The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) and Homes for the North (H4N) welcomed senior housing leaders, politicians and national policy voices to their Labour Party Conference evening reception at Plus Dane in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock. 

The event, which drew a strong attendance from across the sector and Parliament, provided a chance to reflect on progress made in this Parliament and to look ahead at how the North can lead the way in delivering the Government’s housing ambitions. With £39 billion committed over the next decade for social and affordable homes, discussion focused on how collaboration between housing providers, local government and national policymakers will be vital to turning ambition into delivery. 

We highlighted our new parliamentary inquiry, supported by Homes for the North and Muse, which will explore regeneration’s role in tackling the housing crisis, delivering growth and strengthening communities.  NHC Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs Patrick Murray announced that Lord Best OBE DL will chair the inquiry’s Westminster Group, which will hear evidence and community testimonials first hand, as well as offering insight and guidance.  

Speeches were given by: 

• Bronwen Rapley, Chair, Homes for the North & Chief Executive, Onward Homes 

• Patrick Murray, Executive Director of Policy and External Relations, Northern Housing Consortium 

• Andrew Cooper, MP for Mid Cheshire 

• Kirith Entwistle, MP for Bolton North East 

Bronwen Rapley, Chair of Homes for the North, said: 

“This event showed the energy, commitment and expertise across our sector. Together, we know regeneration can not only provide the homes people need, but also revitalise communities, support inclusive growth and help the North realise its full potential.” 

Patrick Murray, Executive Director of Policy and External Relations at the Northern Housing Consortium, said: 

“The Government has set bold ambitions for housing and the North is ready to deliver. The housing crisis plays out differently in the North. In many areas housing-led regeneration needs to sit alongside new housing supply and support to improve existing homes to meet the needs of communities.  

“The inquiry aims to build on the Government’s transformational £39bn investment in new social housing and their £5bn Pride in Place programme. It will bring together social housing providers, local and regional government, parliamentarians, residents, academics and other sector bodies. I’m really pleased that Lord Best will chair the Westminster Group – the knowledge and experience he will bring to the inquiry will be invaluable. Through the inquiry we want to make sure no one and nowhere is left behind” 

The first meeting of the Westminster Group will take place on 3rd November and the inquiry’s Call to Evidence will be launched at the Northern Housing Summit on 12th November.