Scotland must not see the damaging consequences of a social rent freeze beyond March 2023
By Carolyn Lochhead, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations The UK is facing an escalating cost-of-living crisis, and it’s people on the lowest incomes, many of whom will be social housing tenants, who are experiencing the worst of it. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and […]
Residents’ view
Why digital skills in later life are proving to be vital Anchor Housing has recently engaged the skills of Digital Voice to deliver a digital storytelling course for its residents. It helps residents to tell their stories using a range of digital tools, teaching them to do everything from filming to editing the final piece. […]
Outside view: How can social housing improve on its use of technology?
By Hasani Jess, Board member, settle When I’m asked about how technology in housing compares to other sectors I’ve worked in, I’d say the trend is to follow rather than lead. This is an often-solid strategy, and it still leaves plenty of space for ambition, talent and opportunity to create something special. […]
A life in 15 questions
Jacque Allen CEO of Your Housing Group 1 Tell us about your career and how you ended up in your current role I’ve worked in housing for nearly 30 years. I started out as a housing officer in Stockport, and it’s my passion for helping and supporting people that’s driven me throughout my […]
The last word
Is there a mismatch of supply to demand in Aberdeen? By Craig Stirrat,CEO of Grampian Housing Association Group I was delighted to read news headlines that seemed to indicate the end of the local economic downturn: “Aberdeen property market beginning to boom again after year of growth.” I reflected on the decline in […]
From the Chief Executive…Asleep at the wheel? Everything comes as a great surprise to boards
“I find as a matter of fact that the development of Awaab’s severe respiratory condition which led to him going into respiratory arrest was entirely due to the prolonged exposure he had to mould in his home environment,” Ms Joanne Kearsley, HM Senior Coroner North Manchester We’ve had Lakanal, Grenfell and now the tragic death […]
Housing professionals’ roles in tackling social housing stigma
Mercy Denedo and Amanze Ejiogu report on the findings of their latest research. In July 2021, we published our report “Stigma and Social Housing in England”, which was summarised in Housing Quality Magazine, Issue 7, January 2022 edition. We highlighted how people living in social housing are negatively impacted by a deep-rooted and […]
Rising pressures in the private housing market
In this extract from UK Housing Review, Peter Williams says rising pressures from supply shortages, higher interest rates, Covid, war in Ukraine and more have become familiar – and the housing market is no exception. After two years of buoyant activity, propelled in part by governments across the UK cutting transaction taxes, the prospects […]
Does the return of in-work sanctions on welfare benefits make any sense?
Janis Bright outlines the history of this controversial aspect of universal credit now being revived. While the debate on uprating or cutting welfare benefits rumbles on, another requirement on claimants announced in September’s mini-budget has attracted little comment. It’s the requirement on universal credit recipients who are in work already to look for more […]
The cost-of-living crisis and social sector rents
September’s mini-budget gave little extra help to poorer families apart from its pre-announced support for fuel bills, writes John Perry in this edited extract from UK Housing Review Autumn Briefing Paper. And even the benefit uplift announced in the Autumn Statement will leave many households struggling. Social landlords are debating how best to respond […]