilities, is continuing with component […]
In its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: a look at what’s in store for the housing sector in 2018. On entering 2018, we reflect on the main outcomes of 2017 for the housing sector […]
IamYiam is a health platform that creates personalised health and fitness activities and nutrition plans based on science, genetics and history. The company has written the following piece as an introduction to NHC members. If your body is a temple, how can you worship it every day? It’s a good question, and one that probably […]
In November 2017, the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) welcomed more than 100 delegates to our 7th Annual National Tenant Panels Conference Focusing on the voice of our customers — Innovation, efficiency and effectiveness in partnership with Yvonne Davies at Tenant Advisor. The event was chaired by Tom Miskell, Chair of the NHC […]
As 2017 draws to a close, I am sure we can all agree this has been a very turbulent year for the housing sector; a year with many positives including more recognition of the importance of housing, but with the awful tragedy of Grenfell never far from our thoughts. We saw the Government focus on […]
We welcomed close to 70 delegates to Leeds for Tackling and Preventing Homelessness: The Role of the Housing Sector, delivered in partnership with Locata. With a mix of local authorities and housing providers in attendance and a great range of speakers, this event proved to be informative and insightful with lots […]
On 1st October 2017, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced proposals to address the imbalance of power in the private rented market by regulating letting and managing agents. A call for evidence sought views on a new regulatory model and how best to protect and empower tenants and leaseholders. The Northern […]
The Homelessness Reduction Act recently became law and is due to be enacted in April 2018. The Draft Homelessness Code of Guidance provides direction on how local authorities should meet the requirements of homelessness legislation and has been updated to include information on the Homelessness Reduction Act. The revised draft guidance is now open for consultation until […]
DCLG publishes consultation on draft homelessness code of guidance The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published a draft statutory code of guidance which will accompany the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA), due to come into force in April 2018. The DCLG has now published a revised draft the Homelessness Code of Guidance (“Code”) […]
As housing associations battle reduced government subsidies and increased regulatory requirements, they face an uphill struggle to increase productivity without a significant outlay. One way in which organisations are looking to increase output and reduce expenditure is through digital transformation. By updating processes related to IT and procurement, housing associations and housing groups in […]
More services like Universal Credit are being transferred online – but at what cost to providers and end users? Mark McCusker, CEO of assistive technology specialists Texthelp highlights the importance of digital inclusion for housing associations and their residents. To describe the ongoing rollout of Universal Credit as an interesting challenge for UK housing associations […]
In its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: disrepair. Asset management is a fundamental issue for Registered Providers – the quality and quantity of their housing stock have a direct impact upon their finances and […]
Building on the leadership and management training opportunities running over the next few months, the NHC has partnered with Abode – the home of education and training for the housing and community sectors, to offer three new courses designed specifically for those on the frontline of housing management. Here, Abode training consultants Gill Bramfitt and […]
“What if we train them and they leave?” “What if we don’t and they stay?” I love this quote as it says a lot about the way we approach training and development in our teams. I often hear of businesses reducing the amount of training they provide when the pressure is on. Whether it is […]
In its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: social housing risk profiling. What are the main financial risks facing social housing providers? This is one of the things which the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) […]
In its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Building Safety programme. The Grenfell Tower tragedy has focused attention on the quality and safety of high-rise buildings across […]
Change in the social and affordable housing sector is constant. The last two years have put paid to any notion otherwise. From the rent cut to the Housing and Planning Act 2016, from the reclassification decision by the Office of National Statistics to the deregulation of housing associations, and from two general elections with the […]
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will change the way tenant data is dealt with. From 25th May 2018, all organisations will need to ensure they comply with the new data protection legislation. At this stage the social housing sector needs to be aware of the changes and should start reviewing documentation, and whether processes […]
Customer profiling has climbed housing providers’ list of priorities again recently after an apparent lull. More than ever, finances are tight in our sector and providers must be sure that resources are targeted where they will make the greatest impact. Painting a detailed picture of customers can help do that. From a purely commercial perspective, […]
The challenge of providing housing for our ageing population is often talked about in our sector and we’re all too aware of the competing factors at play when trying to meet this need. When it comes to a deprived area in the middle of much-needed but not yet completed regeneration, the need for an innovative approach […]
In February’s Housing White Paper the Government moved away from its broad focus on encouraging home ownership, something that was front and centre of the David Cameron administration, in favour of helping to fix the housing market so that more people across the country can have the security of a decent place to live. We […]
We live in a rapidly ageing society. A girl born today has a 50% chance of reaching 100. By 2024, one in four of us will be over 60 and 2m people will be over 85. Although many will start our ‘old age’ healthy and active, we will inevitably become frailer as the growth in […]
More than 40 housing estates across the North are set to benefit from a significant investment from the £32 million pound Estate Regeneration Fund to help kick-start their regeneration. The funding awards for northern registered providers, which account for 42% of all the bids, represent a significant investment in regeneration in the North of England […]
As 2016 draws to a close there will be many things we will reflect upon – significant political developments both nationally and internationally, a recognition that housing should be seen as part of the nation’s infrastructure needs, the planned creation of a separate regulator for the social housing sector, changes to the Housing & Planning […]
Since the Housing and Planning Bill came into being the NHC has sought to work constructively with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to ensure it fully understood the issues that could arise from the “pay to stay” policy. The civil servants we engaged with were always keen to hear the views of NHC members and […]
The Northern Housing Consortium has today released its ‘Impact of Universal Credit, Round 2’ report. The second in a series of four (read here), this report builds on the results of the first report published in July (read here). The research investigates how the implementation and continuing rollout of Universal Credit is affecting housing organisations […]
Last month the NHC facilitated a roundtable in Leeds for NHC members and the Department for Work and Pensions representatives from the Universal Credit Programme Team. Among the DWP delegates were Andrew Clarke, Delivery Partners & External Engagement, Universal Credit Programme and Elaine Baker, Universal Credit Programme (Strategy). The session provided members the opportunity to […]
In mid-September Office of National Statistics (ONS) published estimates of employment, unemployment, economic inactivity and other employment-related statistics for the UK. It shows that nationally, between February to April 2016 and May to July 2016, the number of people in work increased. The number of unemployed people and the number of people not working and […]
