Senior Local Government Finance and Housing Officers Discuss Solutions to UK’s Housing Crisis at Housing151 Conference

Local government finance and housing officers gathered at the Housing151 conference in London to address the deepening housing crisis in the UK. With insightful keynotes and panel discussions, the event shed light on solutions to tackle the challenges faced in the housing sector.

One of the key themes of the conference was the discussion around housing companies. Pat Hayes from Slough Borough Council shared his experiences with housing companies, emphasizing the importance of proper circumstances for their success. He highlighted the need for genuine independence, financial resources, available land, and the ability to implement housing projects at scale.

The panel also featured Jacqui Fieldhouse from Kirklees Council, who discussed the transition of an arms-length management organization (ALMO) back into the council. This move was driven by the efficiencies and savings that could be achieved through the change.

The conference also delved into private equity investments in affordable housing, with Andy Smith from The Good Economy explaining the various strategies and risk-sharing models involved. The importance of impact investors having a clear theory of change and measurement of success was emphasized.

Further discussions at the conference focused on temporary accommodation and the role of local government pension schemes (LGPS) in funding housing projects. The need for collaboration between local authorities and housing partners was highlighted, along with the importance of understanding regulatory changes in the housing sector.

The event concluded with a panel discussing efforts to achieve net zero ambitions in housing. Leaders from Dacorum Borough Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority shared insights on the challenges and progress in decarbonization and achieving energy efficiency standards.

Overall, the Housing151 conference provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, strategies, and solutions to address the pressing housing issues in the UK. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and funding, the conference aimed to pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive housing sector.