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PlaceShapers' evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry sets out that while ambitious, robust and financially resilient, members face difficult decisions about future activities.

Drawing on insight from members, PlaceShapers submitted evidence to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee inquiry into the finances and sustainability of the social housing sector in England.

Two members, Paul Fiddaman, CEO of Karbon Homes and PlaceShapers Board member and Kate Wareing, CEO of Soha Housing, also attended the first evidence session on Monday 12 June 2023, answering questions from cross-party MPs.

Our written evidence sets out that: 

1.Members remain ambitious, robust and financially resilient but face challenges that, without additional support from the government, will lead to difficult decisions about trade-offs.

2. Decisions will be shaped by our relationship with, and commitment to, communities and residents but are likely to have long term consequences in areas like how quickly we reach net-zero carbon.

3. With 4.2m in housing need, investing in new homes is crucial but the higher cost of borrowing and building means the current model of development is being pushed to its limits.

4. Our work goes beyond homes; our members have provided additional services to build social and economic resilience in communities for generations and the work they do has a significant impact at a place and community level. 

5. With the right support members, as community anchor institution, can become event stronger partners in levelling-up local places while delivering their main priority of good quality homes and services.

We set out four recommendations that will help members overcome short-term challenges to continue to deliver for residents and communities and help contribute to the national effort to end the housing crisis and strengthen the economy.   

1.Certainty on the post-2025 rent settlement to allow the sector to plan long-term and shore-up investment in a range of activities, including building new homes and improving the quality and energy efficiency of existing homes.

2.More flexibility in the Affordable Homes Programme to allow investment into the regeneration and retrofit of existing homes, improving the overall quality and energy efficiency of social housing and supporting delivery of national net-zero targets.

3. Reconsider how the development of new social housing is funded, getting the right balance between revenue and capital support, would ensure building new homes does not undermine rent affordability for residents or the long-term capacity of housing associations.

4. Rebalance of the Affordable Homes Programme, with higher grant rates, would allow the development of homes for social rent, which is the most appropriate tenure for most people on low incomes in housing need.

Our written evidence includes case studies from

Bolton at Home
Incommunities
Leeds Federated
Livin
North Star
South Lakes
Unity
whg

About the Inquiry
The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee's inquiry into the finances and sustainability of the social housing sector examines the financial pressures facing social landlords and the resources needed to meet a variety of challenges, including the need to build thousands of new homes for social rent and the task of improving social housing stock.

The inquiry follows the Committee’s ‘Regulation of Social Housing’ report (published in July 2022) which examined the condition of social housing and highlighted the appalling and unsafe conditions of some social homes due to mould, damp, and leaks.

Once the committee have completed their evidence sessions, they will produce a report with their findings, which is likely to include recommendations for government and for housing associations.