Northern Housing Consortium member Berneslai Homes is looking to appoint new board members. The positions available are: Chair Audit Chair Independent Board Member To apply for any of these positions, please visit the Berneslai Homes vacancies pages where you can also find out more about apprenticeships. Berneslai Homes was recently shortlisted for the Best Apprenticeship Scheme award […]
The Government has announced an exemption from the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap for those tenants living in hostels and supported housing but is proceeding with the 1% rent cut. In a written statement to Parliament, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Damian Green, said that he would defer the imposition of the LHA cap on […]
In mid-July, the Government published affordability ratios by every local authority in the country up to 2015. The affordability ratios are calculated using ONS House Prices Statistics (based on Land Registry data) and earnings from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. The earnings relate to the respondents’ place of work rather than place of […]
In something of a baptism of fire, with some members of the CLG team having only been in place for 24 hours, the new ministerial team made their debut at CLG Questions on Monday 18th July. The NHC have prepared a summary of the session below and the full Hansard entry for the session can […]
There have been many articles in the housing press post-Brexit about how the decision to leave the European Union has or will impact on the housing market. By analysing the latest Department of Communities and Local Government house-building data, we try to show if builders’ confidence was affected by the prospect of Brexit. This article […]
The first round of surveys for the NHC’s Universal Credit research is now complete and data analysis and report writing is underway. The project is designed to collate intelligence around the on-going issues for participating organisations and their tenants/residents during roll out of Universal Credit. The next project milestones will be: Publication of Report 1 […]
The NHC as a membership body, facilitates three regional Policy Networks across the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humberside. The North East Policy Network has been up and running for many years, and recently has grown and attracted interest from even more members across the north east. The Yorkshire & Humber and North West Policy Networks are […]
This is the first in a series of briefings, produced by the Northern Housing Consortium, covering off-site manufacturing and modular housing and the role it might play in addressing the shortage of new homes in the UK. The briefings will cover the many aspects of off-site construction including the financial case, accreditation, sustainability and energy […]
As part of the NHC’s work highlighting the best practice of our members, we are delighted to host a guest blog from Jon Jackson from the Digital Projects Team at Adactus Housing Group about innovative ways to ‘game’ resident involvement. The Digital Projects Team was established at Adactus Housing Group in 2015 to deliver work […]
The Northern Housing Summit is just around the corner and I look forward to welcoming you to Manchester as we meet to debate “Delivering the Northern Powerhouse: the role of housing”. This year we have two themes running through the Summit – unlocking investment and delivery in the north and delivering public sector reform. Both […]
Adactus Housing Group has unveiled a plaque on a bungalow to mark completion of the 500th new home built by the Group in Chorley since 2007. Adactus Chief Executive Paul Lees unveiled the plaque on Thirlmere Road, Chorley on Tuesday 19th January 2016. The 500 homes, built by Chorley Community Housing (CCH) and Adactus Housing […]
Across the North, NHC members are breaking new ground, delivering innovation and excellence, and transforming communities. Central to our role as a membership body is our ability to share your stories and connect members around themes, projects and ideas. It is this connectivity that is the lifeblood of the NHC’s role as “the voice of […]
Across the North of England the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016 has been characterised by Storm Desmond, Storm Eva and unnamed but continuous rainfall this week across the North East. For me, the rain and storms have caused minor inconvenience but for some communities it has resulted in devastating losses – homes in […]
A young entrepreneur from Tynedale in Northumberland has taken her first steps into running her own cleaning business thanks to a loan funded by her landlord. Charlotte Dunn, 27, already had some experience in the cleaning industry but wanted to be her own boss. She needed a small amount of capital upfront to afford a […]
Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) has worked collaboratively with a local church and community to transform a disused and unsightly area of grassland into a new housing development. KHT, part of the First Ark Group, has developed 14 new properties available at affordable rent on St George’s Road, Huyton on waste land adjacent to St George’s […]
We are delighted to announce that we have now successfully completed the standstill period for our new TECS – Product framework. We will be soon starting the contract /membership process with the approved supply partners for this framework. The framework is due to be launched on the 16th November.
Healthy meals and family learning activities are being offered to 28 families in Brinnington this summer thanks to Stockport Homes and Holiday Kitchen.
We are delighted to announce that due to high demand from our members, we have commenced working on the development of a new framework for Heating Systems.
Following the submission deadline for the PQQ stage of the framework development all successful applicants have been invited to the next stage – Invitation to Tender (ITT). The ITT is due to be evaluated early September 2015.
Affordable homes have risen from the ashes of a firebombed pub. The Cygnet at Birkenhead in Wirral stood empty and neglected until the landmark building was rescued by Regenda Homes.
To coincide with Carer’s Week, Callum Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the NHC, has examined potential changes – good and bad – that could affect carers in the UK.
It’s clear from yesterday’s Queen Speech that much of the Conservative Party manifesto was well-represented. Big ticket policies such as the extension of right to buy to housing associations, reducing the welfare cap, removing housing benefit eligibility from 18 to 21 year old job seekers and doubling the entitlement to free childcare were all there.
Two leading social landlords operating along the length of Hadrian’s Wall and beyond, are joining forces in a new, cooperative company, to provide cost effective heating services to their customers.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group is investing in the future of Wythenshawe and supporting the Homes for Britain campaign by building new homes for residents of Wythenshawe.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) has been named as a leader in people management practice globally, having been shortlisted in two categories for Gold Employer of the Year and Excellence in Reward and Recognition in the second annual Investors in People Awards.
WCHG, working in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, Better Things and Zurich Community Trust are supporting a new feature film to highlight the untapped talent of people with learning disabilities.
As part of the national ‘Open Doors’ weekend (6-7th March 2015) that sees construction groups opening their doors to interesting sites, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and their contractor, Galliford Try, welcomed Wythenshawe MP Mike Kane and local students to Village 135.
Staff at North Star Housing Group are celebrating after being named as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-for-Profit Organisations to Work For, having been awarded 14th place at a glittering awards ceremony in London this week. As well as the top 20 accolade, North Star was also awarded Best Companies 3 Star Accreditation […]
A derelict Cheshire paper factory has been transformed into a stylish new housing development. The first families have begun moving into West Avenue in Crewe where the Regenda Group housing association has turned an eyesore brownfield site into eye-catching houses and flats. The properties are being offered at affordable rents, allowing local families to move […]
A dozen elderly residents from South Tyneside are glad to be settling into high specification, highly insulated new bungalows at the coldest time of the year. The £1.3m Isos development on Derwent Avenue in Hebburn has only recently been completed, with residents able to move into their new homes last month. Located on the site […]
The NHC believes that locally driven regeneration and a strengthened housing supply are critical to achieving the growth needed across the North to develop and rebalance our economy. Current policy does not recognise or achieve this.
