SME4Labour and Clarion Housing Association Fringe: More than a Landlord: How Can Housing Associations Help Tackle the Housing Crisis?

Speakers & Key Topics

• Clare Miller, Group CEO of Clarion Housing Group
• Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands
• Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central
• Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham
• Cllr Ross Garrod, Leader of the London Borough of Merton Council
• Lynsey Sweeney, Managing Director at Communities that Work
• John Greaves, Chief Impact Officer at Places for People

Discussion Highlights

• The Housing Crisis & Local Challenges Richard Parker opened the discussion by outlining the severe housing crisis in the West Midlands, with 46,000 families on waiting lists and 20,000 in low-quality, unsafe temporary housing. He emphasized the need for a more substantial effort to deliver social housing than what has been achieved in the past.Cllr Ross Garrod addressed the struggles faced by local authorities, emphasizing their financial constraints and the necessity for collaboration with housing associations to expand affordable housing.
• Role of Housing Associations Clare Miller highlighted the commitment of housing associations to deliver affordable homes and improve communities. She discussed the investment in supporting tenants and expanding the availability of affordable housing.
• The Power of Partnerships Lynsey Sweeney spoke on the importance of partnership among housing associations, local authorities, and other stakeholders to create thriving communities. She encouraged innovative approaches to meet tenants' needs and tackle the housing challenges together.
• Affordable Housing in Rural Areas John Greaves brought attention to the unique challenges of providing affordable housing in rural settings, often overlooked in wider housing discussions. He urged for more creative strategies and increased investment to address rural housing needs.
• Addressing Root Causes Emily Darlington touched upon the root causes of the housing crisis, framing it as a broader issue of inequality. She called for government support to help first-time buyers and policies aimed at tackling the systemic factors contributing to the crisis.
• Collaboration & Solutions Margaret Mullane concluded the discussion by emphasizing that housing associations, local authorities, and the government must work collectively to deliver affordable housing, calling for immediate action to address the crisis.

Key Takeaways

• The housing crisis is a critical issue requiring urgent solutions.
• Housing associations play a key role in addressing the crisis and must work innovatively to meet tenants' needs.
• Collaboration among housing associations, local authorities, and government is essential to deliver affordable housing.
• Financial constraints on local authorities highlight the need for closer partnerships with housing associations.
• The housing crisis reflects broader issues of inequality, and government support for first-time buyers is vital.