After an excellent and productive few days at Housing 2021, it’s always a shame as things start to wrap up for another year.

We’ve rounded-up what’s getting people talking and are always happy to hear your thoughts on these topics and to answer any questions you may have to make help make sense of the changing backdrop.

If you have time, we’ve included a survey link at the bottom of this email and welcome your views.

The event gave us all a good opportunity to catch up and we’re always keen to keep the conversation going. If you’d like to set up a meeting with me or any of my colleagues across our housing team, let me know.

Lauren Fisher

Head of Home Ownership, Housing & Regeneration

Lauren.Fisher@forbessolicitors.co.uk

In the news

Is the market taking a breather?

Figures released by RICS show new house purchase enquiries have fallen for the second month in a row. RICS has recommended an overhaul of stamp duty to help first-time buyers and low-income workers buy homes. What do you think? Is this the key to unlocking more home ownership?

Could a new housing model could help three-quarters of homeless people into jobs?

Inside Housing has covered a fascinating pilot from a charity called Renstart. If successful, up to three-quarters of homeless people could be helped into employment under a new housing model created by the South East-based homelessness charity. This could help 53,000 rough sleepers into work and potentially save £601m in government homelessness funding. A potentially huge step forward for people and communities across the UK.

What the sector has to say

Looking back and looking ahead – it’s about the quality of homes and resident services

In her Housing 2021 speech, the Chief Executive of the Regulator of Social Housing, Fiona MacGregor, acknowledged the sector’s ongoing priority to provide new homes. This was, perhaps, not much of a surprise, especially when considering the evidence referred to by Ms MacGregor; 1.1 million households are on waiting lists. What was particularly noteworthy from her address was that the provision of new homes should not come at an expense to quality.

In a similar vein, the Chief Executive recognised the many challenges and complexities facing the social housing sector but alluded to the fact that this should not compromise the quality of service and standards received by residents.

It is clear the Regulator is extremely committed to achieving the aims of the Social Housing White Paper and believes new legislation is required to empower it to do so.

Word on the Tweet

Your take on the housing sector

We’re also interested in understanding your view of the sector to inform our latest research. If you have time to fill in our survey, please click the link below.

A sector-wide view – sustaining satisfaction in social housing