Newly refurbished sheltered accommodation offering an independent lifestyle has been officially opened in Leeds. Ingram Court in Holbeck has benefited from a substantial make-over by sc4L as part of the council’s housing regeneration project. Built in 1976, the building has now undergone a major transformation to provide 23 modern apartments for over sixties. Tenants are […]
Skills, better health, qualifications, life saving knowledge, and crucially jobs have all been gained by the impressive graduates from a football-inspired employability course.
Social landlord Isos has committed to supporting the crucial work of the West Northumberland Food Bank (WNFB) for a second year to help feed those in need.
Tenants have been officially handed the keys to their newly built council homes which are just some of the 1,000 properties being delivered as part of an ambitious drive to provide new council homes in the city.
The Regenda Group has become one of the first housing associations in the country to arm its residents with a simple gadget to help wipe out condensation.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) was delighted to welcome Councillor Susan Cooley, Lord Mayor of Manchester, to officially launch Village 135, a new £20m Extra Care Scheme for Wythenshawe and South Manchester on Friday, 8th August 2014.
Could tackling the empty homes epidemic help solve the housing crisis?
|Blog |by dellwoodLee Sugden, Chief Executive, Salix Homes and NHC Board member At the last count, there were over 600,000 empty homes in England – that equates to two years’ worth of the Government’s targets for new home completions. Of those, more than 200,000 are classed as long-term empty, in that they’ve stood empty for more than […]
Government safety guidance on tall buildings
|Blog |by dellwoodAdvice was published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) on 18 December last year on ‘external wall systems that do not incorporate Aluminium Composite Material’ – in other words, buildings where the type of cladding used on the Grenfell Tower is not present. Despite this, MHCLG has advised that there are […]
Thirteen Launching County Durham Employment Routeways for Young People
|Blog |by dellwoodThirteen’s employability service has launched a new scheme to support young people aged 16-24 from County Durham into work (funded by DurhamWorks as part of the Youth Employment Initiative). Over recent years Thirteen has extended its employability portfolio, delivering services for both tenants and the wider public. Our support progressing individuals into work has provided […]
Focus on…. Housing Health and Safety Rating System
|Blog |by dellwoodLandlords have a legal requirement to ensure that a property is safe before letting it to a new tenant and local authorities have a statutory duty to keep the housing conditions in their area under review. It is now almost thirteen years since the introduction of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Introduced […]
Independent Affordable Housing Commission
|Blog |by dellwoodThe new independent Affordable Housing Commission (AHC) is chaired by Lord Best and includes housing experts and parliamentarian commissioners. The Smith Institute will act as secretariat to the commission and the NHC will be supporting the commission by holding an event on 1 March 2019 (this event focuses on the North East and Yorkshire and […]
All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Housing in the North looks further at impact of housing on health
|Blog |by dellwoodThe cross-party forum for parliamentarians to discuss and advance northern specific housing challenges, the APPG Housing in the North, met again this week to explore further how housing can play a central role in supporting personal health. The group, made up of MP’s and Lords of all political persuasions, heard from a range of speakers […]
Focus On – Housing Health and Safety Rating System
|Blog |by dellwoodLandlords have a legal requirement to ensure that a property is safe before letting it to a new tenant and local authorities have a statutory duty to keep the housing conditions in their area under review. It is now almost thirteen years since the introduction of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Introduced […]
Ward Hadaway Guest Blog – Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
|Blog |by dellwoodOn 20 March 2019, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (The Act) comes into force in England and Wales amending sections 8 to 10 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The Act creates an obligation on landlords to make sure dwellings provided are fit for human habitation from the start of their […]
Plus Dane and Refugee Resettlement
|Blog |by dellwoodIn 2016, Plus Dane, in partnership with SHAP, was awarded the Refugee Resettlement Contract for Halton Borough Council; Halton are a great Council to work with and there was a coalition of the willing. The contract fitted well with the social and moral purpose of our organisation. And so began a new strand of […]
Guest Blog: The Housing Association Digital Forum wants new members
|Blog |by dellwoodKarl Dickman, Product Manager at Home Group, explains why he set up the Housing Association Digital Forum and how already it’s been a great success. I started the Housing Association Digital Forum in September 2018 with the first participants invited from the North East, and Yorkshire and Humber. I set it up, primarily, because I […]
NHC Launches Mental Health Training for Social Housing Staff
|Blog |by dellwoodLiam Gregson, Member Engagement Officer, Northern Housing Consortium With austerity swelling social housing’s role as an ‘ambulance service’ for vulnerable groups, it is unsurprising that the mental health problems faced by residents has come increasingly into focus. Research by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute has suggested that one in three people living in […]
Guest Blog: ‘A vision for social housing’: report by Social Housing Commission on tenants’ rights
|Blog |by dellwoodThe Social Housing Commission (the Commission) is an independent cross-party body which was set up by housing charity Shelter. On 08 January 2019 the Commission returned a year’s worth of findings in the form of a report entitled ‘Building for our future: A vision for social housing’ which aims to bolster tenants’ rights in the […]
Good practice on how residents and landlords work together to keep their home and building safe
|Blog |by dellwoodThe Social Housing Green Paper published last year included a specific question around how residents can be supported by their landlords to ensure their homes are safe. A Call for Evidence – available here – has been issued to understand what safety issues are most important, the extent to which current engagement works and what […]
Guest Blog – Homes England Community Housing Fund
|Blog |by dellwoodOver the summer Homes England launched the Community Housing Fund (CHF) (£163m). Both phase 1 revenue support and phase 2 capital funds are now open for bids. At Homes England we are supporting community led housing activity and we know through enquiries and actual bids that communities are developing projects throughout the region. An element […]
Mortar or modular? The future of construction of social housing
|Blog |by dellwoodIn this article, Ward Hadaway discusses the renewed focus on modular (formerly known as ‘prefab’) housebuilding, particularly in light of the latest Affordable Housing Supply figures, published on 22 November 2018. The recent statistics The Affordable Housing Supply 2017-2018 figures, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, show a staggering 78% reduction […]
A Christmas message from NHC Chief Executive Jo Boaden
|Blog |by chendersonAs 2018 draws to a close, this will be my last Christmas message as Chief Executive of the NHC, as I will be retiring next spring and handing the reins over to our Deputy Chief Executive, Tracy Harrison. I look forward to seeing her take the organisation from strength to strength. In the years I’ve […]
Liz Haworth, Chief Operations & Transformation Officer (Designate), Torus reflects on the potential benefits of amalgamation and some of the lessons learned
|Blog |by chendersonThe appetite for mergers, group structures and amalgamations within the housing sector does not appear to be slowing, fuelled by the need to realise efficiencies, increase financial resilience and to create the capacity to increase the supply of much needed new homes. As Torus, a north-west based group comprising Golden Gates Housing Trust and Helena […]
Budget 2018 – a look behind the headlines
|Blog |by dellwoodTracy Harrison, Deputy Chief Executive, Northern Housing Consortium Last month’s Budget delivered some welcome certainties and a shift in sentiment from government towards working with the social housing sector as part of the solution. The one clear certainty was the commitment to the national supply target of 300,000 new builds a year, this was despite […]
