Events following spending review and housing announcements capture sector optimism

Following the social housing sector’s groundbreaking settlement at the Spending Review and further housing announcements, a series of events have shown there is optimism among members and an appetite for delivery in the North.

Members attended a dinner, hosted by the NHC, with Interim Chair of Homes England Pat Richie and Interim Chief Executive of Homes England Eamonn Boylan, where discussion centred on the new ten-year £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. Alongside the ten-year rent settlement and deepening devolution, members felt the North has been given the right tools to deliver much-needed social housing and there was a keenness to get going.

The focus on delivery was also a key theme at a stakeholder reception, attended by NHC Chief Executive Tracy Harrison, at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State Angela Rayner MP.  Tracy joined senior leaders from across the housing, community, and local government sectors for an evening of networking and discussion around MHCLG priorities.

It was a great opportunity to discuss how NHC members and the Government can work together to meet the needs of communities in the North.

We also held a series of dinners in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle with Inside Housing Editor Martin Hilditch. Martin gave an update on Inside Housing’s priorities including the success of the ‘Build Social’ campaign and their new ‘Housing Management Matters’ publication and campaign. There was once again a sense of optimism among members with discussion around regeneration, housing partnerships and devolution, and attracting people to work in social housing.

The NHC regularly runs Influence North dinners which give members the chance to meet with key stakeholders. All member Chief Executives will receive an invitation to at least one of these events each year. If you would like further information, contact NHC Director of Member Engagement Kate Maughan.