White Paper on For Profit providers
Last year I reflected on how I had spent the year since leaving Notting Hill Genesis. NED roles. Travelling. Learning Spanish. Consultancy. Writing and Research. In that post, I said I wanted to learn more about Housing Associations, the problems they faced, and their views on technology. The conversations that followed were rich, challenging, nuanced…
“No more money without reform”
So the Prime Minister said, when reacting to the Darzi report on the critical state of the NHS. Starmer suggested that as “working people can’t afford to pay more, so it’s reform or die”, questioning the effectiveness of public investment in the health service. The relatively poor health of our population could be addressed by…
Time of reckoning?
Social landlords, during past decades, engaged in sensible commercial activities such as building homes for sale or market rent, to make profits or surpluses. This meant they had substantial reserves enabling them to borrow money comparatively cheaply, and as a buffer to help deal with unforeseen circumstances. Today the reserves are being used up to…
Tenant Involvement
During my career in social housing I worked with some incredible tenant board members such as Shaun Lansfield, Ben Middleton, Mary Burke, Alistair Moss, Annabelle Louvros, Imani Douglas Walker, Stephen Bitti, Linde Carr and Arike Oke. I had so much respect for each of them – all of whom became friends. They vigorously participated in…
The “vulnerability” question
Social landlords and tenants are in a long-term relationship underpinned by a clear legal contract. The tenancy agreement, and the Landlord and Tenant acts which lie behind it explain very clearly the obligations and rights of the two parties. In summary, the landlord provides a home which must be safe and of a satisfactory quality,…
The case for refurbishing old homes and old places
Concern for the environment is a key part of the government’s agenda, but there is a conflict with the strong drive to deal with the pressing housing emergency and build, build, build. Replacing 1.5mn social homes lost through Right to Buy will take decades and will demand time, money and innovation. So one really useful…