Guest Blog – Cloud – it isn’t how big it is, it’s what you do with it that counts
|Blog |by dellwoodOur lives today are dominated by technology, from smartphones, to social networks, to the IoT, all of which we are now using daily in our places of work – and housing providers are no exception to this trend. As a result, hardly a day goes by without a mention of the need to transform digitally […]
Guest Blog – Growing older is a gift
|Blog |by dellwoodYvonne Castle, new NHC Board member and Chief Executive of Johnnie Johnson Housing When we talk about our pending crisis of an increasing population in the UK due to ageing we think about: pressure on the NHS; woeful Residential Care (at Southern Cross, winterbourne view and more recently Allied Healthcare), the scale of dementia issues, […]
Guest Blog – Flood Action Campaign 2018/19
|Blog |by dellwoodPlease help the Environment Agency by supporting their Flood Action Campaign which will launch between now and the end of the year in their next ‘torrential rain window’. The aim of the campaign is to target and educate 18-30 year olds about flooding and what they can do to minimise damage and any related emotional […]
NHC Summit 2018 – Beyond Supply
|Blog |by chendersonCOMPAREX Guest Blog – Building modern workplaces for modern housing providers.
|Blog |by dellwoodThe way we work has changed drastically in recent years. All organisations, regardless of sector, are now dependent on technology to some degree – unsurprising, given how much digital technologies have impacted our lives both in and out of work. Housing providers in particular are among those beginning to employ digital transformation strategies, looking to […]
Mental Health & Housing Summary
|Blog |by dellwoodWith NHS Mental Health Trusts facing unprecedented levels of pressure it’s unsurprising that many in the field are looking for new ways to respond to the challenges they face. In this environment, it is becoming increasingly clear that housing is a key issue for their service users and that by integrating housing services and expertise […]
Rents for Social Housing from 2020-21
|Blog |by dellwoodThe government has published a consultation on its social housing rent policy from 2020. The document reflects the government announcement in October 2017 of the intention to permit registered providers to increase their rents by up to CPI+1% each year, for a period of at least 5 years. For the first time, the government intends […]
Have you considered pre-owned licences for your organisation?
|Blog |by chendersonValueLicensing are pre-owned Microsoft licencing specialists based in the UK. We support both the Private and Public Sector to save up to 70% on their licensing requirements. For over nine years, 3,300 businesses throughout the UK and Europe have benefited from purchasing pre-owned licences from ValueLicensing, representing a total saving in excess of £20 Million. […]
NHC consults with members on the social housing green paper
|Blog |by lgregsonAlong with the rest of the sector the Northern Housing Consortium had been anticipating the publication of a Social Housing Green Paper for some time. So, when the document was finally released on 14th August, it was important for the NHC to bring members together and take full advantage of the opportunity to give detailed […]
Rural Housing for an Ageing Population Write-up
|Blog |by lgregsonThe Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) was delighted to join Lord Best and a variety of stakeholders in delivering the recent Rural Housing for an Ageing Population Conference. Alongside ADASS, Housing LIN, and the LGA, the NHC welcomed over one hundred delegates to the Harrogate Convention Centre to explore the opportunities and challenges of providing fit-for-purpose […]
Social Housing Green Paper’s proposals on neighbourhood management and anti-social behaviour.
|Blog |by lgregsonOne area of interest contained in the recently published Social Housing Green Paper was the renewed focus on neighbourhood management and addressing anti-social behaviour as a core component of the ‘new deal’ between tenants and landlords. This work has always been vital and respected as such by social housing providers, yet it was notable to […]
Social Housing Green Paper – A New Deal for Social Housing
|Blog |by chendersonThe long awaited, much trailed Social Housing Green Paper announced by the former Secretary of State for Housing as a “wide-ranging, top-to-bottom review of the issues facing the sector” and by the current Secretary of State as “a landmark opportunity for major reform” was finally published on 14 August. It was published alongside: A Review […]
Building Information Modelling; Why social landlords need it – and why it needs social landlords
|Guest Blogs |by chendersonUnderstanding Water Damage
|Guest Blogs |by chendersonHomes England Guest Blog
|Guest Blogs |by dellwoodRemember that there are increasing opportunities for affordable housing through the remaining unallocated funding within the SOAHP – Shared Ownership Affordable Housing Programme. Partners are therefore encouraged to speak to Homes England Contract and Relationship Managers at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss project requirements and grant needs to be taken through continuous market engagement […]
Another Successful Resident Involvement Conference
|Blog |by chendersonOver the past year Government policy has understandably turned to focus on the social housing sector and particularly the needs of residents. Against this backdrop, a strong attendance of over 100 tenants and housing staff attended the National Resident Involvement Conference in York to make sense of the recent changes in housing policy as well […]
Improving the industry’s approach to managing safety, security and reputation
|Guest Blogs |by chendersonHomes England’s Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme
|Guest Blogs |by dellwoodThe Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme is open for bidding – funding is available for a range of tenures. We offer increased flexibility in 18/19 and beyond – using our land, working in collaboration and encouraging new entrants into the programme. Talk to your Homes England Contract Manger or email Victoria.Keen@homesengland.gov.uk for more details. […]
Breaking through – understanding and collaborating with the NHS
|Guest Blogs |by chendersonIn the year that we celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS, we often forget that the man credited with its creation, Nye Bevan, was not just the Minister for Health, but also for Housing. His vision for the creation of the NHS was equally matched by a vision of a country living in new […]
Visit the Flood Resilient Repair House at the ‘Maintaining Social Housing Safety, Security & Reputation’ event in September — Watford
|Blog |by chendersonMHCLG Tour in the North West
|Blog |by chendersonAPPG Housing in the North discusses housing for older people
|Blog |by lgregsonChief Executives from the NHC membership were present at the last meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group Housing in North (APPG HiN) to hear how innovative approaches were being used to support older people to live independent lives. APPG HiN Chair Ian Mearns MP also welcomed Lord Best, who updated attendees on the APPG […]
Guest Blog: Homes England thank Registered Providers
|Blog, Guest Blogs |by dellwoodThe Homes England NEYTH team would like to say a huge thank you for all your hard work to achieve such a fantastic result for 17/18. From a position of being significantly under programmed in September 17, working closely with our RP partners, we ended up in a position where we could have exceeded our […]
Safety in Neighbourhoods Network
|Blog |by lgregsonFor over 18 years the Northern Housing Consortium’s Anti-Social Behaviour Study Group has provided an invaluable forum for stakeholders to meet, discuss, and develop the services they provide. Group members, taken from the NHC membership and beyond, have heard from expert speakers outlining the changes and challenges brought about by government policies. These have included […]
The North West Housing Forum – Event Write-Up
|Blog |by chendersonDespite the terrible weather conditions that blighted the final week of February, a strong group of intrepid adventurers braved the elements on the 27th to attend the North West Housing Forum’s Debate on Regeneration. The Forum, which is supported by the NHC, brings together the housing officers, Board Members, and Elected Members of the North […]
CIH Rethinking Social Housing Project Update
|Blog |by chendersonMelanie Rees, CIH CIH’s Rethinking Social Housing project is now in full swing. Formally launched in January, we wanted to get a national debate going about the role and purpose of social housing – and we’ve been blown away by the response we’ve had! We developed a toolkit to help people to hold their own […]
Is planned maintenance value for money?
