Realising the Potential of Housing Associations in Places and Communities
29 July 2025
This isn’t about spending more but spending smarter. By backing local leaders and aligning systems, we can build stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
The Spending Review has given the sector the confidence and tools to play its part in a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reset our housing offer for the country.
Building on this momentum, PlaceShapers has commissioned a new report – Realising the Potential of Housing Associations in Places and Communities. The report highlights how housing associations are already delivering far beyond bricks and mortar - improving health, boosting skills and jobs, tackling climate change, and preventing homelessness.
However, it warns that fragmented funding, limited local capacity, and weak integration into decision-making could hold the sector back.
This report, based on a robust review of the evidence and contributions from stakeholders and experts, calls on the government to unlock the full potential of housing associations in driving community regeneration and national renewal. It urges government to treat housing associations as strategic partners, not just providers.
Among the recommendations are:
- Align housing funding with local priorities.
- Streamline and integrate housing funding.
- Embed housing into local governance structures, such as Integrated Care Systems.
This isn’t about spending more but spending smarter. By backing local leaders and aligning systems, we can build stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
The report will be launched with a Parliamentary Reception, sponsored by Lord Best, on Tuesday 16 September.
With support from national and local policymakers, funders, and delivery partners, housing associations can play a key role delivering a decade of national renewal.