General Election Response
5 July 2024
We’ve long argued for a place-based approach to housing and are encouraged by Labour’s commitment to devolve housing powers to local decision-makers.
Following the change of government as a result of the General Election on 4 July 2024, Matthew Walker, Chair of PlaceShapers and Chief Executive of Leeds Federated Housing Association, said: "Our new Prime Minister’s commitment to building more social housing is a great place to start to end the housing crisis.
"We'd like to congratulate Labour on their victory in the General Election.
"A new cabinet, and hundreds of new MPs, presents a real opportunity to reset the sector’s relationship with parliamentarians and decision-makers.
"Our new Prime Minister’s commitment to building more social housing is a great place to start to end the housing crisis. We also welcome the references to regeneration in the manifesto.
"We’ve long argued for a place-based approach to housing and are encouraged by Labour’s commitment to devolve housing powers to local decision-makers. Encouraging and empowering places to develop strategies to solve the housing crisis within and across local boundaries, could have tangible impact in the long-term. Our members have a wealth of experience and expertise about building not just homes, but places, to bring to this conversation.
"In the short-term, the outcome of the general election will not immediately ease the significant pressures in the sector. As well as introducing a long-term plan for housing, we will urge this new government to ensure housing associations have the funding and support they need to respond to the increasing challenges they, and their residents, face.
"We look forward to working with the new government to put place-shaping at the heart of decision-making and supporting our members to help their communities thrive."