|Blog |by David HetheringtonNow there’s a question to get the brain cells working. For many, to even question the assertion that planned maintenance delivers value for money is heresy. But is it? Given that the vast majority of social housing has been modernised in the last 15 years and most have “reasonably modern” facilities, is continuing with component […]
Fourth Annual Social Value Conference round-up
|Blog |by David HetheringtonGuestblog: Ward Hadaway – Housing Sector Forecast 2018
|Blog, Guest Blogs |by David HetheringtonIn its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: a look at what’s in store for the housing sector in 2018. On entering 2018, we reflect on the main outcomes of 2017 for the housing sector […]
Guestblog: IamYiam – If your body is a temple, how can you worship it every day?
|Blog, Guest Blogs |by David HetheringtonIamYiam is a health platform that creates personalised health and fitness activities and nutrition plans based on science, genetics and history. The company has written the following piece as an introduction to NHC members. If your body is a temple, how can you worship it every day? It’s a good question, and one that probably […]
7th Annual National Tenant Panels Conference round-up
|Blog |by chendersonIn November 2017, the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) welcomed more than 100 delegates to our 7th Annual National Tenant Panels Conference Focusing on the voice of our customers — Innovation, efficiency and effectiveness in partnership with Yvonne Davies at Tenant Advisor. The event was chaired by Tom Miskell, Chair of the NHC […]
A Christmas message from the Chief Executive
|Blog |by chendersonAs 2017 draws to a close, I am sure we can all agree this has been a very turbulent year for the housing sector; a year with many positives including more recognition of the importance of housing, but with the awful tragedy of Grenfell never far from our thoughts. We saw the Government focus on […]
Tackling and Preventing Homelessness: The Role of the Housing Sector
|Blog |by chendersonWe welcomed close to 70 delegates to Leeds for Tackling and Preventing Homelessness: The Role of the Housing Sector, delivered in partnership with Locata. With a mix of local authorities and housing providers in attendance and a great range of speakers, this event proved to be informative and insightful with lots […]
Protecting Consumers in the Letting and Managing Agent Market: Call for Evidence
|Blog |by David HetheringtonOn 1st October 2017, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced proposals to address the imbalance of power in the private rented market by regulating letting and managing agents. A call for evidence sought views on a new regulatory model and how best to protect and empower tenants and leaseholders. The Northern […]
Homelessness Code of Guidance – we want your views
|Blog |by chendersonThe Homelessness Reduction Act recently became law and is due to be enacted in April 2018. The Draft Homelessness Code of Guidance provides direction on how local authorities should meet the requirements of homelessness legislation and has been updated to include information on the Homelessness Reduction Act. The revised draft guidance is now open for consultation until […]
GuestBlog: Ward Hadaway brief — consultation on draft homelessness code of guidance
|Blog |by chendersonDCLG publishes consultation on draft homelessness code of guidance The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published a draft statutory code of guidance which will accompany the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA), due to come into force in April 2018. The DCLG has now published a revised draft the Homelessness Code of Guidance (“Code”) […]
Guestblog: Support your digital transformation with centralised software procurement from COMPAREX
|Blog |by chendersonAs housing associations battle reduced government subsidies and increased regulatory requirements, they face an uphill struggle to increase productivity without a significant outlay. One way in which organisations are looking to increase output and reduce expenditure is through digital transformation. By updating processes related to IT and procurement, housing associations and housing groups in […]
Innovate North – the NHC Northern Housing Summit 2017 round-up
|Blog |by David HetheringtonGuestblog: Texthelp – Digital inclusion builds stronger foundations for housing associations and protects revenue
|Blog |by David HetheringtonMore services like Universal Credit are being transferred online – but at what cost to providers and end users? Mark McCusker, CEO of assistive technology specialists Texthelp highlights the importance of digital inclusion for housing associations and their residents. To describe the ongoing rollout of Universal Credit as an interesting challenge for UK housing associations […]
Guestblog: Ward Hadaway – Disrepair
|Blog, Guest Blogs |by wardhadawayIn its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: disrepair. Asset management is a fundamental issue for Registered Providers – the quality and quantity of their housing stock have a direct impact upon their finances and […]
Guestblog: Abode – Back to Basics?
|Blog, Guest Blogs |by David HetheringtonBuilding on the leadership and management training opportunities running over the next few months, the NHC has partnered with Abode – the home of education and training for the housing and community sectors, to offer three new courses designed specifically for those on the frontline of housing management. Here, Abode training consultants Gill Bramfitt and […]
Guestblog: Glynis Osborne – What starts when training stops?
|Blog |by glynisosborne“What if we train them and they leave?” “What if we don’t and they stay?” I love this quote as it says a lot about the way we approach training and development in our teams. I often hear of businesses reducing the amount of training they provide when the pressure is on. Whether it is […]
Guestblog: Ward Hadaway – Social housing risk profiling
|Blog |by wardhadawayIn its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: social housing risk profiling. What are the main financial risks facing social housing providers? This is one of the things which the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) […]
Guestblog: Ward Hadaway – The DCLG Building Safety programme
|Blog |by wardhadawayIn its guest blogs, NHC Supporter Ward Hadaway offers the legal perspective and some guidance on some of the social housing sector’s most pressing issues. In this edition: the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Building Safety programme. The Grenfell Tower tragedy has focused attention on the quality and safety of high-rise buildings across […]
Guestblog: Savills – Helping housing providers build better businesses
|Blog |by savillsChange in the social and affordable housing sector is constant. The last two years have put paid to any notion otherwise. From the rent cut to the Housing and Planning Act 2016, from the reclassification decision by the Office of National Statistics to the deregulation of housing associations, and from two general elections with the […]
Preparing for the General Data Protection Regulation in Social Housing
|Blog |by David HetheringtonThe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will change the way tenant data is dealt with. From 25th May 2018, all organisations will need to ensure they comply with the new data protection legislation. At this stage the social housing sector needs to be aware of the changes and should start reviewing documentation, and whether processes […]
The Return of Customer Profiling
|Blog |by Barry TurnbullCustomer profiling has climbed housing providers’ list of priorities again recently after an apparent lull. More than ever, finances are tight in our sector and providers must be sure that resources are targeted where they will make the greatest impact. Painting a detailed picture of customers can help do that. From a purely commercial perspective, […]
Member Showcase – YHN Goes Dutch in Newcastle
|Guest Blogs |by David HetheringtonThe challenge of providing housing for our ageing population is often talked about in our sector and we’re all too aware of the competing factors at play when trying to meet this need. When it comes to a deprived area in the middle of much-needed but not yet completed regeneration, the need for an innovative approach […]
Health and Safety Conference 2017 round-up
|Blog |by David HetheringtonData Blog – Shifting Tenure Patterns in the North
|Blog |by Barry TurnbullIn February’s Housing White Paper the Government moved away from its broad focus on encouraging home ownership, something that was front and centre of the David Cameron administration, in favour of helping to fix the housing market so that more people across the country can have the security of a decent place to live. We […]
Our Round-up of the Digital Innovation in Housing Conference
|Blog |by chendersonGuest blog: Campbell Tickell – Housing an ageing society
|Guest Blogs, News |by David HetheringtonWe live in a rapidly ageing society. A girl born today has a 50% chance of reaching 100. By 2024, one in four of us will be over 60 and 2m people will be over 85. Although many will start our ‘old age’ healthy and active, we will inevitably become frailer as the growth in […]
Estate Regeneration Funding Announced
|Blog |by Callum SmithMore than 40 housing estates across the North are set to benefit from a significant investment from the £32 million pound Estate Regeneration Fund to help kick-start their regeneration. The funding awards for northern registered providers, which account for 42% of all the bids, represent a significant investment in regeneration in the North of England […]
A Christmas Message from NHC Chief Executive Jo Boaden
|Jo Blogs, News |by David HetheringtonAs 2016 draws to a close there will be many things we will reflect upon – significant political developments both nationally and internationally, a recognition that housing should be seen as part of the nation’s infrastructure needs, the planned creation of a separate regulator for the social housing sector, changes to the Housing & Planning […]
NHC supports DCLG announcement – Government will not proceed with compulsory income based rents (”pay to stay”)
|Blog, News, Policy |by David HetheringtonSince the Housing and Planning Bill came into being the NHC has sought to work constructively with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to ensure it fully understood the issues that could arise from the “pay to stay” policy. The civil servants we engaged with were always keen to hear the views of NHC members and […]
The NHC Releases Second Universal Credit Impact Report
|News, Policy, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonThe Northern Housing Consortium has today released its ‘Impact of Universal Credit, Round 2’ report. The second in a series of four (read here), this report builds on the results of the first report published in July (read here). The research investigates how the implementation and continuing rollout of Universal Credit is affecting housing organisations […]
DWP meets NHC members to discuss Universal Credit issues
|Blog, News, Policy |by David HetheringtonLast month the NHC facilitated a roundtable in Leeds for NHC members and the Department for Work and Pensions representatives from the Universal Credit Programme Team. Among the DWP delegates were Andrew Clarke, Delivery Partners & External Engagement, Universal Credit Programme and Elaine Baker, Universal Credit Programme (Strategy). The session provided members the opportunity to […]
Regional Employment Rates
|Blog, News, Policy |by Barry TurnbullIn mid-September Office of National Statistics (ONS) published estimates of employment, unemployment, economic inactivity and other employment-related statistics for the UK. It shows that nationally, between February to April 2016 and May to July 2016, the number of people in work increased. The number of unemployed people and the number of people not working and […]
Board Member Vacancies at Berneslai Homes
|Member News, News |by David HetheringtonNorthern Housing Consortium member Berneslai Homes is looking to appoint new board members. The positions available are: Chair Audit Chair Independent Board Member To apply for any of these positions, please visit the Berneslai Homes vacancies pages where you can also find out more about apprenticeships. Berneslai Homes was recently shortlisted for the Best Apprenticeship Scheme award […]
Government Announces LHA Cap Freeze
|News, Policy, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonThe Government has announced an exemption from the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap for those tenants living in hostels and supported housing but is proceeding with the 1% rent cut. In a written statement to Parliament, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Damian Green, said that he would defer the imposition of the LHA cap on […]
Lower Quartile Affordability Ratios find North East most Affordable Region
|News, Policy, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonIn mid-July, the Government published affordability ratios by every local authority in the country up to 2015. The affordability ratios are calculated using ONS House Prices Statistics (based on Land Registry data) and earnings from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. The earnings relate to the respondents’ place of work rather than place of […]
Communities and Local Government Questions | Monday 18 July
|News, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonIn something of a baptism of fire, with some members of the CLG team having only been in place for 24 hours, the new ministerial team made their debut at CLG Questions on Monday 18th July. The NHC have prepared a summary of the session below and the full Hansard entry for the session can […]
House-building in the North
|Policy, Policy blog |by Barry TurnbullThere have been many articles in the housing press post-Brexit about how the decision to leave the European Union has or will impact on the housing market. By analysing the latest Department of Communities and Local Government house-building data, we try to show if builders’ confidence was affected by the prospect of Brexit. This article […]
Universal Credit Research Update
|Policy, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonThe first round of surveys for the NHC’s Universal Credit research is now complete and data analysis and report writing is underway. The project is designed to collate intelligence around the on-going issues for participating organisations and their tenants/residents during roll out of Universal Credit. The next project milestones will be: Publication of Report 1 […]
Regional Policy Network Round-up
|Policy, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonThe NHC as a membership body, facilitates three regional Policy Networks across the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humberside. The North East Policy Network has been up and running for many years, and recently has grown and attracted interest from even more members across the north east. The Yorkshire & Humber and North West Policy Networks are […]
Delivering New Homes – A Future Off-site?
|News, Policy, Policy blog |by David HetheringtonThis is the first in a series of briefings, produced by the Northern Housing Consortium, covering off-site manufacturing and modular housing and the role it might play in addressing the shortage of new homes in the UK. The briefings will cover the many aspects of off-site construction including the financial case, accreditation, sustainability and energy […]
Guest Blog: Adactus Housing – Gamifying Resident Involvement
|News, Policy blog |by Callum SmithAs part of the NHC’s work highlighting the best practice of our members, we are delighted to host a guest blog from Jon Jackson from the Digital Projects Team at Adactus Housing Group about innovative ways to ‘game’ resident involvement. The Digital Projects Team was established at Adactus Housing Group in 2015 to deliver work […]
February 2016
|Jo Blogs |by David HetheringtonThe Northern Housing Summit is just around the corner and I look forward to welcoming you to Manchester as we meet to debate “Delivering the Northern Powerhouse: the role of housing”. This year we have two themes running through the Summit – unlocking investment and delivery in the north and delivering public sector reform. Both […]
Adactus Housing Group and CCH celebrate 500 new homes in Chorley
|Member News |by David HetheringtonAdactus Housing Group has unveiled a plaque on a bungalow to mark completion of the 500th new home built by the Group in Chorley since 2007. Adactus Chief Executive Paul Lees unveiled the plaque on Thirlmere Road, Chorley on Tuesday 19th January 2016. The 500 homes, built by Chorley Community Housing (CCH) and Adactus Housing […]
Member Spotlight: Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
|Member News, Member Spotlight, News |by David HetheringtonAcross the North, NHC members are breaking new ground, delivering innovation and excellence, and transforming communities. Central to our role as a membership body is our ability to share your stories and connect members around themes, projects and ideas. It is this connectivity that is the lifeblood of the NHC’s role as “the voice of […]
January 2016
|Jo Blogs |by Callum SmithAcross the North of England the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016 has been characterised by Storm Desmond, Storm Eva and unnamed but continuous rainfall this week across the North East. For me, the rain and storms have caused minor inconvenience but for some communities it has resulted in devastating losses – homes in […]
Entrepreneur Benefits from Micro-Loan
|Member News |by Callum SmithA young entrepreneur from Tynedale in Northumberland has taken her first steps into running her own cleaning business thanks to a loan funded by her landlord. Charlotte Dunn, 27, already had some experience in the cleaning industry but wanted to be her own boss. She needed a small amount of capital upfront to afford a […]
Disused grassland transformed into affordable housing for rent
|Member News |by Callum SmithKnowsley Housing Trust (KHT) has worked collaboratively with a local church and community to transform a disused and unsightly area of grassland into a new housing development. KHT, part of the First Ark Group, has developed 14 new properties available at affordable rent on St George’s Road, Huyton on waste land adjacent to St George’s […]
End of standstill period for our upcoming TECS – Product framework
|Blog, Consortium Procurement |by Jenny HristovaWe are delighted to announce that we have now successfully completed the standstill period for our new TECS – Product framework. We will be soon starting the contract /membership process with the approved supply partners for this framework. The framework is due to be launched on the 16th November.
Maintaining the mission of your housing association for the long term
|Blog |by Scott GoodacreOur Commission will have a real impact for housing in the north
|Jo Blogs |by Scott GoodacreOur Commission for Housing in the North launched over the summer, and it’ll have real value and impact for housing.
We would love to hear from you on our new Asbestos framework specification!
|Blog |by Jenny HristovaYour feedback matters to us – get in touch and share it!
|Blog |by Jenny HristovaSteve Douglas: “Show me the money!”
|Blog |by Steve DouglasSteve talks about the HCA’s new regulatory framework in his role as chair of the NHC’s upcoming governance event.
Holiday learning, food and play for families who need it most
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreHealthy meals and family learning activities are being offered to 28 families in Brinnington this summer thanks to Stockport Homes and Holiday Kitchen.
New Heating Systems framework currently in development
|Blog |by Jenny HristovaWe are delighted to announce that due to high demand from our members, we have commenced working on the development of a new framework for Heating Systems.
New framework for Asbestos currently in development
|Blog |by Jenny HristovaWe are delighted to announce that we have commenced working on a new framework for Asbestos Management Services which is due to begin in March 2016.
Ian Ankers: Heroes or villains?
|Blog |by Ian AnkersIan blogs about the challenges facing the housing sector over the next few years following the election of a Conservative government.
Legionella and Water Treatment framework – ITT stage
|Blog |by Jenny HristovaFollowing the submission deadline for the PQQ stage of the framework development all successful applicants have been invited to the next stage – Invitation to Tender (ITT). The ITT is due to be evaluated early September 2015.
Old public house transformed into new homes
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreAffordable homes have risen from the ashes of a firebombed pub. The Cygnet at Birkenhead in Wirral stood empty and neglected until the landmark building was rescued by Regenda Homes.
Susan Jordan: Tackling worklessness the St Leger Homes Doncaster way
|Blog |by Sue Jordan£1.6m housing scheme launched in North Yorkshire
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreBob Taylor: Why is generating social value so important to smart cities?
|Blog |by Bob TaylorWhat lies ahead for carers?
|Blog |by Callum SmithTo coincide with Carer’s Week, Callum Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the NHC, has examined potential changes – good and bad – that could affect carers in the UK.
New TECS framework currently in development
|Blog |by Jenny HristovaConsortium Procurement’s Technology Enabled Care Solutions (TECS) framework is due to be released soon for members nationwide to access.
Liz Cook: We need a policy focus on the low market areas
|Blog |by Liz CookSteve Douglas: the debates that we will have over the coming year are likely to be the most thought provoking for a generation
|Blog |by Steve DouglasSteve Douglas from Altair announces details of a new series of joint workshops between their organisation and the NHC.
Queen’s Speech 2015
|News, Policy blog |by Callum SmithIt’s clear from yesterday’s Queen Speech that much of the Conservative Party manifesto was well-represented. Big ticket policies such as the extension of right to buy to housing associations, reducing the welfare cap, removing housing benefit eligibility from 18 to 21 year old job seekers and doubling the entitlement to free childcare were all there.
Steve Close: Remembering regeneration in the rush for supply
|Blog |by Steve CloseTogether Housing CEO Steve Close issues a rallying call for regeneration ahead of the general election.
Manifestos are designed to provoke a response: the Tories certainly did that with right to buy
|Jo Blogs |by Jo BoadenWriting a blog this week couldn’t be about anything other than the Tory manifesto proposals on right to buy.
Keeping the ‘frozen north’ warm
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreTwo leading social landlords operating along the length of Hadrian’s Wall and beyond, are joining forces in a new, cooperative company, to provide cost effective heating services to their customers.
North Star Housing group pride in bringing living wage for staff
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreNorth East housing provider North Star Housing Group is celebrating having been accredited by The Living Wage Foundation as a Living Wage employer.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group investing in affordable homes
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreWythenshawe Community Housing Group is investing in the future of Wythenshawe and supporting the Homes for Britain campaign by building new homes for residents of Wythenshawe.
Regenda event goes back to the future
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreYoung housing professionals are invited to help shape the future at an event being organised by the Regenda Group.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group shortlisted for prestigious Investors in People Awards 2015
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreWythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) has been named as a leader in people management practice globally, having been shortlisted in two categories for Gold Employer of the Year and Excellence in Reward and Recognition in the second annual Investors in People Awards.
Leeds City Council investing in affordable housing
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreLeeds City Council is ploughing over £1.5 million from right-to-buy sales back into affordable housing.
‘Charlie’s Plan’ feature film to be premiered at Manchester United
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreWCHG, working in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, Better Things and Zurich Community Trust are supporting a new feature film to highlight the untapped talent of people with learning disabilities.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group had ‘open doors’ at Village 135!
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreAs part of the national ‘Open Doors’ weekend (6-7th March 2015) that sees construction groups opening their doors to interesting sites, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and their contractor, Galliford Try, welcomed Wythenshawe MP Mike Kane and local students to Village 135.
Call of the North
|Jo Blogs |by Jo BoadenIt has become fashionable again to talk about regions. This is absolutely right – the northern regions are different to those in the south.
North Star Housing Group ranked among UK’s Best Companies to work for
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreStaff at North Star Housing Group are celebrating after being named as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-for-Profit Organisations to Work For, having been awarded 14th place at a glittering awards ceremony in London this week. As well as the top 20 accolade, North Star was also awarded Best Companies 3 Star Accreditation […]
Regenda turns old factory into affordable new homes
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreA derelict Cheshire paper factory has been transformed into a stylish new housing development. The first families have begun moving into West Avenue in Crewe where the Regenda Group housing association has turned an eyesore brownfield site into eye-catching houses and flats. The properties are being offered at affordable rents, allowing local families to move […]
High-spec new homes for Hebburn residents
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreA dozen elderly residents from South Tyneside are glad to be settling into high specification, highly insulated new bungalows at the coldest time of the year. The £1.3m Isos development on Derwent Avenue in Hebburn has only recently been completed, with residents able to move into their new homes last month. Located on the site […]
How we want the North to lead not plead
|Jo Blogs |by Jo BoadenThe NHC believes that locally driven regeneration and a strengthened housing supply are critical to achieving the growth needed across the North to develop and rebalance our economy. Current policy does not recognise or achieve this.
Refurbished homes offer tenants independent living
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreNewly refurbished sheltered accommodation offering an independent lifestyle has been officially opened in Leeds. Ingram Court in Holbeck has benefited from a substantial make-over by sc4L as part of the council’s housing regeneration project. Built in 1976, the building has now undergone a major transformation to provide 23 modern apartments for over sixties. Tenants are […]
Regenda residents offered free weight loss sessions
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreA housing association has thrown its weight behind a new project to encourage residents to become fitter and healthier.
Big result as employability course graduates reach their goals
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreSkills, better health, qualifications, life saving knowledge, and crucially jobs have all been gained by the impressive graduates from a football-inspired employability course.
Regenda’s extreme green housing scheme
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreThe first families have moved into a small development of energy efficient homes where they can expect to make big savings on their bills.
Food bank receives critical cash boost
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreSocial landlord Isos has committed to supporting the crucial work of the West Northumberland Food Bank (WNFB) for a second year to help feed those in need.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group awarded the prestigious ‘Investors in People Gold’
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreWythenshawe’s Community Housing Group (WCHG) is delighted to announce they have been awarded the prestigious ‘Investors in People Gold’ accreditation.
Isos goes green to win silver
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreSocial landlord Isos Housing has received a prestigious commendation for its efforts to go green and reduce the impact on the environment on its work.
Regenda turns old public house into new homes
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreNew homes are rising from the ashes of a derelict, fire-bombed pub.
Leeds City Council hands over keys to new council houses
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreTenants have been officially handed the keys to their newly built council homes which are just some of the 1,000 properties being delivered as part of an ambitious drive to provide new council homes in the city.
Free gadget helps Regenda residents wipe out condensation
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreThe Regenda Group has become one of the first housing associations in the country to arm its residents with a simple gadget to help wipe out condensation.
Leeds City Council offering 30% towards costs of capital developments in city
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreLeeds City Council is offering up to 30% towards the costs of capital developments for new social housing for rent in the city.
Regenda couple reveal water-saving secret
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreRegenda residents Sue and Wayne Hubbard have revealed the naked truth about how saving water can be good clean fun.
Revamp for children’s play areas
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreHalf a million pounds is being invested into 11 children’s play areas across Northumberland.
Village 135 – Extra Care Scheme officially launched in Wythenshawe
|Member News |by Scott GoodacreWythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) was delighted to welcome Councillor Susan Cooley, Lord Mayor of Manchester, to officially launch Village 135, a new £20m Extra Care Scheme for Wythenshawe and South Manchester on Friday, 8th August 2014.